Plant Man column celebrates seventh year

'The Plant Man,' the self-syndicated gardening column by Steve Jones, marks its seventh year of continuous publication in February 2009.

The weekly column, currently published by 85 newspapers in 33 states across America, focuses on trees, shrubs and groundcover that even 'green-thumb-challenged' readers can plant and care for with relative ease.

"Attractive landscaping doesn't have to be expensive or difficult to maintain," insists Jones. "And in the current economic climate, some neat, attractive planting in the front yard adds curb-appeal and dramatically enhances the perceived value when you're ready to sell."

Each week, 'The Plant Man' offers helpful tips and planting suggestions. Quite often, the column includes reader questions that Steve answers in print. "I also make a point of e-mailing back a personal reply," says Jones, "Because often a reader has a problem that needs a solution right away!"

Steve Jones also hosts a non-profit Web site, www.landsteward.org that includes archived columns as well as other articles and helpful links. Jones has traveled to African nations with the USDA investigating ways to enhance plant production for food, fuel and other uses.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years,” says Jones. The best part? “Hearing from all those readers who have questions or comments about how much they enjoy reading the column!”

Steve says he plans to keep writing ‘The Plant Man” for many years to come. He can be reached at steve@landsteward.org