This may be a bit self-serving, but I want everyone to know that my new book is ready for sale. The coming-out party for New Decade Gardening – A Gulf Coast Guide is this weekend at the Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show. And starting Monday, widespread distribution will be in full swing. In fact, next week I will provide a list of all the retail locations in the region that I know are stocking it.
So, by Sat., Feb. 1, it should be in about 90% of the retail locations that have a connection with the GardenLine radio show. That will include all the independent nurseries and garden centers, all the feed stores, and all the hardware stores we talk about on the radio show each weekend -- especially every single Ace Hardware store that is part of the Greater Houston Ace Retailer Group. Plus, if you want to order it online, that opportunity will come along later in the year. Retail stores will work their magic first.
If you’re new to this area or the radio show … or even if you’ve been listening to me for years … everyone can benefit from this new book. A quote on the back cover says, “…it’s like having GardenLine the radio show at your side 24/7.” If you liked any of my previous three self-published books, I promise you’ll love this one.
One of the new elements is a chapter on the “10 Best and 10 Worst” things to happen in the world of horticulture over the past 20 years. I can’t wait for everyone to read them and weigh in with opinions. Unlike some political talk show hosts, this gardening talk show host is looking forward to hearing what you think I missed. We might even be able to build a whole new list for an email tip down the line.
Anyway, the only way to get the book before Monday is to come see me at the Sugar Land show this weekend at the Stafford Centre. It’s at the corner of Cash and Murphy Roads, south of U.S. 59. As with my last two books, this one is $15 a copy, but if you buy two or more, I’ll discount them to $25 for the pair. Plus, I’ll throw in a free gardening product … could be a fertilizer, soil activator or organic insect control. Why am I encouraging you to buy at least two? It’s not just for the freebie. It’s because I know that you know someone who needs this book. A family member, a neighbor or a co-worker. Or maybe you can gift someone you’ve seen committing crape murder every year. Or who is poisoning their landscape with dyed mulch.
I’ll be at the Sugar Land event both Saturday and Sunday. We broadcast live from the show on Saturday, then do a seminar 10:30–11:15 a.m., so you can ask any question you want. Book sales will be from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. On Sunday, I will be there only for book signings. Once I finish the radio show from the KTRH studios, I will hurry on out to the Stafford Centre and autograph books 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
If you can’t make it out this weekend, the book will be available at all our other appearances this spring and at GardenLine-affiliated retail stores beginning next week. All of them should be stocked by Thursday at the latest.