Issue No. 30, August 1, 2001

The Birth of a Segment
Shelley Ryan

I am often asked where ideas and topics come from that end up on The Wisconsin Gardener. Sometimes, especially when I'm frantically trying to put a program together at the last minute, I too wonder where the topics are going to come from.

I frequently rely on UW-Extension experts in horticulture, plant pathology and entomology, as well as master gardeners to keep me apprised of current issues and topics for Wisconsin gardeners. However, sometimes ideas just sort of "blossom," forgive the pun, on their own.

I happened across Judy Reith-Rozelle, assistant superintendent of the West Madison Research Station, totally by accident. I was actually looking for someone who might be able to grow some pumpkin or squash plants that I need for a segment on "Sex and Roses," and Judy's name was mentioned. In the course of our phone conversation, I mentioned my love of peppers and that my son likes to eat them like apples.

Judy referred to the many varieties growing at the West Madison Research Station. Well, one thing led to another and as you'll notice, Judy contributed the article and recipe in this issue on peppers. I tried to get her to tape a segment with me, too, but being a gardener, this time of year is just too crazy. Of course, that didn't stop us from continuing to talk about gardening and peppers. When I mentioned the ornamental peppers I used instead of a poinsettia last Christmas, we both paused and went "hmmm."

So, with one phone call I was promised an article about peppers and a recipe, a segment for our winter show about using ornamental peppers as holiday decorations, and I met a new gardening friend. Oh, and I did get the pumpkin plants, too. What a job. I love it!