In the Press:
 In print soon: Fine Gardening Magazine, Nov/ Dec 2011 issue (with ideas from four of my designed landscapes), and Pacific Horticulture, October 2011 issue. |
 Kirkus Reviews: Author Amy Stewart interviewed me about the book Understanding Garden Design by Vanessa Gardner Nagel. This may be the only book review on the Kirkus site that says the word ‘hell”. Thanks, Amy! |
 Christian Science Monitor garden blog Diggin’ It: I contribute articles a few times per month on a range of topics including new and notable landscaping books, under-utilized plants, and how to solve design issues in the garden. Read more here. |
 Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens: As a founding member of the Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens blog, I write monthly about issues related to sustainable landscape design. Other members include Douglas Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, and Mark Turner, photographer for Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest. Read my articles here. |
 Horticulture Magazine, December 2010: As a member of the Garden Designers Roundtable, I was invited to write about a favorite plant and how I use it in designs. I chose Parahebe linifolia, a complete wallflower in a world where garden plants have their own PR campaigns. This lovely little shrub hasn’t even been graced with a common name, yet it’s a fantastic performer here in Humboldt and definitely deserves more attention. |
 Garden Rant Cocktail Hour: Local garden writer and NYT-bestselling author Amy Stewart invited me to appear on the Garden Rant Cocktail Hour with her and fellow Rant member Elizabeth Licata to talk about some cool British gardening tools that Clarington Forge sent us to review. Go, watch the video – Amy and Elizabeth are hilarious, and yes, we did get around to a little bit of actual gardening talk! |
 Fine Gardening Magazine, August 2010:I’m on page 25 in the August 2010 magazine writing about one of my favorite plants, Alstroemeria ‘The Third Harmonic’, a pretty orange Peruvian Lily that’s an easy to grow cut flower here on the North Coast.Fine Gardening Magazine, January 2011: Back again with a short garden tip and photo about how to keep from spraying your good plants if you use weed spray in your garden beds. And, folks, if you’re trying to stay organic but want to spray, try Weed Pharm, an organic solution that works great. |
 North Coast Journal: New York Times bestselling author and local garden writer Amy Stewart interviewed me in the North Coast Journal about the new field of garden coaching and what it’s all about. Read part one here:North Coast Journal (Part One) – Meet The Pro |
 North Coast Journal: Part two of Amy Stewart’s article in the North Coast Journal highlighted some specific ways you can work with a garden coach to get the best results in your garden. Read part two here:North Coast Journal (Part Two) – Yes, Coach! |
 Garden Rant: In our interview, Amy Stewart was intrigued by the idea of horticultural professionals bringing tools to consultations for homeowners to test drive. Read more here:Garden Rant – Speaking of Garden Coaches |
 Turf Magazine: “An edible landscape is more than a garden, it is a landscape with beautiful aesthetics that is functional at the same time,” said Shaljian. “It ends up looking more like a traditional landscape than a farm.” Read more here (I have the sidebar at bottom):Turf Magazine: Using Edibles in the Landscape |
 Christian Science Monitor: “Gardens in magazines appear restful and serene. But talk to homeowners facing overgrown yards, and they use words like “intimidating” and “frustrating.” Their backyards cry out for a firm hand and a Mr. Universe-style shape up.” Read more here: Christian Science Monitor – Stymied? Huddle With A Garden ‘Coach’! |
 Lowes for Pros: “People are getting bored with the same old ‘blah’ landscape,” says Schmidt. “When something’s regionally appropriate, it’s more special and brings some interest to the garden.” Read more here: Lowes for Pros: Innovative Landscaping Ideas for 2010 |
 Wildlife artist Susan Fox: “Had a terrific consultation with garden coach Genevieve Schmidt (see her North Coast Gardening blog on the blogroll).” “After two hours with Genevieve, I definitely have a better grasp of the big picture.” Read more here:Digging Dow’s Prairie: Productive Day |
Community Service and Events:
 National Wildlife Federation Recommended Landscaper: As of June 2011, the NWF has invited fewer than fifteen landscapers across the nation to their Professional Landscaper’s Program. I’m listed on their site as one of the landscapers you can call for advice about creating effective wildlife habitat in your garden or how to make your garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat (getting certified is a great learning experience for kids). |
 City of Arcata – Design Review Commission: The Historic and Design Review Commission helps to modify and approve projects in commercial or historic zones of the city of Arcata. As a commissioner, I have a unique opportunity to help Arcata grow in a sustainable and attractive way. If you’re interested in learning more, you can watch the meetings online at the City of Arcata website. |
 Pastels on the Plaza 2010: Artist Trevor Shirk again delivered with a gorgeous fantasy-scape – a Tuscan-inspired fountain dripping with plants, inspired by a commercial landscape in Mckinleyville I designed a few years back. This event benefits the North Coast Children’s Center. |
 Humboldt Senior Resource Center – Fran’s Garden: I worked with members of the HSRC Garden Committee to create a plan to honor their friend and client Fran, who had cared for a previous incarnation of their garden many years before. Their new garden was to provide a relaxing area for volunteers and staff of the Senior Resource Center to chat, meet with clients, and take a break away from the computer.From Rick DeVol: “Thanks Gen, After years of planning Fran’s Garden is happening, very cool. We all think it will be the crown jewel for our campus and our neighborhood. Thanks again for your valuable input.” From Eileen Saupe: “Eileen here, over at the HSRC botanical gardens, uh, I mean Fran’s Garden. I just want to let you know how much I love your blog. I’m officially addicted and having fun romping around to check out other gardening blogs and links too. You are an inspiration and a good educator. I seriously hope you are planning a book. If you write one, it will have a ready spot on my shelf.” |
 Pastels on the Plaza 2009: Artist Trevor Shirk did a lovely job on my square for this event, which benefits the North Coast Children’s Center. Read more here:Pastels on the Plaza 2009 |
 Trinidad Garden Event, 2009 and 2010: This garden show cheers up my spring every year, with local vendors and speakers sharing their goods and expertise to benefit two local civic groups. I sponsor their web presence for the event. Read more here:Trinidad Garden Event 2009 |
 Pastels on the Plaza 2008: Artist Trevor Shirk was inspired by a Trillium photo he took at Redwood Park. Despite the rain, a good time was had by all at this benefit event. Read more here:Pastels on the Plaza 2008 |