Jennifer Hooks

Email Page

Print Page

Managing Editor

Extras

Why would a cactus killer move to the desert?

To her old college buddies, Jenny Hooks will forever be known as “the girl who killed a cactus.” (Freak watering accident. Don’t ask.) Despite the mockery, Jenny fought through the shame of “cactus killer” and told herself that she’d never look at another succulent again. She pressed on, gaining 15 years of editing experience, 10 of which were spent at American Nurseryman magazine, where she served as an associate, as well as managing editor. An Illinois native, she and her family moved from Chicago to the Phoenix area three years ago. There, Jen quickly learned some important things about her new environment: For starters, never leave lip balm in the front seat of your car between the months of May and September. … Lizards will find a way inside your house if they really want to visit. … Container gardening in the desert is a lot different than in the Midwest. … And there are a lot of cacti in Arizona. (Don’t worry, though – they’re still alive.)

Shame

Put silk flowers in a pot of dirt and left them out on the patio for an entire summer. (She was desperate for summer-container color, and nothing would stay alive in the 115-degree heat of the desert … other than a cactus. [See other bullet.])
Killed a cactus in college. (Still swears it was an accident.)

Page 1 of 1

Next Steps

Articles

Mark Miller Ph.D.
Mark enjoys painting, swimming, traveling and dragging his daughter Morgan to gardens against her will. This horticulture expert’s love of gardening and all-things-plant-related has taken him around the world – for both business and pleasure. “Enjoy the journey,” he says. “It’s not just about the destination.”
Lane Greer Ph.D.
She may be directionally challenged around Portland, but Lane knows her way around the garden! This cutflower expert is a former professor at Mississippi State University and soon-to-be proud author of her first published book. Lane’s favorite color is purple, and she can’t stand eggplants.
It Happened to Me (Confessions of a Cactus Killer)
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to kill a houseplant. Let this tale of cactus killing be an example of what not to do with your indoor plant.