Hi there,

We made it! Good for us. Before putting 2020 to bed, let's reflect and take stock of this long, extraordinary year.

Who thought on January 1 when I took over Garden Media Group from my mom that this was the year we would have? Yes, there were challenges. Closures. Disruptions. Losses. But despite it all, I look back on 2020 with gratitude and look forward with optimism.

• Gardening grew. We shared in a collective joy as millions embraced gardening and our industry boomed. We grew 2020 produced 20 million new gardeners!? Yes, please! And let's not throw in the towel (or trowel!) now. Let's keep the momentum going in 2021!
• Community bonds strengthened. If we learned one thing in 2020, it is that we are better together. When we lift each other up, we all benefit. From Grow with Katie on Facebook LIVE to 'cheers-ing' with you on Zoom happy hours, in some ways, I felt more connected to you than ever.
• We planted new seeds. Like many of you, our company grew in 2020. We signed new clients, hired new team members, and made a lot of new friends. And I had a tremendous amount of personal growth as well - learning how to use a multitude of video conferencing platforms included! I am lucky to have my mom as a mentor still, but I also found new mentors and mentees.

The gift 2020 has given us is reflection. Please dedicate some time to reflecting on 2020 before you give it a big PEACE OUT. I, for one, am looking forward to hugging friends at Cultivate, buying you a drink at a bar, and just being together. I am thankful to have you in our community and wish you and your family a safe, cozy holiday.

So with that, I say, "So long, 2020!" I'm heading into 2021 with an open heart, open mind, and ... open buttons (gotta fit back into those pants!)

Sincerely, Katie