Studio Blog

GardenGuides.com is still a relatively new site for Studio writers and that’s why we’ve been extremely pleased with the extraordinary response we’ve received from our writing community. The quality of submissions has been superb, which made it all the more challenging to single out three articles for this post. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this site great. I’ve enjoyed reading your contributions and look forward to 2010. The three articles I chose included a special element I felt was worth highlighting.

How to Plant Butterfly Garden Plants

http://www.gardenguides.com/87232-plant-butterfly-garden-plants.html

Who Wrote It:

Janet Clark

What I Like About It:

Many years ago I worked to attract butterflies to my garden by using one “guaranteed” type of plant. I attracted exactly one butterfly that summer and I think he was just lost. I like that this article gave me multiple suggestions on the kinds of plants that could be used together to attract butterflies (even down to what caterpillars eat), but I also appreciate the writer took the time to include a few additional tips on non-plant features one could use to keep the garden humming with colorful butterfly activity.

How You Can Copy It:

Make the most of what you’re given. In this case, the title was seeking info on how to plant butterfly garden plants, which could be rather vague given the variety of plants it encompasses and the varied needs of each plant. Since it would be extremely difficult to try and answer in detail how to plant each and every plant individually, the writer chose to include the basics on how to plant these types of plants with specifics whenever possible or applicable. And instead of including the bare minimum to answer the question posed in the title, she opted to include additional information that would be helpful to someone seeking this information. Which leads me to…

Think like your audience. When you get a title, ask yourself what you would want from this article if you were the person searching for the answer. What additional information would make this helpful to you? What steps would make this easier to understand? What practices can you take from this and put into action? Visitors don’t want to read filler (nor do we), but they do appreciate practical advice related to the topic they’re interested in learning about.

Include unique, but relevant info. The inclusion of information on growing plants as food for caterpillars and not clearing the lawn of items that could be home to butterfly eggs was relevant information for achieving the implied goal of creating a thriving butterfly garden. This advice helps keep butterflies in the area through the use of plants and offers usable information for ensuring the reader has the best chance of success with their garden.

Using Fresh Herbs for Thanksgiving Dinner

http://www.gardenguides.com/82836-using-fresh-herbs-thanksgiving-dinner.html

Who Wrote It:

Melissa Jordan-Reilly

What I Like About It:

Though the title strays a bit from the usual gardening article, requiring a blend of culinary knowledge and gardening experience, the writer manages to keep it informative and on point. The tips are helpful and sprinkled among actionable steps.

How You Can Copy It:

Be thorough. Since the title did not specify which herbs or the number of herbs that should be listed or even which parts of Thanksgiving dinner needed to be covered, it would have been easy to simply give a few examples and say the article answered the title. The writer took the time to breakdown the meal into separate components and included multiple examples using a sampling of herbs. This creates a much more satisfying experience for the reader than had the author simply provided a basic list with a general suggestion or two.

Be clear. Each step is clearly defined and simple to execute. She included recipes, as well as general techniques that can be applied to dishes one might already be planning to make. The information is not intimidating for the cooking novice, nor is it condescending to the experienced chef. It’s the perfect balance between the two, like advice from a friend who happened to discover a few kitchen secrets she’d like to share.

How to Grow Caraway

http://www.gardenguides.com/70281-grow-caraway.html

Who Wrote It:

Axl J. Amistaadt

What I Like About It:

Though it seems very straightforward on the surface, this article is what I would consider to be the perfect “How to Grow” article. Many times these articles are almost perfect, except for the exclusion of what seems like one minor piece of information. But sometimes that little tidbit can make the difference between a reader being able to execute the task as is or being forced to go to another source to complete it.

How You Can Copy It:

Include details. If you’re telling someone how to grow something, be specific in what you’re telling them. An article shouldn't simply say “water the plant frequently” or “plant it in the soil.” Explain what frequently means and how deep within the soil the plant should be placed. Every vague comment in an instruction raises another question for the reader.

Answer these questions. If you’re writing a “How to Grow” article, please be sure you include the following information:

Type of soil

Depth of soil

Sunlight requirements

Watering requirements

Time of year

Spacing of plants

Type of food

Kind of fertilizer/how much fertilizer