Garden-Lou visits Robert Weaver

He’s the man that brings us the local garden magazine filled with expert advice and industry news, but what happens when the focus is turned around to Robert Weaver, editor, publisher, and owner of The Gateway Gardener magazine? We learn he’s not just another mild-mannered Clark Kent.

“I solicit content for the magazine from regular and occasional contributors, edit copy, acquire photos and other graphics, and format (design) the content for print. I also solicit advertising, and in some cases, create ads for advertisers. I also represent the magazine at various events and as a member of various industry associations. Finally, I manage the magazine’s various digital platforms, including website and social media.”

Robert started the magazine in 2005 after encouragement by a freelance client in the horticulture industry. “I was assigned to write an article about a man restoring a 500-acre prairie in northern Missouri. My host took me to a location one morning before dawn, and as the sun came up, I found myself amid rolling hills of coneflowers—glade or pale purple, not sure—as far as I could see. I came back from that trip and immediately signed up for Botany classes at Meramec.”

Robert holds an Bachelors Degree in English from U of Missouri and an Associates Degree in Plant Sciences from St. Louis Community Colleges-Meramec. He is also an Advanced Level Master Gardener. He worked alongside Chip Tynan at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Answer Service for years, sometimes answering funny questions like, “How can I keep the birds out of my trees?” and “Why are there tomatoes growing on my roses?” A lesson in patience for sure.

Robert remembers wanting to be a farmer initially. “I used to visit a friend on an Illinois farm for a week every summer. We worked weeding the soybean fields and baling hay but also had fun playing baseball in the evenings in the barnyard and making forts in the hayloft. I thought it was great fun and a great life (except for the outhouse).”

Natives are his true passion. “Not so much about the plants, but about the plants’ benefits to wildlife and the environment. So, not only natives but low input gardening and landscaping.”

Rhododendrons planted by Robert’s mother.

His own garden surrounds the house he grew up in and still contains mature rhododendrons and roses that his mother planted. When it came time to put his personal mark in the garden, he started with a Plant of Merit bed in the front yard. A bird garden (which he speaks of often in the magazine) followed, containing a very active bubbler (also featured in the magazine) along with a “Petite Prairie” overflowing with natives, including his favorite, Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

“I wish we could get more people to look beyond boxwoods and hostas and think about what plants offer to wildlife or don’t.”

A shady corner is home to persimmon, sycamore, pawpaw, and amorpha. Iris brevicaulis, the zig-zag iris, celandine poppy, and other natives enjoy the shade, as do his grandchildren, who have access to the tree canopy by way of a lofty treehouse.

Robert feels the best part of his job is hearing how much someone enjoys the magazine. “It happens often enough to keep me coming back for more! Plus, the people in our green industry are great to be around and to work with and learn from. How can you be a plant person and not be a nice person?”

“The 16 years I’ve been publishing The Gateway Gardener have been among the most enjoyable of my working life. It hasn’t been the most lucrative job I’ve ever had, but definitely the most emotionally and intellectually rewarding. Thanks to the readers, contributors, and advertisers who have supported it for all these years!”

QUICK FACTS;

Favorite garden you’ve visited in person, near or far?

Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve. Scott Woodbury and his crew do such a great job of showing how native plants can be used in a designed garden. Every time I go there, I get a new idea.

Favorite gardening tool?

Hari hari or Japanese gardening knife. It’s the best weeding/planting tool. A sharp hoe comes in 2nd.

If you could have lunch with any other plant geek, dead or living, who would it be?

I look forward to having lunch with Chip Tynan again once the whole COVID thing allows. I miss Cindy Gilberg’s humor and plant/gardening advice. I would love to have a cocktail with her again. And Doug Tallamy is more of an insect geek, but his presentations have done more to transform the way I garden than anyone. I can listen to him speak whenever he comes to town!

By Jo Batzer. Photography by Jo Batzer, and Robert Weaver.