Tom Oder | MNN - Mother Nature Network

Tom Oder

Tom's headline in The Atlanta Journal the day Atlanta won the 1996 Olympics sold more newspapers than any headline in the history of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Now he has his own business, Worldwide Editing, and is a sought-after communications specialist who creates and packages messages for executives and entrepreneurs that help them stand out from their competition. Some success stories: A public policy piece that carried the name of an Atlanta Olympic hero, a C-suite leader who said "I never knew I could write so well" and a key role in a 60-nation-plus project to promote the anniversary of a European global non-profit. Environmental and sustainable writing is a passion. Tom is a frequent contributor to Mother Nature Network, which often shares his articles with CNN.com. The government of Taiwan has invited him to that country twice to write about Taiwan's floriculture industry and the breeding and production of the Phalaenopsis orchid, Taiwan's signature horticulture export.

Helosis cayennensis (Sw.) Spreng. BALANOPHORACEAE

Helosis cayennensis (Sw.) Spreng. BALANOPHORACEAE

Bizarre plants delightfully come to life in 'Atlas of Botanic Poetry'

February 20, 2019, 8:22 a.m. by Tom Oder

Botanist and biologist Francis Hallé introduces a new world of rainforest flora in his latest art-driven book.

succulent garden bed

succulent garden bed

How to use succulents as outdoor annuals

February 16, 2019, 12:12 p.m. by Tom Oder

Succulents are affordable, low-maintenance and add a nice contrast to your flowers.

herb garden in raised bed

herb garden in raised bed

Book opens the door to knowing and growing medicinal herbs

February 12, 2019, 10:12 a.m. by Tom Oder

If you're looking for a more natural way to treat ailments, you may want to start with a herb garden.

Cacti and succulents in pots indoors for the winter

Cacti and succulents in pots indoors for the winter

How to help succulents survive winter indoors

January 15, 2019, 10:19 a.m. by Tom Oder

10 tips for keeping your sun-loving cacti and succulents happy and healthy this winter.

feet soaking in flower bath

feet soaking in flower bath

How gardening can heal the land — and you

December 15, 2018, 8:12 a.m. by Tom Oder

Ecological landscape designer Jessi Bloom offers guidance in designing a yard that is healing for spirit and nature and creating sacred, meditative space.

gainey

gainey

'The Well-Placed Weed' honors the work and legacy of the late gardener Ryan Gainey

December 10, 2018, 8:21 a.m. by Tom Oder

The world-renowned garden designer was a complex mixture of brilliant, difficult and emotionally astute.

Billions of invisible bacteria and other organisms live in just one handful of soil.

Billions of invisible bacteria and other organisms live in just one handful of soil.

15 things you didn't know about soil

December 5, 2018, 9:18 a.m. by Tom Oder

A soil scientist shares fun facts about the incredibly diverse ecosystem located right under your feet.

Smugglers are taking advantage of habitat destruction to profit from poached plants, like the small-growing Aztekium ritteri, seen here growing in cultivation.

Smugglers are taking advantage of habitat destruction to profit from poached plants, like the small-growing Aztekium ritteri, seen here growing in cultivation.

Why the black market for cacti and succulents is booming

December 1, 2018, 11:10 a.m. by Tom Oder

Part of the issue is habitat destruction, but the bigger problem is poaching by highly organized global smuggling rings.

Carolina chickadee on a branch

Carolina chickadee on a branch

How to save nature, one backyard at a time

October 24, 2018, 11:49 a.m. by Tom Oder

You can create a haven for birds and other creatures by using native plants — and one very handy tool.

Gardenlust Sunnylands Center and Garden Rancho Mirage, California

Gardenlust Sunnylands Center and Garden Rancho Mirage, California

Take a visual tour through the 50 most inspiring gardens created this century

October 20, 2018, 11:35 a.m. by Tom Oder

Christopher Woods traveled to 6 continents to discover the best contemporary gardens.

poison_ivy

poison_ivy

How to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac

October 15, 2018, 10:27 a.m. by Tom Oder

The rhyme 'leaves of three, let it be' could describe a lot of plants, so you have to know what to look for.

Dudleya farinosa

Dudleya farinosa

These California succulents are at the center of a massive smuggling ring

October 13, 2018, 1:21 p.m. by Tom Oder

Several varieties can fetch millions on the black market in East Asia.