THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED: Canada Wide Media has combined GardenWise magazine and BCHome magazine to create BC Home & Garden magazine, effective with the May/June issue.



"Combining the two magazines into one comprehensive product allows these products to evolve and respond to our readers' needs," noted Karen Foss, president of Canada Wide. "We need to ensure both publications continue to be relevant to our audience of homeowners who are looking for ideas and inspiration to enhance the inside and outside of their homes."

UPDATE: The circulation for the new title is 35,000 (both magazines previously had a 35,000 circ for a total of 70,000) and will be distributed to 18,000 paid subscribers, as well as select retail and garden centre newsstand outlets and premiere showrooms throughout B.C., noted the company.

Previous subscribers of both magazines will receive BC Home & Garden magazine for the remainder of their subscription term, confirmed publisher Samantha Legge.

Readers will still find garden-related tips from regular contributors including Sharon Hanna, Des Kennedy, Richard Hebda, Carolyn Herriot, Conway Lum, Wim Vander Zalm, Sheena Adams, Christina Symons, and Carolyn Jones, said the announcement.

Subscriptions to BC Home & Garden magazine are available for a one-year rate of $19.95 for six issues. It is also available at newsstands and garden retail outlets.

Meanwhile, magazine industry veteran Gary Davies has been appointed president of Canada Wide, effective July 3. Davies replaces Karen Foss who will step down from her current role as president on June 30 after serving in the position since 2008. "Foss will continue to be active with the company as a strategic advisor on a variety of projects beyond the transition and will remain on the board of directors," noted a release.