Today is my 8-year Blogoversary, I hit publish on my first blog post back on March 13th, 2009. I thought since the day falls on a Monday ("In a Vase" day) that to celebrate I should buy myself flowers, you know with all the money my blog has made in those 8 years. Hahaha...
Wait, my blog doesn't make any money, nobody's sending me checks every month! But that's not why I've stuck with it for all these years, and written 2,150 posts(!). Money is important, nothing pays the bills quite like it. But if you're lucky enough to have time beyond what's required to cover the basics in life, then gardening, and writing about it, is a great way to spend that time.
Through this platform I've made great friends and been introduced to inspiring people, been invited to fabulous events, sold (for real cash!) photos, received job offers, been given great swag, had people from all around the country send me plants (frequently offsets from their garden), and had countless doors open. The best part (and I really mean this) when someone new to gardening emails me a question, or a note to let me know that somehow I've inspired them. That's what it's all about folks. And that's why I still spend time and energy doing this.
But isn't blogging dead? I keep hearing this, and honestly I think every new social media platform cuts away a bit of the blogging audience. I'm also active on Facebook, and even more so on Instagram. For the longest time I thought Instagram was just about posting pretty pictures, but I've since discovered it's deeper than that. Blogging is long form, and I love it for that, but not everyone has the time and energy for long form, that's where Instagram is so useful.
But really, let's celebrate! As you've probably figured out I bought myself some flowers anyway, and arranged them with foliage from my garden (Brachyglottis greyi, aka Senecio greyi). I've been wanting to create a big romantic spring bouquet and this seemed like the perfect reason to splurge a little on cut flowers (just a little...I kept the tab under $20, thanks to the excellent selection at Portland's New Seasons Market).
It's been awhile since I've done a give-away, and I have some swell swag from the NWFG Show that I just don't have use for. So...I'll be sending one lucky person a copy of Debra Baldwin's Succulent Coloring book from Timber Press (even if you aren't a "colorer" there are some great succulent line drawings in this book) and an issue of Garden Design Magazine (I'm a subscriber, so I've already got them all). Just leave a comment below saying you're interested (you have to opt in, I won't automatically be entering everyone who comments). I'll draw the winner (contest closes at 12 midnight, Friday, March 17 and is open to contiguous U.S. residents only), and announce their name on Saturday the 18th. If you comment without anyway for me to reach you (like an email or link to an active blog) than I'll toss your name and draw another. Them's the rules folks.
Finally, thank you so much for reading and commenting...it's been great fun! Here's to the years ahead...
**updated to include a little info on the asked about vase contents: the white flowers are Ranunculus, perhaps Italian (? - that's all I could find online to set apart the ones with the green centers). The curls are what I know as Monkey-tail fern fiddleheads but may be Hawaiian Uluhe Fern**
Weather Diary, March 12: Hi 61, Low 46/ Precip 0 (first dry day in a month!)
All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.