Ask most gardeners and they will say that they are shy introverts. You wouldn’t know it if you dropped in to one of our get-togethers, where the groupings are lively and newcomers are quickly assimilated into happy-making plant talk.
It doesn’t hurt to have a host like Patricia (Plant Lust), seen here flanked on the left by Heather (Just a Girl With a Hammer) and on the right by Loree (Danger Garden). Tricia provided mimosas and all sorts of delectable tidbits to power our gathering, which grows larger as everyone wants to get in on the fun.
A big paqrt of that fun was getting to wander around Tricia’s garden. Hard to believe that it has been only a year in the making…so far.
Here’s Linda (Whatsitgarden) with her sidekick, Rosie, admiring one of the borders.
Pardon me, Jenni, far right, for showing your pretty face all scrunched up in concentration as you describe something important to Laura (Gravy Lessons) and her pirate, Charlie. Also, Jenn, I haven’t linked to you, because when I do, I get an ad for domain names. Can you set me straight?
There are still some blank spaces. That’s a good thing, because we plantaholics love nothing so much as a plant sale or swap. Darn, I failed to get a shot of all the plants that showed up here. Trust me on this: there were lots and they were good! I had to leave early, but I’m sure they all found new homes and a few will be filling in some of those blank spaces.
Now let’s take a look at some of the things that nearly wound up in the swap. It’s easy to think you’re not big on Peonies until you actually experience them. How tragic would it be to dig out this fabulous white one?
Or this magenta magnificence.
A magnificent old apple tree nearly got the axe, until judicious pruning saved the day. This is a garden to keep an eye on, as Patricia continues to work her magic.
I was on a tight leash, heading for the next thing, but who could resist a handmade sign saying “Dahlias” leading down a side street? Not me. It led me to this guy with a lineup of bulbs (tubers?) for $2.50 each. He helped me pick out the best ones, with some growth showing. I came away with a couple of small ones to be put in pots: ‘Jitterbug’ and ‘Velda Inez’ and two larger ones to test out the new herb protection theory: ‘Black Satin’ and ‘Majestic Kerkrade’. I hope to show you results come August. All in all, it was a memorable day.
That sounds just the kind of day I would enjoy.
You would…I guarantee it.
You garden people in the PNW sure know how to have fun!
We do!
It sounds wonderful, Ricki. I am absolutely going to make myself attend the next one. I love all you peeps!
Your ears must have been burning. We were talking about you (all good!) and wondering how we could lure you to one of these get-togethers.
I’m so sorry I missed it. I will be at the fall one, no matter where it takes place.
We will count on it.
That was a damn good swap.
Amen to that!
It was a great time as these plant swaps always are. The only sad part was that you couldn’t stay longer!
I know…I only got to talk to you a tiny bit.
What a great group! It looks like you had a very fun gathering!
And I didn’t even come close to capturing all the smiling faces.
I looked up to see you driving away, glad you made it if even only briefly.
The time flew, and when I noticed, there was none left to get in all the conversations I wanted to have. Nice to see you, though.
Looks like great fun. Nice you get together with other garden bloggers.
Nothing like spending time with like-minded buddies. Few others truly understand.
Looks like a good event and her garden is looking good too. I like that she left space for more plants. Swaps are a lot of fun although a blogger’s swap would be kinda lonely in my town!
I wonder why garden blogging has failed to catch on there. You surely have lots to talk about.
She’s done an amazing amount in a year. Looks like you all had a great time!
She’s pretty amazing that way, and with a lame wing to boot.
If only I were close enough to drive over!
Wouldn’t THAT be cool?
I second Heather…damn good ! And I hope Grace makes the next one.
We’re working on Grace.