The older one gets, the more one realizes the truth of the old saying, "Time flies." That is certainly true when I realized that it was two years ago today that I first entered the world of blogging. It doesn't seem possible that it has been two years since my life changed--getting up earlier than usual, not to spend an hour with Rose and Blanche or Julia and Charlene, but to turn on the computer instead of the television to read the latest posts from blogging friends. Taking photos of little green shoots bursting through bare dirt is now as common an occurrence as taking photos of the grandkids.
The highlight of the past year had to be Spring Fling in Chicago, where I met several of the garden bloggers I've come to think of as friends, and where I made many more new friends as well. I have learned so much about gardening through blogging, and I've spent many an enjoyable hour getting to know so many people from across the country and the world with a variety of interests, not just gardening.
A year ago, on my first blogaversary, I wrote about what blogging has meant to me, and every word of that more carefully written post still holds true. As a way of thanking all of you for coming here whether regularly or occasionally and leaving a comment, I'd like to give something back in return.
Several weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive an offer to choose quite a few packages of free seeds from Renee's Garden. In appreciation, I will order an additional six packages of seeds of your choice for one lucky winner here. Many of you have no doubt already ordered most of your seeds, and some of you have even started some indoor seeding. But there is still plenty of time to direct sow your seeds--the method I seem to have the most luck with. And if you're like me, you can always find room for a few more seedlings. I think I got carried away with ordering different varieties of cosmos this year, but after seeing how well these flowers did in my garden last year (first photo), they are going to be a mainstay in the butterfly garden for years to come.
Right now I'm on a quest to find seeds for some purple poppies like these gorgeous blooms I saw on Monday at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. More on the show in my next post--I took over 200 photos!--but if you'd like to see some of the fabulous displays there, just visit some of the Chicagoland bloggers, including Mr. McGregor's Daughter, Ramble on Rose, or Carolyn Gail.
In addition to the seed packets I'll order for you, Renee's Garden has very graciously offered to include one of her cookbooks. Recipes from a Kitchen Garden contains "300 different recipes for easy to prepare dishes emphasizing fresh ingredients, wonderful flavors and simplicity of style." This should be an excellent resource for all those fresh vegetables coming from the garden this summer.
I'll make it extra-easy for you to enter--just leave a comment below and include your favorite vegetable or flower you like to grow from seed. You have until midnight Monday, March 15 to enter. One winner will be chosen randomly after that time.
Thank you again, dear friends, for an enjoyable two years of blogging!
