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June 21, 2017 By Teri Speight 4 Comments

Garden Bloggers Fling 2017…Anticipating Bliss

Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 in the DMV

I have been anticipating this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 for quite some time. Maintaining my composure as I waited has been challenging. Trying to hide my excitement when people have asked the question “What is a Garden Bloggers Fling 2017?” has been difficult!I even tried to not give away too much information about the sponsors, speakers and raffle items that we will have the opportunity to win. (Did I mention the Swag Bags – you will need a personal crane…oops!)

One of the hidden gardens on Our National Mall

What is the Garden Bloggers Fling??

No, it is not a group of Gardeners flinging things at each other. It IS an intimate gathering of like-minded passionate garden bloggers who come together and share the experience of visiting bodacious gardens in a specific region. The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 will encompass the awesomely wonderful, fabulous and unique Washington, DC region – DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Four days of horticultural BLISS, starting right in the Nation’s Capital. I am holding back because it has been killing me to NOT go to my favorite haunt, The United States Botanic Gardens to share how gorgeous it is RIGHT NOW!!!!   OUR National Mall is the first stop – how exciting, right?  If you are not aware of what is happening on the National Mall, I’ve got a little news for you.

Wikipedia Image of the Historic Lockkeepers House on Our National Mall

Did you know that the Trust For The National Mall is in the process of managing the relocation of the infamous Lockkeepers House?  You know that beautiful stone structure at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street that is 180 years old. I know you have seen it and wondered what are they ever going to do with that?? Well, I have it on good authority that its re-birthing will be awesome.  Lack of funding will NOT keep us from enjoying this beautiful building.

Thank you to the Private Donors who are making the move and restoration possible. Without the Private Donors, the choice to keep this jewel of a building has become a reality. It will become the beacon of historical light, as we welcome visitors to the National Mall. After all, it is the oldest structure on Our National Mall. To keep up on the latest news or to donate, check out the National Mall. Personally, I am still excited about the effort to install Constitution Gardens….one day!!

The Garden Bloggers ae Flinging for 4 days straight!!

Our National Mall has so many gardens and museums that offer education and beauty.  The United States Botanic Gardens offers us inspiration, beauty, programming and so much more. Admittedly, I tend to stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. It is amazing to see the combinations of plant material in the planters as well as on the grounds, the seasonal blooms, and new plant introductions.  Then there is that fountain…

Bartholdi Park and Fountain – a true work of genius…surrounded by teaching gardens…

The fountain of my desire is known to many as the Bartholdi Fountain. Located in the Bartholdi Park, just beyond the rain garden display at United States Botanic Gardens, one simply must pause to see this work of art. Bartholdi Park was completely renovated for the first time since it was created in 1932 last year. It is now considered a SITES Certified garden.  Certification for SITES Projects found just about anywhere from private homes, streetscapes, national parks and more is worth investigating. To find out about SITES Certification click here.

There is so much in store for the attendees of this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling!!! Did I mention I am a Bus Captain??? This is a hard job but someone has got to do it!!! As a native Washingtonian, Avid Volunteer, Supporter of The Trust for The National Mall, Member of The Association of Garden Writers, I am honored to be a part of this awesome event. Did I mention that this is all just a taste of  DAY ONE???!!!

How To Find Out More

Although registration is closed, if you blog about gardens, you might want to click here to check out the Garden Bloggers Fling, for more information. I am dreaming about cultivating new friendships with people I have admired by reading their blogs. Taking tons of pictures of local gardens in late June, I am packing my personalized smelling salts and enjoying the moments will be the mission.

Special smells to revive me if I am overcome by all the beauty that is sure to surround The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017!

I would never have known about the Garden Bloggers Fling if I had not joined The Association of Garden Writers. You would never know what members of The Association of Garden Writers have available upon joining. The opportunity to meet passionate gardeners, experts in horticulture, vendors and free plants –  Did I say FREE PLANTS?? To find out more click #GWA.

Follow me daily starting Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25 on my social media garden plots (Twitter, Instagram, Tumbler, and Facebook) to stay in the loop on all things beautiful. I am considering this Pre-Game Practice for #GWA2017, #BUFFALOGARDENWALK Registration is still open for the 2017 Garden Writers and Communicators Conference. It will be a great way to end the summer and quite the unique vacation idea!

Mentally Flinging,

Teri

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Comments

  1. 1

    Sara Broers says

    June 21, 2017 at 7:52 am

    I wish I was rising your bus! Your group will have a blast!

    Reply
    • 2

      Teri Speight says

      June 21, 2017 at 8:47 am

      LOL….You would fit right in!!! Thanks for the comment and vote of support!!! Hugs, Teri

      Reply
  2. 3

    Teri Speight says

    June 21, 2017 at 8:49 am

    It will be my first one as well. So we will both be newbies!!! I look forward to meeting so many new passionate plant people!!!

    Reply
  3. 4

    Lisa says

    June 21, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    I know we’ll have a blast. Looking forward to it.

    Reply

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The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigell The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigella yesterday. A quiet flower until you become entranced with the bloom. Once you notice it, the realization of the term quiet fireworks takes on a whole new meaning. It is like a sparkler, lighting up anything you add to the vase. 
What flower adds sparkle to your life?
#theflowershowinmymind #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegarden #alwaysthinkingaboutthegardenlife #nigella #flowers #springinspiration
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When memories of the past can restore the soul  and heal the heart, it is truly a moment to remember. I am In Full Bloom.
Do you have 'In Full Bloom' moments? Are you going to The Flower Show?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #theflowershowinmymind #theflowershow #phs
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I am going to enjoy this bowl of bodacious goodness for breakfast. Better than a bowl of cereal and no milk required.
Are you beginning to enjoy the fruits of your garden labor? Is healthy eating a part of your 'why', when gardening?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #passthepeas #gardengoodness #gardeningforhealth #sweetpeas #springbliss
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Have you captured a moment lately? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #gardenbliss #flowerfriends
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Do you have storm rations? Do you have bases for an abundance of blooms?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #stormsdontstealmyjoy #gardenbliss #nidodc #hummus #seasonalbliss #blooms #peonyparty
Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in small doses, know when to pause , and realize when it's time for a break.
It is a great afternoon to step back, sip, and reflect on an unexpected year of adventure. Thanks @nidodc for a scrumptious bottle of Secondome vino bianco and the cutest bottle opener ever.
Do you make time to pause in the garden, or is it all work? 
Reassess if you think the garden is all work and no play! #allaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #allthingsbeautiful #nidodc #ambassadorofallthingsbeautiful #pausinginthemoment
It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a gre It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a great day!
What an exciting year of books! I received a copy What an exciting year of books! I received a copy of Cut Flowers by Celestina Robertson in England. I cannot wait to delve in a see this perspective on growing. 
It's amazing to see other people who look like me growing flowers and creating beauty in such an unexpected way. 
Just like in my book, Black Flora, we grow from our heart, reflect from our genetic memory, and most people aren't  even aware of all we are capable of. We are not a monolith by any means.
Looking forward to this Cel! 
#wegrowmorethancollards #webeokinthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #blackspecialtycutflowergrowers #africanamericansinthegarden
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When you think about it, it has to be tiring knowing you have to stand tall, so all can appreciate your beauty.
Do you love peonies as much as I do?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #allaboutthatgardenfeeling #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonybliss #springinspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss #peonylover
Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. The slender leaves caress a slightly taller stem which holds a beautiful bloom. Great for the low maintenance garden, once established. Deer walk right by it, it is easily divided to showcase in other parts of the garden, and it is a great cut flower.
As this season continues to evolve, are you enjoying the gifts in the garden?
Remember to pause as you garden, create time to enjoy your greenspace. The garden should be a place where one can (as my Dad would say) just 'be'.
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #iris #springbloomers #springbliss #pausinginthemoment #gardenbliss
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When I learned about her struggles over the years,  it saddened me. Her death caught me off guard. I went into my kitchen and pulled her cookbook out of my frequently used stash. You see, I used this cookbook a lot when my girls were growing up and even now for some simple good food recipes. Country cookbooks can sometimes satisfy an appetite just by reading them.
I sat and reminisced about some songs she sang, how she adored her daughters and how she was honest about her mental health struggles.
When I opened this cookbook, the pages most worn were 96/97 - Uncommon Remedies for Common Concerns. Naomi shared remedies from the plant world like Chamomile for indigestion or Parsley for bad breath. It was an area I referenced when I was a stay at home Mom. It is a book I use even now from time to time.
When her daughter found it necessary to share this to the public, I cried for her. 
How many people are struggling and have no one to turn to? As we navigate life as we know it today, how many are not sure how to keep it together? How many people know the number to the Suicide Hotline or know how to respond when a friend or family member is in trouble?

Keep the National Suicide Hotline number handy, 1-800- 273- 8255. You never know when you might need it.

I mourn for the family Naomi Judd left behind. Their lives have been changed forever in a most unimaginable way.

This is a book that I will always have in my collection. Just sharing...
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Do you tune out of the world and tune into your garden?
It is the best way to clear the mind, soothe the heart, and be at peace...if only for a little while...#backinthegarden, #springinspiration #springbloomers #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonypassion #anticipatethebloom
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Today when I looked out the front door...I simply burst into tears. It is so full of starter blooms that will evolve into beautiful white blooms. The words starry starry night came to mind...and I began to hum. 
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So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the Washington Post, page 8 and can't stop giggling! What an exciting year and AH-MAZING journey...
Thank you for the coverage Washington Post, Jura Koncius, and all who helped make this happen.
I need to find a new place to pinch my arms...lol!
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1. Go to #nidodc 
2. Purchase 1 (or two) tubs of Elysian Fields Lamb Meatballs in Picada Sauce
3.Heat and serve with Ancient Grain, Wild or Seven Grain and Rice blends
4. Don't forget to pick a wine to complement the dish 
5. Thank me later 

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This dish was quick, easy, and well I have another tub in my freezer...so I sm good!
Thank you Nido for knowing what I need, when I don't know what I need...giggle!
#nidodc #readymademeal #smallbatchfoods #allthingsbeautiful #threewomenandawineshop
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Do you make sure your plants feel welcome in your garden?
Feeling grateful for my gifts from the garden.
#allaboutthegardenlife #giftsfromthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #springspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss
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@wdcgardener ...there is a chapter in our book on considering those recycled items as garden decor, correct? 
Do you sometimes overlook the gifts of the season? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #recycleandplay #letsplayoutside #makingdo #springshrubsforflowers
When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be useful right now...sigh
#makingdowithwhatsonhand,
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