Madison, Wisconsin is not exactly a place that was on my list of ‘must-visit’ places to go. However, when I began thinking about the people that would draw me there, my mindset quickly changed. You see, there will be a gathering of Garden Bloggers in Madison this June. A bit delayed, but finally, as gardeners, we notice the buds in life. They are swollen with anticipation of travel, new experiences, and the realization that we need each other to fully bloom.
MY FLING JOURNEY
I have been attending the Garden Bloggers Fling since 2017. This Garden Bloggers Fling was in Washington, DC. Actually, it encompassed Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. I quickly realized this was my kind of garden party. Little did I know that rich friendships were the remnants of a few hot days in the DMV. Did you know, if you smile nicely, commandeering the driver of a 55 passenger bus is really not that hard when it comes to the comfort of your guests? I still remember the unplanned water run while touring our National Mall.
AMAZING AUSTIN
2018 we visited Texas. Austin, Texas is fertile ground for garden adventures and excitement. I never imagined seeing the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in my lifetime. Of course, we also experienced a Texas-sized rain shower. A class on photography at the Wildflower Center was amazing and informative. Many of us wanted to tour the gardens and visit the gift shop before the rain. Standing under the protection of the overhang, my imagination allowed me to think that Ladybird Johnson would appear to welcome us. Admiring her vision of beauty was meaningful to me as a child. It was surreal realizing I was at her Wildflower center. All because of the Garden Bloggers Fling Committee, led by Pam Pennick. In my opinion, we saw the best of Austin that year.
DENVER DREAMING
Who knew that 2019 would be such a meaningful year. Denver was simply amazing. The clear skies, perfect cloud formations, lunch at the farmer’s market, and of course the Denver Botanic Garden. I could visit the Denver Botanic Garden every year, just to see how each plant evolves under extreme conditions. The art, carefully placed, adds a different kind of beauty. Perfect for wandering, the Denver Botanic Garden truly represented the beauty of diversity in the landscape. I remembered lingering in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. The joyful sound of children laughing, as parents watched them play outside, truly melted my heart.
Botanic interests also showed us a bit of Denver hospitality as we toured their facilities. Lauren’s Grape Bread Seed poppies continue to remind me of that visit. The karaoke event was when we really let loose in a beautiful garden setting with a view. The memories of each Garden Bloggers Fling bring a smile to my face.
Cherishing and making memories when traveling has its virtues. I had the opportunity to have dinner with a dear friend, Winston. We had a fabulous time enjoying Le French Bakery & Café. I highly recommend it. Afterward, Winston showed me different parts of the city. I discovered the rich heritage of the African American community. We even visited a tea shop. I never imagined the magic that could happen when attending a garden gathering with bloggers. Making time to visit Winston before he began his heavenly hike is an unexpected memory of 2019.
LOOKING FORWARD TO MADISON
Fast forward cautiously towards 2022. Madison is still on the map. Our hotel reservations are in the Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. We will take all of the necessary safety precautions as we plan for our reunion. The 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling IS happening in Madison, Wisconsin. This reunion of garden bloggers will be quite meaningful to all who participate.
Several Botanical Gardens, a Farmers Market, private garden tours, and more. I peeked at the itinerary, in advance. The Allen Centennial Garden has me excited about the beauty it holds within. There will be so much to see before we end the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling. I will need a lot of ice cream tastings and squeaky cheese curds.
Madison, we are grateful you are ready for this reunion of Garden Bloggers and more. We look forward to three days in June for connecting with each other, exploring new places, and sharing new experiences. Thank you to the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling Team Anneliese Valdes and Beth Stetenfeld! I would love to treat you to cheese curds and ice cream.
Dreaming of Madison…
Teri, Cottage InThe Court