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Madison – Reunion of Garden Bloggers and More

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Madison, Wisconsin is where the 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling will reunite old friends and greet new voices.

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

My Garden Bloggers Fling journey began in 2017…

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

Austin led us to colorful gardens filled with joy and abundance. It left me truly inspired to embrace what brings me joy in the garden.

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

Denver shared diversity in nature, promoted camaraderie within the group, and created memories along the way.

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.

In 2019, I created this collage at the Denver Art Museum. It shares how each member of the Garden Bloggers Fling reaches out to meet someone new.

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

A new social media logo to embrace inclusivity in the way we share the joy of gardening.

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

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Fling…Growing A Garden Community

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Fling is another word for a gathering of like-minded people. The Garden Bloggers Fling is always quite the gathering. At Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens it took a bit but we did finally gather.

According to Lexico.com, the word fling, as a noun, means a short period of enjoyment or wild behavior. To this garden blogger, the Garden Blogger’s Fling is an annual short period of enjoyment. Held in the early part of the year, seeing diverse gardens is a welcome post-winter event. The opportunity to spend time with fellow garden bloggers is a garden camp with a twist. No wild behavior is involved. We do enjoy gathering in gardens anywhere.

Tammy was the DC Team Leader for the 2017 Garden Bloggers Fling

I heard about the Garden Bloggers Fling on my journey to become a full-fledged Garden Writer. I would visit the blog and dream of the places they wrote about. Actually, I thought that it would remain a dream of something that I wished I could be a part of. Tammy Winter-Schmidt spoke to me about being part of the DC Team and the rest is history. We chatted, met in person, texted, and had conference calls with the rest of the chosen DC Fling Crew. Attending the Fling was suddenly my reality.

The DC Garden Bloggers Flingers stuffed swag bags for our attendees.

We were nervous as it was not just a DC event. We encompassed DC, Maryland, and Virginia!! Tammy and Peggy Riccio took road trips to map out the route. The memories of this great adventure will always bring a smile to my face. Timing a Garden Bloggers Fling in the DMV, in late June…what could go wrong?

FLINGTASTIC PEOPLE

What better place than the Fling to meet a local Shero! Peggy Bier was a welcome site to see!

I never thought I could smile nonstop for 3.5 days. Hanging out with members of the Garden Bloggers Fling was amazing!

Dee Nash whose blog Red Dirt Ramblings I follow was a delight to meet in real life! In some ways I felt like a groupie!!

We were all over the DMV. There were many friendships cultivated along the way.

Hanging with Katie T. at the Smithsonian Gardens…who helped me commandeer one of the tour buses.

A memorable fling moment was a doozy! We realized the bus had no water. June…in DC…a bus of gardener aficionados (some seasoned) and no water. Acting fast, phone calls made, and we more or less hijacked a 50 passenger bus to correct this mishap. Serious #girlpower happened that day! My fellow Fling attendees never knew…whew!

We visited private gardens…

Jeff Minnick allowed us to experience his oasis…
Dee Nash and Ira Wallace watching out for each other in the DC heat on our National Mall.
We strolled quietly and absorbed the peaceful landscapes…taking notes along the way.

FLINGTASTIC PLACES

We visited public gardens. What is a Garden Bloggers Fling without mixing it all up?

We toured and prayed that the weather would hold up so we could enjoy this wonderful weekend. The Franciscan Monastery was a great place for some welcome shade…and OH THOSE GARDENS!
We even remembered to use our inside voices outside as we gasped at the beauty surrounding us.

Did I mention the private gardens? They were ALL quite Garden Bloggers Fling worthy and fabulous!

The Fling attendees paused to rest.
We captured photos that were quite breathtaking..
There were opportunities for surprise swag throughout the weekend.
Did you know Garden Bloggers Fling attendees can shop with intention, take a photo together, and STILL make it back to the bus on time! Thank You Merrifield Gardens for welcoming us!!
Even our Canadian attendees like Janet Davis had a blast. The Garden Bloggers Fling welcomes our friends from all over the world.
I still get excited as I reflect on that weekend. I was nervous waiting for Victoria Summerley to sign the books I won at the raffle! Touching the books help me remember how I made my mind up to plan a trip to England. (I did!)
I can only imagine this garden in its three years of maturity. If I ever see it again, I can say I saw it when it was young. It was quite inspirational!
The inspiration was endless…

FLINGTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES

There were even gardens where we simply paused and continued to soak up the beauty!
We were treated to terrific presentations from our sponsors like Mark Highland, Owner, Organic Mechanics. I helped Mark handout the samples of this wonderful product. You NEED to know about the benefits of Organic Mechanic for your garden!
We had the best time bonding and creating memories in gardens throughout the DMV. The Garden Bloggers Fling creates the opportunity to network and grow!

The Fling is open to garden bloggers who have had an active blog for 6 months. Attendees are writers, authors, speakers, garden bloggers, and more. Genuine seeds of kindness from this community of gardeners are planted at every Garden Bloggers Fling. It is hard to miss even one Fling!

This year, as our country is unintentionally pausing, the Fling was postponed. We look forward to June 2021. Look out Madison, Wisconsin…here we come!. I hear there is something magical in Wisconsin. A few things I anticipate are gardens, ice cream, cheese curds, and cultivating more friendships. Madison, Wisconsin has never crossed my mind as a garden destination. If it is like past Flings, my bags are packed! I am prepared.

I must say thank you to the Garden Bloggers Fling for welcoming me. Interested in the Garden Bloggers Fling? Click here to find out more. The sponsors truly deserve a huge hand. They share their products and more, to make this recurring event a huge success!!

Maybe it takes awhile for us to get in one picture…but there is always next year!

Sitting with wands of Lavender Phenomenal (Thank you Peacetree Farm, LLC) and smiling. I love finding the words to share about the Garden Bloggers Fling!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

OUR 2017 SPONSORS – THANK YOU!!

www.abnativeplants.com, www.plantsmap.com, www.SchreinersGardens.com, www.everlastlabel.com, www.dramm.com, www.sustane.com, www.encoreazalea.com, www.southernlivingplants.com, www.grimmsgardens.com, www.corona.com, www.bluestoneperennials.com, www.PlantMeGreen.com, www.oakesdaylillies.com, www.johnandbobs.com, www.prairiemoon.com, www.whiteflowerfarm.com, www.saundersbrothers.com, www.reneesgarden.com, www.OrganicMechanicSoil.com, www.harrisseed.com, www.botanicalinterests.com, www.gosslerfarms.com, www.dancingoaks.com, www.peacetreefarm.com, www.bartletttree.com, www.americanmeadows.com, www.highcountrygardens.com, www.MountainCrestGardens.com, www.LondonLandscapes.com, www.hollingsworthpeonies.com,www.colorblends.com, www.cobrahead.com, www.joycreek.com, www.DavidAustinRoses.com, www.SouthernExposure.com, www.putnamhillnursery.com, www.bethesdagardendesign.com, www.ahsgardening.org,www.kitazawaseed.com

**Special Thank you to Michele Shaw, Wendy Kremer, Jim at Garden Design, Lisa at HortusTv, Niche Gardens, Sunset Western Garden Collection.com, Main Garden, Blue-Viper, and Lazy S Farm.

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Denver…Thoughts on Flinging

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Denver has a blue bear that stands tall by the Convention Center. Curiously peering into the window, just checking up in what might be happening.

Thoughts about Denver have been on my mind since the Garden Bloggers Fling. In June, I was packing for the Garden Bloggers Fling 2019. This year, Denver, Colorado was the host City. For 5 days, it was this gardener’s mini-vacation or as some called it Garden Camp for Adults. Yes…we had fun, got to know new people and rekindle friendships with others.

As usual, after a trip, I digest my memories and find the words to share. On this journey, I was thinking about how I could spend more time at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The last time I was there, I did not have enough time to see every nook and cranny. This time, it would be different.

A floriferous garden in Denver as we strolled to our closing dinner at the Denver Botanic Garden, Chatfield Farms location in Littleton, Colorado.

Camaraderie and inclusiveness demonstrated to me and other new Flingers was amazing. I can’t speak for everyone but my personal experience has been delightful. As I continue my journey of discovering, sharing and encouraging others to garden, I am choosing to linger along the way. The people I have met and continue to meet are supportive, encouraging, and willing to help.

This garden bloggers fling community has deep roots. The seeds of wisdom are scattered in the communal soil along the way and sprout when the time is right. It is a group where new garden bloggers find a home. We are diverse and encourage the voices that are not in the forefront. With a committed effort to open the garden gates for ALL levels of garden bloggers, garden vloggers, and garden storytellers. If there is a garden, there is a story. If we write about the possibilities, we educate each other along the way.

Denver is more than rock gardens and crevice gardens. However, there were some awesome examples of both!

A few words that come to mind when I think about the garden community that has given me a voice and a sense of peace. Words that are familiar to some, but perhaps new to others…

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away… Maya Angelou

As I travel, experience community, and embrace the beauty that surrounds me, there will be more moments that will take my breath away. These are moments I look forward to. Are you engaged in a community that is positive and encourages memorable experiences? Does your passion take your breath away? Do you share your experiences with others to encourage?

Thinking about Denver allows me to reflect. A few things that came to mind as I smile while remembering this year’s Garden Blogger’s Fling. I will hopefully make you think and reflect on breathless moments.

D is for Diversity. There was so much diversity in the landscape.

E is for the environmentally savvy gardens we visited.

N is for the natural beauty found everywhere we explored.

V is for the vertically appealing mountains that graced the sky

E is for the enhanced color of every single bloom we saw

R is for the rejuvenation of spirit when you attend a Garden Bloggers Fling.

Denver shared diversity in nature, promoted camaderie within the group and created memories along the way.

A few breathless moments as I reminisce about the Denver Fling 2019.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Lucinda’s Garden – Love On Earth

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Lucinda’s garden lingers in my mind even after The Garden Bloggers Fling has passed. It is imprinted in my heart after wandering through one early morning in May. The colors ever cheerful, the whimsical art and coveted pieces from Lucinda’s life journey.

Lucinda’s garden welcomed us with a smile…and made our departure bittersweet.

Lucinda’s garden persona can be found around every corner, peeking out from under eaves and cozy nooks. She has left her mark of love everywhere imaginable.

From the colorful pots to the statuary, carefully placed memories seen through the eyes of Lucinda were scattered throughout the garden.

Using bold colors reminiscent of her travels to Mexico, Lucinda Hutson created a memory. Paying homage to the people, the culture, and Tequila, Lucinda has authored several books. “Viva Tequila”, is the latest book written by Lucinda Hutson. Nationally known as a food, garden and lifestyle writer, as well as a colorful lecturer, Lucinda has gardened here for 40 years. She welcomed Garden Bloggers from around the country to see her creative use of space. What a perfect place to visit for the 10th Anniversary of The Garden Bloggers Fling. This Texican garden truly celebrated the diversity found in Austin Texas…and in its gardens!

This bench beckoned me to sit, pause and stay awhile as I smiled at the color popping before my very eyes. A visual breakfast of sorts!

Hesitant about color? Not Lucinda! Second-guessing what coordinates with what? Not in this garden! Having some of your peers do a bit of creative tile work to tie things altogether? You can find the work of her talented artisan friends here.

As we wrapped up our visit to this colorful oasis in Austin, this little garden room was perfectly situated. In front of the trickling fountain, many of the Garden Bloggers gasped in awe of the beauty surrounding them.

This is a place that leaves you shaken and stirred like a Drunken Sugar Plum Cocktail (pg. 168, Viva Tequila!). I remember the art, the plants, the tiles and the smiles. All of this, I mentally captured on a beautiful morning in Austin, Texas. I relished in this beautiful moment in Lucinda’s garden.

Starting our day in such a vibrant space, was truly a living alarm clock for the senses. This Garden Bloggers Fling gave me a lot of perspective on how other people garden. Whether on the East Coast, across the Pond, or the Southwest, gardening can be as unique as the gardener. Lucinda’s garden gave us permission to garden with total abandon.

It was here that I realized Lucinda’s garden had released my inner inhibitions to garden with passion and without fear. Afterall the garden should make you smile…

Do you garden with total abandon? Does your garden – whether formal or unique – leave you shaken and stirred?

To find out more about Lucinda Hudson, click here Lucinda. You just might learn a few things about cooking or the history of Tequila as well!

What is a Garden Bloggers Fling? Click to find out about The Garden Bloggers Fling2018.Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Garden Bloggers Fling 2017…Anticipating Bliss

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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,

TeriFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather