Versatility during the ‘dog days’ of winter

Usually, the term “dog days” is associated with the hottest, muggiest days of summer. But one Merriam-Webster definition of the term is “a period of stagnation or inactivity.” In this climate, in this part of the world, at this time of year, we’re in the dog days of winter.

The scene outside my window—as pretty as it is—doesn’t change much from day to day.

So when I received a note from Helene at Graphicality-UK, saying she had awarded me the “Versatile Blogger Award,” it made my day. In fact, it pretty much made my week!

Thank you, Helene!

Without further ado, here are the rules of the award:

·  Post the Versatile Blogger Award. Check.

·  Thank the blogger who nominated you with a link back to their blog. Thanks, again, Helene!

·  In the same post, share seven completely random pieces of information about yourself. Hmmm, let’s see:

1. I’m a plant geek. I suppose that’s obvious, but I’m realizing I was pretty much born this way.
2. I don’t always remember the Latin or even the common names of the plants I love, but I do my best. This blog helps me to keep track.
3. I avoid the cold as much as possible. Funny, I know, from someone who grew up in the Midwest, but I’ve had frostbite a few too many times.
4. I’m a former member of a Monty Python fan club. (This is supposed to be a random list, right?)
5. I like to crochet—basic patterns, like scarves and afghans.
6. I try to escape to a warm place in late winter if I can—this year it will be a trip to New Orleans in March. Bring on the Beignets!
7. I’d pick toasted marshmallows and a campfire over a formal dinner party any day!

·  In the same post, include this set of rules. Check.

·  Forward this award to 15 fellow bloggers, and inform them with a comment on each of their blogs. Here’s my list:

Janet at Plantaliscious. Her posts about her pastoral setting in England and her adventures with her allotment garden are always a delight.

Kathleen at Kasey’s Korner. She’s an absolute pro with macro shots of her fabulous Orchids, Amaryllis, Hibiscus, and other indoor blooming plants. And her outdoor gardens are incredible, too.

TS at Casa Mariposa. A schoolteacher by day, she manages to mix humor, whimsy, and great photos into her very engaging posts.

Scott at Rhone Street Gardens. He has a way with capturing the simplest things and making them look exquisite. Truly a great photographer!

Joey at the Village Voice. Joey creates magical mosaics and special-effects photos that take my breath away, always combined with words of wisdom.

Donna at Gardens Eye View. A published author, poet, and photographer, Donna includes great advice and inspiration in every post.

Cat at The Whimsical Gardener. Many of my visits to Cat’s blog have been accompanied by sighs of wonder. She, too, can transform simple subjects into works of art through her lens.

Layanee at Ledge and Gardens. Layanee’s blog is warm and welcoming and very creative. I always enjoy visits to Ledge and Gardens.

Elly at Een kleine idylle. Neat and tidy graceful scenes of fresh interiors and exteriors—you’ll find these and more magic at Elly’s blog.

Dona at La Terrazza. Scenes from Venice and other Italian destinations remind me of the unequaled beauty of that part of the world.

Sheila at Green Place. Sheila has a way of looking at gardening and nature that is unique and comfortable at the same time. It’s hard to explain, but I love her blog.

Diane at Diane’s Texas Garden. Most visits to Diane’s blog result in a trip to the kitchen for a snack. Her stories about her fertile garden and mouth-watering photos of food preparation always whet my appetite.

Ginny at Welcome to Ginny’s Garden. Ginny is versatile with her blog post subjects. I think of North Carolina as the perfect setting for a gardener.

Rose at Prairie Rose’s Garden. A fellow Midwesterner, Rose is one step ahead of me in the springtime. When she starts posting about spring blooms, I know it’s just around the corner for me.

Julia at Polka Dot Galoshes. This blog is definitely versatile and whimsical. Julia has a unique take on gardening, garden design, and the special challenges of the Seattle climate.

Some of these blogs may have already received the Versatile Blogger Award—they all deserve it! As do so many others—some of whom are listed on the blogroll on the right side of this page. I didn’t include blogs I knew had already received the award. And of course, there are just so many wonderful blogs to visit. Narrowing it down to 15 was somewhat of a “just do it” exercise.

I’m so honored by Helene’s generosity and thrilled to be included in this wonderful family of talented gardener/bloggers. Cheers to all of you!