Celebrating an Anniversary and a Never-Ending Love of Plants

Fifteen years ago today, I started this blog! During that time, I’ve posted at least once a month, except in August 2020, the month after my mom died. But much joy remains when I think of her and my dad, who died this year. They were both amazing mentors—in gardening and in many other aspects of life.

I’ve been considering what to say about this blogoversary for several weeks now. Generally, I don’t have trouble coming up with words to describe a situation or an experience, but I had trouble with this one.

Maybe it’s best to simply say…PlantPostings.com has become a fundamental part of my life. The basics from my first few posts have remained the same, but there are a few changes:

• My garden zone has warmed slightly—from USDA plant hardiness zone 5a to zone 5b.

• As with most gardens, some plants have disappeared, while many others have been added.

• I’ve become active in the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program and the annual Garden Fling gathering, among other garden and nature organizations, communication venues, and other horticultural opportunities.

But many things have stayed the same, borrowing wording from my first two posts back in October 2010:

• I'm fascinated by plants—by their rich variety of colors, forms, growth patterns...you name it! And I never tire of studying and nurturing them.

• I’m particularly fascinated by perennials that survive and thrive in northern climates.

• Most of this garden is shady during the growing season, which limits the types of plants that will grow here. But I've been able to cheat a little in spots with dappled sunlight—nurturing plants that generally grow better in the sun.

• I also have a very small bright, sunny garden on the west side of the house. That's where I grow vegetables and a few sun-loving annuals and perennials.

• Every year, this place looks different. Plants come and go. The dominance of ground covers and volunteer plants shifts.

Notably, the long-lived Oak (Quercus spp.) and Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) trees are the same ones that were here and established when we moved in, more than 20 years ago.

Fifteen years of blogging…wow, it’s hard to believe! Thank you, friends and readers, for stopping by and sharing your knowledge, encouragement, and joy.

Finally, I’ll end with wording from the end of my second post: “I inherited this beautiful oasis.... It’s actually a pretty magical place.”