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. Both were 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 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.”
Congratulations on 15 years of blogging, Beth! Your summary of the changes to your garden and what blogging has meant to you is beautifully stated. Many blogs have disappeared in recent years but I'm happy that yours continues. I still much prefer the blog format to Instagram and other forms of social media and I hope to see it continue, at least within the gardening community, for many years to come.
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DeleteThank you, Kris. It has been so rewarding--especially visiting with fellow garden bloggers like you. I so enjoy visiting your blog. Even though our climates and gardens are so different, it's fascinating and fun to compare and learn from you. I agree--I hope blogs will continue for many years. :)
The joy is apparent, I love this post. Congratulations to 15 years ~ here's to many more!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Love your blog, and it's so fun to compare and visit via our blog posts. Cheers!
DeleteCongratulations and happy anniversary so !...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fred. Happy autumn...and garden and blog on! :)
DeleteCongratulations on 15 years blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It's been a fun ride. I enjoy your blog and love comparing notes, especially for "Six on Saturday"! Cheers!
DeleteWell done Beth, 15 years is amazing 👏 --Michelle
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. :) Hope to see you at the next Fling. I miss you. Cheers!
DeleteCongratulations! I was to 13 years until I accidently deleted that blog, so I'm back to year one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. Your other blogging counts! So you are 14 now? Congrats!
DeleteCongratulations! Every month for 15 years, quite an accomplishment. It sounds like a long time but goes way too fast ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, way too fast! Thank you Fred. :) It's a fun endeavor, as I know you're aware.
DeleteBetsy..... Chris Bergmann Helgeson here...... I love this blog..... nice to re-connect! I have a shady yard with two digging dogs.... in the Twin Cities......nice to have some insights on what to try!
ReplyDeleteHey Chris! Yes, it's wonderful to reconnect! Thanks! I can definitely share some ideas. Some experiments have been successful, others ... not so much. ;-) But the perennials that remain after many years in shade and dappled shade are good bets. For example, if you're looking for tall, statement, native plants that grow well in dappled shade, Actaea racemosa and Senna hebecarpa are good bets.
DeleteJust a note: I looked at the range map for those two plants, and while they're not native in the Twin Cities, they're close, and they're both hardy down to zone 3 or 4.
DeleteCongratulations on this 15 year accomplishment. I've certainly enjoyed each of your posts and appreciate the plants we have in common. While we live in very different climates and situations, I think our interests align: a focus on native plants and the value and appreciation of planting for wildlife in gardens.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to many more posts from you, Beth--great job!! Tina
Thank you, Tina! What a joy to follow your blog, too. As you say, we have similar outlooks on gardening and ecosystems...though our settings are different. But our approaches are so similar. Here's to many more years of comparing notes. Cheers!
Delete15 years! I bet it is hard to believe how quickly those years have flown by. I know it is hard to believe myself how I have been blogging for 4 years now. And to post with such regularity, that's true commitment. Congratulations again!
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