The second meetup of SAGBUTT (Seattle Area Garden Bloggers United To Talk) went splendidly. Thanks again to Paula of Petunia's Garden for heading up this day and to Molly at Life on Tiger Mountain for reserving the room at Bellevue Regional Library.
There's nothing better than a gathering of garden minds. We had a few new faces this time, including Catherine at A Gardener in Progress, Bob from Bobsgarden.com and Curmudgeon of the WeedWhackinWenches. And of course special guest Matron from Down on the Allotment, visiting from the UK.
Topics ranged from the randomness of growing zones, I think I'm 8, to how to keep cats and other critters out of your garden beds. Matron mentioned using tubes of fake fur, which sometimes will keep birds out and may deter cats. I think my dogs would snatch it up thinking it's a toy but it's well worth a try in other areas of the garden.
Gardeners are such a helpful bunch. I jotted down tons more tips on why my beets went kaput (damping off,) how to make a full-spectrum grow light on the cheap and why calesthenics are good for your tomatoes because it strengthens the stalks. Guess all that caressing is a good thing.
Then came the really fun part of swapping booty. In addition to seeds and great tips, plants, cuttings, seedlings, divisions ... you name it we shared it. I came home with pumpkin seeds, coffee grounds and aloe plants from Paula, tomatoes and brussel sprout seedlings from Molly and even a sweet little Pesticide Free Zone sign brought by Karen at Greenwalks.
The signs are from the Washington Toxics Coalition. Karen explained all we have to do is sign a pledge basically agreeing to use the least toxic means of lawn and garden maintenance (done) and talk to at least three people about pesticide-free yard care (always doing that). There's also a followup questionarre about six months from now, but nothing too painful.
Meanwhile, Catherine brought several hellebores, including a lovely Corsican she'd set aside for me to add to my hellebore garden. I hope we have dry skies tomorrow so I can get it in the ground. It really is beautiful and will be a nice bright addition to the bed.
I'd say this SAGBUTT thing is turning into quite the success. Next month's gathering is tentatively set for April 18, Earth Day. WeedWhackinWenches are leading the charge on that one so keep watch for all the details over at their blog.
11 comments:
Woo hoo! That was so fun today. Who would have thought we would ever find 3 hr. meetings to be too short?! Nice write-up, I don't have to bother with a post now. :) Glad you took a sign, I know it will look cute in your garden and provide fodder for many discussions with the neighbors. Looking forward to 4/18!
You guys are really lucky to be able to get together like that. Wish I was closer. ;-( Sounds like ya learned a lot and made a haul. Our garden club had a plant exchange that I was really looking forward to and about 2 of us brought anything. They all forgot! Our old club with original members, who have passed away now, use to have exchanges and the place would be filled.
It's so nice you guys meet regularly! And for Matron all the way from the UK. What a treat!
Wow, what a great idea! I bet you guys did have a great time. Hope you are able to get out in the garden and get those things planted.
Very cool indeed!! I want to see a photo of your hellebore;-)
It looks like a great time you Saggy-Butts are having !he he!!
I had a great time too, meeting other enthusiasts. We just had so much to talk about. Keep up with those tomato sit-ups !!
It was fun wasn't it? I'm glad to finally have met you. I wish we could've stayed longer. I'm hoping to plant my sweet flag (did I remember right?). Hoping I'll be able to make the next meeting. Let's talk this week to plan a get together with the little ones!
It sound as though you all had a great time. I am sorry I missed being there with you all, I know I would have learned plenty. Sadly I am only semi-retired and had to work. Sighhh!
I am waiting for a friend to give me a call, letting me know the Hellebores she is digging up are ready for me. It is so nice to have friends to share the bounty of our gardens with, and receive in return.
Looks like more fun than a game of poker, in my opinion anyway-
GartenGrl
crossing the line from virtual to real sounds cool.
Wow, lucky you! I can only dream about meeting bloggers in my country. It is extremely rare to find someone here who is passionate about gardening and knows how to blog. :) Good luck to you, guys!
Post a Comment