We're often presented unique opportunities to explore the unknown, unfamiliar or unusual. Whether we leap at such a chance is a personal decision. I myself couldn't be happier that several months ago I stepped out of my comfort zone to meet a complete group of strangers whom I'd only known through pictures and blog posts. By doing so, I discovered wonderful friends who share a common love of gardening and bring so much more to the table.
Over the weekend, and after a long absence, I joined this welcoming clan of gardeners for the monthly gathering of SAGBUTT. This particular outing was at Molly's from Life on Tiger Mountain, where she hosted a tomato tasting and treated us to champagne and some yummy berry dish that I must get the recipe.
This was only my third meetup, having missed one, but it was like seeing old friends as everyone eagerly chatted about their gardens, traded tips and techniques, and oohed and ahhhed over Molly's lovely patch of land where she has chickens, ducks, a dog and until recently goats.
Despite my extended absence from gatherings and blogging, I was welcomed back into the fold and immediately felt at home as we toured the gardens. I also brought along my friend Cheryl, who was visiting for a meeting of Isis Initiative. She and I had a bit of fun hiding among the pumpkins and squash that hung suspended from a pitch back of sorts. They added a bit of whimsy to the garden and were a major attraction for the group.
Adding to this enchanted structure were the borlotti beans that snaked between the gourds and along the rope. Such lovely colors and they were perfect for drawing visitors deeper under squash.
Bright zinnias mingled with chard and asparagus in one of Molly's many, many garden beds. She has tons of techniques for protecting her garden, including draping fleece over the beds to protect tender seedlings.
Look closely and you'll notice the squash plants growing out of a second compost bin. Never would have thought of this but think it's brilliant. Molly clearly can grow anything anywhere! And this is a spectacular way to camouflage an unsightly bin.
It was great seeing everyone again. Especially the woman who started it all, Karen at greenwalks. And how fun to finally meet Kit from Gardener's Roost, as well as Aaron, a self-proclaimed newbie urban gardener at erasei's page. I look forward to next month's gathering. Oh wait, I think I'm on the hook for that. Well, we're hoping to snag space at Washington Park Arboretum on Sept. 20. so watch for further details!
Until then, check out Petunia's Garden and Weed Whackin' Wenches for more fun on Tiger Mountain.
4 comments:
Molly's gardens are so pretty, I've loved seeing the posts about the latest meeting. I'm glad you were able to make it, and I'm hoping to be at the next one.
We really missed you, so glad to have you back! Loved your take, words and photos both. Your clematis shot, so much better than mine! I put mine in anyway since I was too lazy to remove it and had stayed up way too late last night almost-finishing my post. Hope your friend wasn't too bored, we do go on and on don't we? :) Felt so lucky to have those hours with like-minded souls, in such an amazing setting. Thanks for the sweet shout out, but I didn't really do anything beyond ask if others would be up for this! You're the one doing all the heavy lifting on the listserv, FB group, etc. so thanks to YOU! :)
Glad you are having such fun with your 'local' garden bloggers, Melanthia! If I lived near you I would love to get to know all of you better...it sounds like you all have had some wonderful gatherings thus far!
It's my first visit to your blog. I love the way those pumpkins are hanging, what a nifty idea.
Many Happy New Years.
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