I’ve been doing some critical thinking (OK, more like daydreaming) of late and had some thoughts I’d like to share with you today.
In true fashion, I haven’t come up with a clear cut decision on any of these things:
How is it that I have yet to transplant a single shrub/perennial this year?
This is a fascinating development for me. By this time last year, I had completely overhauled my front bed after doing the same the prior year.
I think there may be multiple, potential reasons for this non-activity. Let’s explore, shall we?:
- Laziness – nope, still have that same drive I’ve had for the past decade.
- The weather – the wet soil is not ideal for planting and transplanting, but that has never stopped me before.
- Time – yes, this is always a hurdle, but I managed to find the time the past few years.
- Patience – again, nope. I am always in analysis mode and will take swift action when required.
- Satisfaction – is it possible? Maybe I kind of like how things look right now? I think this, gulp, may be the case. While a true gardener is never satisfied, I am finding that maybe, just maybe, I’m getting better at this design gig. We’ll see how long it lasts.
Do I need to develop a game plan or determine where I want to take this blog in the future?
I’ve been reading quite a bit on the state of garden blogging and where it is headed. There seems to be a discord between those who write for traditional media outlets and those who blog. Bloggers are often accused of being uneducated and inexperienced in the world of horticulture and guilty of spreading misinformation. While I am relatively new to the world of blogging, I have been a regular reader of garden blogs over the years and have found that very few, if any, have given out bad information. What I have found, is that garden bloggers are full of passion and love to share their own experiences with others. These bloggers are a great mix of designers, farmers, plant geeks and backyard gardeners and I find all of their writings to be an inspiration.
Which leads me to the question I posed above. Where am I going with this blog? Is it simply a collection of photos of my gardens along with my own commentary? Am I targeting beginning gardeners or those who like using Latin names? Am I trying to impress my friends and family? Or show off the fact that I have some decent plant knowledge? The truth – I have no idea at this point. I’m just enjoying the ride and writing about my true passion.
I won’t kid you, I closely analyze the traffic to this blog and have educated myself on how to up my rankings in the Google search listings. I also have become fascinated with social media – my Twitter page can be accessed here and yes, I even created a blog Facebook page here.
At the same time, I find myself enjoying the personal posts and simple tours of my gardens more than any other entry I typically write. Would I ever consider advertising? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t rule it out if I were to be so lucky to receive that opportunity.
Should I feel dirty when I purchase plants from one of the “big box stores”?
This applies to all sorts of purchases (produce, appliances, etc.) and not only plants. Should I be willing to pay a bit more at my local garden center knowing the money will be staying local? How do I turn down how cheap Home Depot and Lowe’s can be on certain plants? There is nothing better than a visit to my local nursery and I want to support them in any way I can. I’m still working out this one in my wallet, my head and in my conscience.
How do I extend my gardens beyond the perimeter of my home?
I have spent the better part of six years trying to get the garden beds that surround my home/driveway right. Now I’m ready to extend out. The problem (and blessing) is that I have a large property and don’t know where to begin.
Ideally, I want to get to a point where I have many garden rooms or “places to chill”. All of these rooms would be attached with interesting and meandering garden paths. In my head it kicks ass but in reality I feel like I’ll never get there. Beyond the typical issues of time, money, deer and … time, I don’t know where to begin. I don’t like the look of island beds so I want to some how transition from my yard to the woods that border my property. OK, fine, this isn’t a problem at all and damn exciting, I just need to start it and see where it leads me.
John