Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Give and Take

What an easy topic to post about. I've been on the receiving end so much lately that I wanted to write about it.

Earlier this year I was fortunate to meet Lynda. Check out her blog, Mind Muffins. She had some plants to give away and since we live in the same city and we're both gardeners, I contacted her right away. No problem, come over and pick them up, she said. Off I went across town to a strangers house. But not really a "stranger." After all, we are fellow gardeners, right?

Now every time I see my delphiniums, Heavenly Bamboo, new hellebore starts and pulmonaria plants I think of her. And she happens to have one of the loveliest gardens.

One of her hellebores;





From Plants and Stones I got a great idea to use our lavender. Check out her post. Mine might not be quite as pretty but I think they're great anyway.




When I want a great recipe I know I can count on the author of the October Farm blog. I've tried a few of her recipes and I've never been disappointed. Recently I made her Blueberry Muffins with Lime Glaze and both Kim and I loved them.






My friend Teresa from Seasonal Wisdom called the other day and said did I want some pond plants? Now we have three more plants for our pond. She also gave me some garden books. Good grief, thanks!

I've received seeds from Patsi at Garden Endeavors and from Connie at Notes From a Cottage Garden.


I've also been given countless gardening advice just by reading all the blogs out there, including Gardens of the Wild Wild West (thanks for the tip about Kintzley's Ghost Honeysuckle, I bought one for our Moongarden), I Garden Daily, Catherine at A Gardener in Progress, this guy makes me laugh; An Obsessive Neurotic Gardener, her troubles make mine seem small; Brambleberries in the Rain, of course Gardening With Grace, her courage and sense of humor inspire me; Here On The Prairies, my little taste of France; La nature et la plume, insect education from Randy and Meg, one of my first blogging "friends", Rosemary, and fellow chicken lover, Green Frieda.

There are so many great bloggers out there and I am enjoying all of you.

I think that with this awful tragedy in Norway recently it's made me think of all the really great people I see in the world. There are so many. And perhaps this is a good time to remind ourselves of that. I know I need something to counterbalance the horrible actions of one person.

So thanks to all of you. I know I haven't included everyone I could have, there are too many, but I appreciate you all.

9 comments:

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

The global community of bloggers is really remarkable isn't it? I think we are all paying it forward from one to another.

Randy Emmitt said...

Kim and Victoria,

Freinds are nice to have especailly when they give you great plants for the garden. That muffin looks so good.

Anonymous said...

Victoria, what a lovely post! Such a beautiful thought shared in a gracious and informative way. I agree it is important to focus on and appreciate all the good in people. It helps sustain and develop our hopes and dreams which has impact on others in our life too.
Thank you for highlighting this on your blog and for all the great recommendations. I'm planning to get blueberries tomorrow...
Thanks again!

GRACE PETERSON said...

What a beautiful post, Victoria. This tragedy was so vicious and heartbreaking. Isn't it great to have so many wonderful glimpses of the better angels among us? Thank you for mentioning me. I am always inspired by your blog. Life really is good. And those blueberry muffins make me want to eat my computer. :)

Belladonna said...

Victoria;

It was a delight to share my garden with you and I also have appreciated things you brought to me!

Rosemary said...

What a lovely post , blogging friends do put the world and its issues in perspective as you nicely pointed out.Happy to be one of your first blog friends as you are mine.

Sheryl said...

Your gardens are beautiful - I hope mine will look as nice some day - still a long way to go.

Kathleen said...

mmmm ~ those muffins look heavenly. Very heartwarming post Victoria. If you would like to try some 'Cherry Bells' campanula I would be happy to ship you some! Another gift!! :-)

Capucyne said...

Je ne savais pas en commençant mon blog que je rencontrerais autant de gens passionnants!En allant travailler dans le sud d ela France, j'ai pû rencontrer "vraiment" une blogueuse, d'autres m'ont aussi donné ou envoyé des plants, des graines, des conseils...Et j'aime visiter votre beau jardin!