Last April, a couple dozen garden bloggers flew into Austin, Texas, wondering if they were nuts to meet up with a bunch of total strangers.
In a word: no. First of all, they were not total strangers. Many of them had been reading each other’s blogs regularly, offering advice, compliments and sympathy in the comments as the situation required. Some had even been emailing on a regular basis. Second of all, were they not all gardeners, and aren’t gardeners some of the nicest people on the planet?
What happened was tentative friendships were solidified, new friendships were forged and many wonderful gardens and garden shops visited. Everyone wondered at the end why they didn’t arrive sooner and stay later, and when will we do this again?
May 29th through May 31st, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the answer. The Chicago area garden bloggers have bravely volunteered to organize and host the next Garden Bloggers Spring Fling. They have set up an informative blog to keep you abreast of all the details as they are finalized.
If you are planning to go, you should be aware that for a very limited time there is a special rate offered for reservations at Club Quarters, a centrally located hotel. Bloggers are urged to make their reservations today to take advantage of the sale price. See the Spring Fling blog for details.
May I suggest you get some MOO cards or business cards to hand out to your fellow bloggers when you attend? I regret to say, due to a prior commitment, I won’t be joining you there. But I’ll be there in spirit!
P.S.–don’t forget about the seed giveaway now in progress!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: @dkprinzing
hi Kathy, I was sitting in the Garden Writers Assoc. winter board meeting when your post popped up – it is exciting to hear about the Spring Fling – and perhaps I can make it to Chicago this year. I’m even more cheered that you might come to Raleigh! yeah!! Deb
Oh, Kathy! I’m so sorry we won’t get to see you in Chicago. The gals there have been doing a great job of organizing. It sounds as if we’ll have a great time. At least we’ll get to see you in Raleigh.
Robin Wedewer
Isnt it great how the net can bring people together that have common interests. With all the bad publicity that it always seems to get it is good to sometimes hear a positive message.
Thanks for writing about CSF. Sorry, you can’t make it this year.
Twitter: @mycornerofkaty
Kathy, keep your phone handy the weekend of Fling. You’ll be hearing from us, I’m sure!
Twitter: @WriteGardener
Dave’s Garden used to sponsor “Round Ups.” Which is basically the same as your Spring Fling. They’re a lot of fun. If I lived closer I’d probably show up (and tease you Chicagoins about Rod).
Well, if we don’t get to see you in Chitown, I sure hope you’re coming to Raleigh!
Susan, I do plan on going to the GWA Symposium in Raleigh. I have marked my calendar and am saving my pocket change!
Twitter: @HelenYoest
This really cool. I like Chicago too.
Oh no, I thought you’d be there, Kathy. We’ll miss you!
I was really looking forward to seeing you Kathy~~
It really was a lot of fun…I look at that photo and smile! gail
Twitter: @suburbangarden
I’m sorry you have to miss it. There literally was no other weekend we could hold it. We all had such a blast last year.
I would love to go, but I think I just booked a job for that weekend. Drats. Oh well, I guess I’ll have extra time to get in that trip to Monticello this summer.
Twitter: @reddirtramblin
Oh! You won’t be there? I thought you were coming. Now, I am sad.~~Dee