Garden bloggers mini "Meet-Up" in Madison

Six garden bloggers from three Midwestern states met in Madison on Friday, Sept. 2 to tour our city's top venues for gardeners and nature lovers. We began the day at Olbrich Botanical Gardens with a short talk by director Roberta Sladky (below left).

She spoke about all the things we don't usually see or know about that go on at Olbrich behind the scenes, like the interns who work in many different departments at the gardens and the summer camps for young writers that use the gardens as inspiration. We got great information packets from Roberta so I will talk more about some of the special things they do in another post.

Judging by our expressions this was the most serious moment of the entire day which included lots of garden stories, plant i.d. discussions, mosquito repellent spray and laughter. The group included me (above far left), Lisa who blogs at Greenbow Gardens, Rose of Prairie Rose's Garden, Becky (Lisa's cousin/Rose's friend) who's taken a break from blogging and Danniel at Obsessed Midwest Gardener/owner of Botanica Fine Gardens and Landscapes. Beth of Plant Postings is taking the photo.

I'd met Lisa, Rose and Becky at the Chicago Fling in 2009 but had not seen them since then so it was a pleasure to reconnect. Beth and I had met in person last year but both Danniel and her blog were new to me. Erin of The Impatient Gardener and Jason (and his wife, Judy) of Garden in a City were unable to join us this time. Erin and I have had a chance to visit each other's garden but I only know Jason from his blog and had been looking forward to meeting him. Maybe next time!

We lunched at Rosie's Coffee Bar and Bakery on Monona Drive where one of the employees snapped this photo of us. Clockwise from Lisa (in the coral top), Becky, Danniel, Beth, Rose and me. Rosie's offers casual dining with an interesting menu (Grilled pear and brie sandwich!) and tasty food. 

The group made a stop at my garden before going on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. My husband snapped this photo of me and Lisa Bowman. It was so much fun to see her again as we have been commenting on each other's blogs for years now. You can see we share other enthusiasms than just gardening!

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

It was such a delight to meet up with everyone. Ha...we did look serious listening to Roberta. I was amazed at all they do at Olbrich. I would immerse myself in this place if I lived close enough. As great as Olbrich was I was most happy about seeing your garden in person after reading about it for years. It didn't disappoint. Mark's photos do it justice. Good picture of the hatted ones.

[Kristin]

It sounds like a fun day, and now I have more garden blogs to follow! Thank you!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Lisa — ​It does make a difference to see the gardens we read about in person. Glad it met your expectations. I love the phrase "the hatted ones." Have to figure out where I can use it.

[Loree / danger garden]

How fun! I am lucky to live in an area with a bunch of bloggers who get together frequently. Good to see others doing the same.

[Susie]

Wonderful opportunity for you and other gardeners to have a meet-up like this. Nice to put faces to blogs also.

[Linda from Each Little World]

/susie — ​I think putting faces to blogs is the best part of these events. But I have trouble remembering people's real names because I think of them and their blog as one and the same.

[Peter/Outlaw]

What fun to gather with other garden bloggers and play! Glad you enjoyed the day.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Cute post! I need to catch up with blog visits. (I had a presentation on Friday and a conference on Sunday, plus work ... anyway ...) Great coverage. We had a fun day. Thanks for inviting us to your garden--it's amazing!

[Linda from Each Little World]

It was fun! And thanks for the compliment.