Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thanks to the gardeners at Blotanical


Palm House on the Pfaueninsel near Potsdam, c.1832-1834
Karl Blechen (1798-1840)*

When I go to the Blotanical website I feel like I'm walking into a huge conservatory. It's a protected space, full of varied plants, with all the world climates represented.

And the company can't be beat! I've met many kindly, expert gardeners there in my first year of blogging, and feel fortunate to be part of a generous community.

Now we're in the annual award season at Blotanical and I want to thank the thoughtful friends who nominated my blog for special mention. It's a thrill for me each time one of you reads my blog, and I'm gratified to think you've enjoyed it.

It's especially nice to be in the Best California Blog category with my neighbor and delightful friend, Pomona Belvedere of Tulips in the Woods; charming Alice of Bay Area Tendrils; the fun native plant missionaries Town Mouse and Country Mouse; and (new to me) Cindee of Cindee's Garden. A wonderful bunch of gals, each with a distinctive voice.

Apparently there was a miscount in the votes because I also ended up in the Garden Blog of the Year category. It's flattering in the extreme to be in the same row with Frances of Faire Garden, Gail from Clay and Limestone, James of Blogging from Blackpitts, and Catherine from A Gardener in Progress. Golly. Made my week.

So deepest thanks for giving the old Daff a boost, and huzzahs to Stuart for constructing this online building where we can all meet. My life, in and out of the garden, is richer because of you.

(If you'd like to know more about the wonders of Blotanical, here's a post I wrote about it last winter.)


*Karl Blechen was a leading landscape painter in 19th century Germany. He came late to art, abandoning his job as a bank clerk, and quickly rose to prominence and a professorship at the Berlin Academy. His style evolved from Romantic to Naturalistic before his early death. This painting is in the collection at the Kunsthalle in Hamburg, Germany.

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21 comments:

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

Congratulations to you for your nominations! Blotanical is like a giant conservatory, I never thought of it in that way, but it's true. Good luck!!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Great description! Congrats to you! Hard to believe you have been blogging only a year! Sure have enjoyed your postings.

Joanna said...

yay! i love your blog. good luck!

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

Congratulations and good luck... ~bangchik

Karen - An Artist's Garden said...

Congratulations on your nominations.
And Good luck

What a wonderful description of blotanical.
K

AJ said...

Does anyone know how we can nominate this blog for a Webby? That is the on-line equivalent of an academy award. This blog is indeed a bright spot of color in my rather pedantic on-line life.

Astrid

Frances said...

Oh my goodness, I thought that was a photograph and wondered about the birth and death dates underneath, maybe they were the guy who built it! You deserve to be nominated for all the categories, old Daff, HA. And thanks for the link love. Blotanical is an amazing resource for those who wish to find gardening blogs and make friends with like minded folks. Good luck in the awards. We do feel in it a high honor just to be nominated, out of 1500 blogs! Imagine! :-)
Frances

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Catherine, Janet, Bangchik and Karen--Thank you and many congratulations on your own nominations!

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Josie, Thanks for your kind words!

Astrid, You are so nice!

Frances, I remember the first time I saw your blog and just about fell off my chair--a photo of witch hazel, so stunning. Thank you for the warmth you give to the Blotanical community. And congratulations on your own nominations!

Gail said...

Daffodil Planter~ What a treat to have you stop by C&L~~that Blue Sage would love being in your garden! I know of one California nursery that carries it! Congratulations on your nominations~~I wish there was a category for Best Blog Post...'cause those gardener's arms would have garnered another category! Thank you for the link and good luck in the awards. gail

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Gail, I never have enough blue or lavender in the garden, and would love to have the name of the CA nursery. Wondering if it is Hand to Flower, a nearby salvia specialist? Glad you like the arm exercises. I think Gen of North Coast Gardening is correct; we are all buff, just have covered up that muscle with some Ben & Jerry's. Good luck to your wonderful blog in the awards.

ryan said...

I was thinking of the blotanical awards as a cage match, but a conservatory sounds much friendlier. Good luck, it's well deserved.

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Ryan, Ha! Cage match? "Garden writers choose your weapons, Felcos or weedeaters"--something like that?

Town Mouse said...

Congratulations! Yes, aren't the awards exciting? We're thrilled just to be in the running.

I really do wish there'd been a Funniest Blog award, I'm quite sure you'd have one that one easily. But who knows, maybe it will Garden Blog of the Year.

Good luck!

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

TM, Your lips to God's (or Stuart's) ear on that new humor category please! Indeed it is a huge compliment to be nominated and I do appreciate it. Very nice to be with chums, online and off; Pomona comes here to lunch on Thursday. Best to both Mice!

Debbie said...

DP,

Congratulations on the nomination. I'm so pleased I found your blog; it is very funny and irreverent. Hard to beleve you've only be at it for a year.

Good luck.

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Welcome Debbie! So glad that Gen steered me to your beautiful landscape design blog in CT. Great to read about someone else who is dealing with deer. Glad we are on the same wavelength in several ways.

Jan said...

Hi DP...you and your blog are a great addition to Blotanical! I remember when we first met, I really enjoyed your posts and your humor (and still do!). I need to try to get over here more often! Good luck to you and congrats!

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Jan, Thank you so much! I too remember getting to know you (I was pulled in by that poodle photo, in addition to the gardening). I'm delighted with the recognition for your blog, and wish you good luck! You're an important part of the Blotanical community.

Bay Area Tendrils said...

DP

Wowsa! Snagging a well-deserved Blog of the Year nomination on Blotanical - best of Luck, my friend!!

And no fisticuffs for the California spot, o.k.? My attempt at humor ;~)
btw, Thanks for the kind mention.... Hugs (corny, huh!) Alice

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Alice, Thank you, and congratulations on your many nominations! How about if the California winner buys drinks for the also-rans when we all meet at last? One of these garden shows it's sure to happen.