And the Winner Is . . . .

It’s time to announce the winner of the contest to name my little patch of paradise.  Choosing was tougher than I expected.  I’m amazed at the number of entries I received, all of which, I might add, were excellent.

Anna, a/k/a Flower Garden Girl, came up with Rambling Rose.  Pretty and sweet, just like her.  Her blog is down right now so unfortunately, I can’t link to her.

Windsong, promoted by my Tennessee friend, Gail of Clay and Limestone, seemed the winner of the popular vote.  I love it, but every time I spoke it, the commercial for the perfume kept running through my mind.  Does anyone else remember that commercial, or am I just dating myself?

Cindy, who writes From My Corner of Katy, voted for Rock Rose Gardens, a play of words on rose rocks, which are found only in Oklahoma.  I loved it.

LaDonna thought of Gaillardia, which is Oklahoma’s State Wildflower, but alas, the Gaylord family appears to have that one all wrapped up with their housing addition, and I don’t want to tangle with them.

Kim from Cannas and Bananas suggested Rose Song, which is beautiful, or Red Dirt Digs, and Mary, writing from The View from Here, proposed Red Dirt Retreat.  I love the idea of a retreat, but I’m afraid I overuse Red Dirt as it is, so perhaps not.

Mr. McGregor’s Daughter, whom I’ve followed from my blog’s humble beginnings, was in a Halloween mood with her alien pumpkin, and she thought Rosewell or Roswell would be great.  Umm, I don’t think so, although I love her sense of humor.

Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening and another fellow Plurkette, loves my lakeview, and thus suggested that name.  Very peaceful, like her.

Liisa in Vermont pondered along the same lines with Lakehaven or Tranquil Lake, both excellent names too.

However, the winner of the contest, (and she will be so pleased because she is quite the competitor) is Carol from May Dreams Gardens.  She suggested Red Dirt Rose Haven.  Shortened to Rosehaven, it is the perfect name for my very English garden with wild, Oklahoma, prairie plants. When HH and I drew the plans for Rosehaven, we composed it in the English cottage style with a diamond-grid format and arbors at each entrance.  Over ten years later, it is filled to overflowing with roses, and more may be planted in spring.  It is also a haven for me and all of the animals and insects who call it home.

Thank you all for playing.  It was great fun.  Carol, write and give me your address, and the two books will be on their way.