Oh, happy day! It’s Red Dirt Ramblings’ tenth blogiversary! My first post, Why a Blog? was published on October 7, 2007. It seems like a lifetime ago, and yet, also, only like yesterday. I remember my hands shaking as I hit the publish button for the first time. This little blog and writer have come a long way since then so I think we should celebrate. Don’t you?
The lovely people at Garden Design magazine are giving my readers a year-long subscription to their wonderful publication starting with the Autumn 2017 issue. If you don’t want to wait to see if you’ll win, here’s a link to subscribe today.
Photo by Georgianna Lane
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Garden Design, here are some details.
There are no ads in Garden Design. Surprising, but true. Stories are detailed, and the photography is beautiful. Each issue is large–148 pages–full of themed articles and photographs. Grab something good to drink and take your time to enjoy each issue.
In this post are photographs from the current issue. These photographs are from professional photographers. I kept Garden Design’s captions to keep things simple and make sure each photographer gets his/her due. For example, the photo, above, was taken by my friend, Saxon Holt, who takes exquisite photographs that speak to my soul.
Photo by Clive Nichols
Rules of the road
Here’s how our giveaway will work.
- Comment below and tell me why you’d like to win, and how long you’ve been reading my blog. I’d love to also hear what you’d like to see in the future. You’re also welcome to share it through Facebook and Twitter if you want. If you don’t, that’s fine too.
- The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. Only one entry per person.
- The contest will run from today until October 24, 2017, at Noon. The winner will be announced at the end of this post on that day so check back if you’re interested.
- I’ll also contact the winner via email so no anonymous entries please. I will need your email address too. It will not be published. It is part of the comment form.
- Please also indicate in your comment if you do or don’t want to be subscribed to future RDR posts. If you’re already a subscriber, let me know that too.
- One lucky winner will receive a 1-year subscription (4 issues) of Garden Design starting with the Autumn 2017 issue. The contest is only open to continental U.S. residents.
Look for another fun giveaway in a couple of weeks from another company I know and love.
Also, if you haven’t already subscribed to my posts, please fill out the form in the sidebar. With the way social media currently works–weighted upon a monetary design and click-bait-like controversy–you probably won’t see any of my posts unless you sign up. If you’d like to talk more about that someday, let me know.
One more thing, I didn’t receive any compensation for this post. I didn’t ask for any. I just wanted to celebrate this month with all of you, my readers. You make this blog possible, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
UPDATE: Sandra Schwinn is our winner. For those of you who don’t know her, Sandra is a butterfly expert in Oklahoma. She won the random number generator with her comment. Go Sandra!
Congratulations Dee! I stumbled upon your blog a year ago, and always been delighted with your writing & garden ramblings. Thank you for sharing the beauty of what you do.
Happy blogiversary, Dee. I’ve followed your blog since the Blotanical days — I started mine just one year after you. I never miss a post, through my Blogger feed, although I don’t always comment. I’d love a subscription to Garden Design again — I let mine go (and several other gardening magazines) because of the cost since I retired. I don’t have suggestions for future postings — just keep the wonderful information and photos coming! Wishing you another ten years! P. x
Happy Blogiversary! I’m not familiar with Garden Design magazine but the few pictures you did share were awe inspiring. I would love to unwind after a long day looking through the magazine.
Ten years is an eternity in Blog Years!
I also remember the nervousness, writing and publishing that first post.
Congratulations for sticking with it, for finding new things to share with every post, and for including us in the Red Dirt world.
I can’t tell you how much I would love to win this magazine. I’m 53 years old and I just recently moved to Ada Oklahoma and I don’t exactly have a green time I’d call it more like a yellow thumb but gardening with my flowers is my at most favorite thing to do. Again thanks for the chance and hope you pick me
Congratulations on your blogaversary, Dee! I think your blog was one of the first I read back when I started mine in 2008. So many of the bloggers I used to read back then have given it up, so I admire anyone who has stuck with it this long. And, of course, I always enjoy your writing and invariably learn something new from it. Maybe one of these days I’ll take a detour on our way to visit the grandbabies in Texas and get to see your beautiful garden in person!
I am so impressed! Congratulations. You are a true role model and totally cool garden friend!
Dee I LOVE your blog! I’ve been a subscriber from the first minute I found out about it! It’s amazing to receive gardening advice from someone who actually lives in Oklahoma and understands our crazy climate and soil, but it’s even better to receive gardening advice from a soulful, insightful and generous gardener. Thanks, Dee, and congratulations!
Why, I’d like to win simply because I love gardens, and books! I’ve been reading your blog so long that I can’t remember, probably back to the days of Blotanical. Is that what it was called?
I would love to win the publication Garden Design. I have been following you since spring this year.
I would like to win because I am 60 years old and just getting started to learn about gardening.
Hi Dee! I love your blog and have been reading your posts for about 3 years, although I’m not currently a subscriber. How awesome to have been blogging for 10 years!! I would like to win a subscription to GD because their garden photography inspires me to keep shooting as that’s the best way to learn and grow as a photographer.
Congrats! I am new to your blog but I love recipes of homegrown items or homemade. This looks like an excellent publication for our family. Thank you
Congrats on 10 years of sharing your gardening experiences with us. I have been following for at least half of this time after finding your name on a speakers roster. Keep it coming! Yes, I would love the subscription if I am lucky enough to be drawn. Blessings from ND.
Congratulations, Dee! I always love reading your blog even though I’ve never even BEEN to Oklahoma. I don’t need to enter the contest but wanted to say way to go 🙂
You need to come visit Katie. I have a spare room.
Oh Dee, who wouldn’t want to win?! The magazine looks dreamy. I have enjoyed your blog since … 2010, I think. I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed your beautiful photography. Keep blogging, sister!
Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog right from its early days – when I was still in awe that one could ‘speak’ with people right the other side of the world. It was very exciting. I ‘follow’ through blogger so every time you post, it pops up in my sidebar. (Doubt they’d send the magazine to England though!)
Hi Dee,
I’ve found the secret to responding to your posts….now, I just need to remember! Yes, I subscribe to your blog but, am not interested in the giveaway this time. Happy Tenth Blogaversary!
Reading your blog lifts my heart, Dee. The world is in such upheaval – it’s wonderful to come to your space and find such grounded wisdom and appreciation of simple beauty. Thank you for sharing with us.
xoxo
Thank you for sharing a little of your time and talent with us! congratulations on 10!!!
Have been enjoying your posts for 10 years, dear Dee. You are an amazing and talented woman and honored to be your friend. Yes, I would love to win a subscription to Garden Design, a wonderful and inspiring read. Happy 10th Blogiversary!
Congrats on your blogiversary. I’ve read the blog off and on for several years–not sure how long. I’m impressed that you find so much to write about.
Yay for 10 years of blogging! I started in July, 2017, so I’m just a bit ahead of you. What wonderful fun it has been.
I think I may have started reading your blog in 2008, which is when I started blogging. Or maybe in 2009 before the Chcago fling. It’s all a blur. I subscribed to GD for a while but would enjoy having a subscription again.
Congrats on 10 years! I’ve been reading for probably 3 years and I enjoy your posts! I consider myself an advanced beginner and you help answer a lot of my questions and give me confidence in my garden.
would love to win this giveaway – my local library carries it, and i’d love to have my own copy to mark up. at least two of the gardens featured this year have been in ohio. and i’ve been reading and highly enjoying your blog since 2/14. even though we garden in way different places, i learn a lot i can use here. –suz in northeast ohio
Garden Design is a beautiful magazine. I pick up a copy every now and then, to have a subscription would be amazing. I currently subscribe to your blog thru Feedly and I never miss a post! They are always so informative and beautifully laid out. Ive been reading for close to two years and really enjoy both your photography and voice. Thanks for the opportunity to win this gorgeous magazine and for your hard work in the garden and on the blog!
Happy Blogiversary Dee. It doesn’t seem like 10 years. I don’t know how long I have been reading your blog. I imagine it was close to the beginning. It has been a delight to get to know you through your blog and in person. Cheers…
Congrats on 10 years. I’ve been reading for about 8 years now, I think. I used to subscribe to Garden Design years ago, and would love to win a subscription.
Congratulation on 100 years. I enjoy your blog very much. I’m not really sure how long I’ve been reading your blog. Maybe since the first time you spoke at a Oklahoma County Master Gardener meeting.
Oops! Forgot to say that I would love to win the subscription to Garden Design magazine because design is not my strong point.
Congrats! I’ve read your blog for a few years now. I always love to learn about what you plant where, how and why BC I live in Tulsa and am new to gardening. Yes, I’d like to be on your mailing list.
Congrats! This is a big deal!! I just started my blog this year and hands still tremble. Ha! I’ve been a consistent reader for over a year. Came across your blog when I was searching for help. I had trouble growing some flowers and got the help I needed. Hydrangeas to be exact. I love soaking up knowledge about gardening (flowers, veggies, heirloom anything) so please keep sharing your wealth of knowledge. Here’s to another ten years!!
Gosh ten years. I think I’ve been with you since the beginning. Your posts are always educational and entertaining. I love getting your blog via email and Facebook. Thank you for offering this wonderful magazine to your readers.
How lovely and congrats on the anniversary!
My husband and I recently moved and we have a backyard now, but it’s on a hill and it hasn’t been loved in a long time. I can always use more inspiration and ideas for our slanted yard.
I love your blog. I spent many a summer in Copan, OK with my granddad. I know how hot your summers are! Congratulations on the great blog. I look forward to more in. the future.
Happy anniversary, Dee! I haven’t been around much lately; real life has a way of interfering with on-line life, but I have always enjoyed your posts, and hope you will continue for as long as you enjoy it.
Happy blogiversary!!
New to your blog and just signed up to subscribe for it!. I do some local garden designing and would always like to have more suggestions with the magazine. Don’t know what you’ve covered in the past but plan to look over past blogs to see if I may have any new requests.
I’ve been reading your blog since Jan 2014 and have enjoyed every single one! You don’t only have a way with plants, you also have a way with words! Always entertaining, educational and fun. Yours is one of the few blogs I always read. Thanks for being you — and blogging!
Congratulations on your 10th Blogiversry. I think I started reading your gardening blog either before or after the London/Paris trip. I so enjoy your blog. I would love to win as I like reading about designs for the garden and really all garden magazines. Would like to try this one.
I love Garden Design Magazine for ideas. I don’t have a subscription, but I get their email, so I imagine the magazine is even better. I’ve been a reader for 5 years. Happy Anniversary! I love when you show how to different garden chores, and your plant combo ideas.
Yeah, 10th Blogiversery!???? I think I started reading your blog before or after the London/Paris trip. Love gardening magazines and have not yet seen this one. Love design ideas for the garden. Congratulations ?to you on number 10.
Congratulations! Love the blog and I’ve been following you for a year or so. I’ve never subscribed to the magazine but I can see myself sitting down with a cup of coffee and read cover to cover! The kind of magazine where we cherish each issue and hoard them away for future reference. Thank you, and hope you’re around at least 10 more!
Congratulations. And yes, I read your blog. I love learning about garden design and they have some amazing projects featured in their magazine. Maybe I will be lucky enough to win a subscription.
Wow congratulations. What an exciting accomplishment. We are so proud of you, as I’m sure you are too. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years bring!!!
Congratulations on your blogiversary. I believe I’ve been reading your blog almost since the very first post or shortly thereafter. It was my lucky day to find your blog and YOU!
Forgot to post comment. Opps i admire your wisdom and knowledge and just want you to kmow that you are an amazing women. Love you.
I’ve been reading your blog since I first heard about you from Barbara Chadwick MG when I became a master gardener i’ve visited your garden on one of the connoisseur tours and we both graduated from Northwest Classen go Knights!!!