• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Red Dirt Ramblings®

Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Speaking
  • Garden Coaching
  • Contact
  • My Gardens
    • The Back Garden
    • The Potager
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Orchid from the Atlanta Botanic Garden. I felt like we bloomed the same at the conference

So, I’ve been traveling, doing garden things

Orchid from the Atlanta Botanic Garden. I felt like we bloomed the same at the conference
Orchid from the Atlanta Botanic Garden. I felt like we both bloomed at the conference.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Tulsa and Ft. Worth for confabs with such lovely gardeners. I also attended the Garden Bloggers Conference in Atlanta. I’m on the advisory board, but I had few expectations when I boarded the plane. I knew the Digital Sherpa folks from talking on the phone and emails, but we’d never met in person. Still, I liked their vision for blogging, and the speaker lineup they assembled was mighty.

In all this time, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never heard plantsman, Dan Hinkley, speak. Maybe, because I live in the center of the country, and I’ve missed the few opportunities he’s been here. His self-deprecating, Lutheran, midwestern humor was great, and no one knows more about plants. From him, I also learned to add video and sound to presentations. They give a depth and dimension not already in mine.  What a humble guy for all he’s done for our garden world!

Teresa O’Connor from Seasonal Wisdom, along with a great panel of bloggers, including Robin Horton from Urban Gardens, Matt Mattus from Growing with Plants and Rochelle Greayer from Studio g were inspiring.

Why do we need inspiration?

Teresa O'Connor, Robin Horton and I on break at the conference.
Teresa O’Connor, Robin Horton and I on break at the conference.

Folks, blogging is hard whether you just started or have done it awhile. I’ve blogged since 2007, and writing a book this summer has taken a toll. My mind is tired. I needed inspiration, and the bloggers were full of ideas. It’s not easy to share your story/passion, week after week. So, to my generous friends and readers, thank you for sharing and reading.

Later, the Digital Sherpas spoke. I’m joking, calling them sherpas, but they did work as guides taking us up a mountain slope. You can see the entire lineup of speakers on the garden bloggers website. I expected a professional conference, and I hoped to learn something, but I gained so much more. I think I’m pretty good at SEO, social media and other professional blogging tools, but things are constantly changing. I came home with a mind swirling with ideas along with a full heart. I met such wonderful bloggers like:

  • Mary Louise Hagler of MLCH Gardening who runs this amazing Flower Camp every year. Why didn’t I ever get to go to Flower Camp? That’s what I want to know.
  • Carmen Stanek Johnston who is a lifestyle expert for the Southern Living plant collection and has her own blog too.
  • Whitney Curtis of the Curtis Casa who also blogs for Better Home and Gardens.
  • Ilona Erwin, who’s blogged for much longer than I. We’ve chatted over the virtual fence forever. She’s as lovely in person as on her blog.
  • Nancy Wallace, of Wallace Gardens who tweets with me all the time.

 

Group shot of new friends, from left Whitney Curtis, Sandra Fenstermacher, Carmen Stanek Johnston and Mary Louise Hagler.
Group shot of new friends, from left Whitney Curtis, Sandra Fenstermacher, Carmen Stanek Johnston, Mary Louise Hagler and two more lovely ladies from Georgia. As soon as they make contact, I’ll list their blogs too.

No wonder, I’m still smiling. I’m sure I forgot someone. If so, I’m terribly sorry. I’ve only now descended from a mountaintop, and it’s back to work on the book. Please go and check out some of my new and old friends’ links. I love great blogs and great gardens because they’re filled with people like you.

 

Previous Post
Next Post

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

Related

5 October, 2013 By Dee Nash

Filed Under: Gardening

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pam/Digging

    11 October, 2013 at 1:02 am

    I’ve never heard Dan speak either — I think we’re too far from the PacNW! But I do hope to hear him one day. I’m very intrigued to know what he said about incorporating video and sound into your presentations. Would you consider writing a post to share what you learned on this topic?

    • Dee Nash

      11 October, 2013 at 7:53 am

      Hi Pam, it wasn’t what he said. He mostly talked about his life, the nursery, his childhood, etc. It was just that he used video very effectively in his talk. When he would describe areas of his childhood in the Midwest, he would incorporate video clips into the talk. Later, he showed where he and his partner now garden. The sounds of the ocean and the property with wind were mesmerizing. I just realized how much video with sound can add to your program.~~Dee

  2. debra

    6 October, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    thanks for sharing, Dee~ Those folks were lucky to have your involvement – and your expertise! I wish you a little bit of recovery from the book odyssey. It’s a challenge. When I write books, I am sometimes lucky to get one or maybe two posts written for my blog each month. The immense burst of creativity that comes AFTER one turns in her manuscript is quite a surprise, actually! I know you’ll experience that very soon!

  3. Matt Mattus

    6 October, 2013 at 9:59 am

    Oh Dee, you too are SO inspiring! Thank you for all the nice things you’ve been saying. Gosh, I wish I could write an well, and as thoughtful as you do! I too never saw Daniel Hinkley speak, but I have read all of his books, and I have an (almost) complete set of the old Heronswood Nursery catalogs in my library ( talk about inspiration). I can’t wait to see you ( and everyone else) again at the next awesome event!

  4. Anonymous

    6 October, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Wish we could have connected after the lectures, my bad. Had a big job going in and big bids going out. Crazy time. Just glad I made it to the conference !

    Another time…for sure.

    Loved, most, connecting in person with fellow garden bloggers. Was shocked at the average age in the room.

    We will be much better if they jump in a blog too. Their collective wisdom.

    XO T

  5. Marie at the Lazy W

    5 October, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Wonderful!! I whole heartedly support anything that refills your well, that recharges your heart. I’m glad you found it, sweet Dee, and I’m sure you were that same inspiration for others on these trips. Maybe one day ill get to go too! much love to you! Thanks for sharing so much with us. XOXOXOXO

    • Anonymous

      5 October, 2013 at 9:35 pm

      Well said, Marie!

  6. Linda Lehmusvirta

    5 October, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    I’m so sorry I missed it, since you are so right: it’s wonderful to learn and be inspired by others. Love all your information and happy authorship!

    • Dee Nash

      5 October, 2013 at 6:38 pm

      I’m sorry you missed it too. We’ll both go next year.

  7. Teresa @ Seasonal Wisdom

    5 October, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Believe me, Dee. You inspire all of us too. 😉 Thanks so much for serving on the board and helping to bring about such a great conference. It was a pleasure to participate and attend, so I could meet all these interesting bloggers and journalists too. I learned so much that I’m STILL going through my notes. After the busy summer you’ve had … be sure to schedule some rest too. All best!

    • Dee Nash

      5 October, 2013 at 6:39 pm

      Ah, so you are thinking of rest. Just let me get through this last part of the writing, and I sure will. Days and days. Gotta plant those bulbs. Wait . . . that isn’t rest.

  8. Lisa at Greenbow

    5 October, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    You are oh so right about inspiration for blog fodder. I am not the writer that you are and I struggle. I sure hope you are inspired to blog because I learn so much in such a friendly way. Flower camp would have been good for me too.

    • Dee Nash

      5 October, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      Maybe we should go to flower camp together?? That would be such fun Lisa.

Trackbacks

  1. So, I've been traveling, doing garden things - ... says:
    5 October, 2013 at 10:13 am

    […] A couple of weeks ago I traveled to Tulsa and Ft. Worth for confabs with such lovely gardeners. I also attended the Garden Bloggers Conference in Atlanta.  […]

Primary Sidebar

About Dee

Hi, I’m Dee, a professional garden writer and speaker born and raised in Oklahoma. Here you’ll find all my best dirt on gardening and travel. Welcome!

Read More

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

Subscribe Here To RDR Updates.


* indicates required
Email Format

Garden Coaching

Garden Coaching

Grow a beautiful and manageable garden with personalized pointers from Dee!

Learn More

Give my podcast a listen!

Our podcast logo! The Gardenangelists.

Search me baby!

Blogs I Dig

  • Clay and Limestone–TN
  • Cold Climate Gardening–NY
  • Each Little World
  • Growing With Plants
  • May Dreams Gardens–IN
  • Plant Postings–WI
  • Redeem Your Ground
  • Rock Rose–AZ
  • The Garden Diary
  • Toronto Gardens–Canada

Red Dirt Sisters

  • Curtiss Ann Matlock
  • The Not Always Lazy W

Footer

Popular Categories

  • Basics
  • Color
  • Featured
  • Garden Design
  • Gardening
  • Lifestyle
  • Oklahoma
  • Perennials
  • Roses
  • Summer
  • Reviews

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Let’s bring back the Monarchs

Let’s bring back the Monarchs
For more info about speaking, visit my speaker's page!

Dear Friend and Gardener

Join our virtual garden club and share all summer

Join our virtual #garden club and share all #summer

Disclosure Notice

Red Dirt Ramblings participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and its affiliates.

Occasionally, I also accept some garden items for review. If I review one of these items, I will let you know in the post. Thank you.

Copyright © 2025 · Privacy Policy Sitemap

© Copyright 2023 Reddirtramblings.com · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Sitemap

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...