Oops? Clarification...

I got into the world of garden blogging because a) I wanted to keep an online journal for myself, b) I wanted to share things I learn that might help other folks, and by way of a and b have realized that c) the garden blogging community is a wonderful group of people that d) has TONS of information to share.

I made a comment on a blog about why older gardeners don’t blog because I was mentioned by Annie from Austin (someone who I admire and who’s blog I really enjoy reading) as a "younger generation gardener." I threw my hat into the ring and commented that I found it interesting that someone in an older generation had a concern that paralleled the one I have – I know so few “younger” people who garden and it frightens me. I thought the parallels of our concerns were valid and interesting.

Perhaps my comment wasn't as clear as I'd hoped it would be. Hanna from This Garden is Illegal posted about the issue as well, and my comment lead a few people to misinterpret what I meant. Understandable. Let me explain:

1) My comment was intended to be an expression of a concern I have as a younger generation gardener that mirrored that of the original author, but in an ironic and interesting way. It was the exact reason I listed when I started my blog last year (See short, sweet to the point 12/16/06 post and manifesto).

2) My comment was NOT intended to flame or accuse anyone of anything. I apologize if it was taken as such.

3) I generalized, perhaps incorrectly, because we know only 1 other couple “our age” – if you will - (25-35) that garden AT ALL - that is landscape and or have a garden of any kind besides grass that is occasionally mowed. I may not know a whole lot of people, but by way of percentages, I would presume more folks I personally know would be more interested. Maybe I need to meet some new people with similar interests?

4) I find it interesting that some folks consider “gardener” a label only befitting that of someone who keeps a meticulous garden and knows a lot about plants. Hell, I couldn't even begin to tell you the Latin names of my plants! People need to give themselves more credit! If you’re stuck on the "label" issue, why not Gardening Apprentice? I consider myself a Suburban Hippie – and like to have fun with labels and titles! (Oxymorons are awesome and tend to be my favorite – GardenPunks and Suburban Hippie for example…. )

I apologize for making generalizing statements that were misinterpreted by some folks. I hope this post goes towards helping you understand where I was coming from.

I think anyone who reads my blog even occasionally understands that I am not a negative person and rarely post a negative blog. I try to be as positive and warm as possible (and try really hard at humor…but sometimes I fail miserably). I also try to keep the mood light. With everything going on these days, the last thing I need to do is start garden blog wars!

Sorry folks.

Katie

EDIT 10/02/09 - I wrote this post when I was still learning the etiquette of blogging and figuring out my own voice.  I'm far more confident in my voice now.  I'm no longer a single voice in the crowd trying to play nice.  I'm not as naive as when I wrote this.  But here I was apologizing for generalizations I may have made.  I think there are some folks out there that need to do the same today.