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
Dec 7, 2007
Oops? Clarification...
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18 comments:
Hey, I think you are being too hard on yourself! I don't think anyone took offense to your comment. M. Sinclair just speaks her mind, but she rarely takes offense. Plus, I think she was making a more general comment about the discussion as a whole ;)
Your concern is a legitimate one and hence why I felt it needed to be discussed.
BTW, are you on YouGrowGirl.com or read the book? Gayla started the site/book because she feels the same way about the isolation of younger gardeners.
Thanks for liking my blog, Katie - and for the heads-up on Hanna's post...she's in my bloglines but it didn't show up.
You were speaking of your own experience - the way any of us relates to our existence. I can't help filtering everything through what I've experienced either. And Suburban Hippie is a good term for lots of people around Austin!
Too bad Seattle is so far from CA - my daughter is one of those avid young gardeners you'd like to meet.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hanna - Yeah I know. It's one of the major flaws I have that I'm trying really hard to work on. It's been a mixed bag week for most of the garden blogs I read with content scraping issues and then this turned into something kind of negative and I was really shocked - VERY unlike the folks who's blogs I read. But I appreciated the link on your site and the commentary. It sounds like some real good came out of the whole thing.
Annie - Your's is one of the best, my friend! This whole situation has me thinking that I bet there is people like me (Hanna pointed that one out) and I just need to find them. So it begins!
I think I "got" the point you were trying to make on my blog, and I certainly didn't take offense. Just want to make that clear. I saw Hanna's post before people commented on it and didn't even realize there had been further discussion.
Huh wah...... I was following that discussion line... But didn't see a prob' about anything that was written by anyone, they were all fair comments. But I'm in the middle age wise.
Just keep going girl.I certainly enjoy reading what you comment on.
Kathy - Thanks for the great post! I thought most of the comments were great, but I think what I said as a parallel to your concern was taken out of context by some. I just wanted to clear that up. (aka. Most people got it, but because of a couple people, I felt the need to explain).
bbg - Yeah I know - I think I may have read too much into a couple things. That'll happen online I guess. I have no intention of stopping what I'm doing for sure!
Haha,
Who knew there was a trouble maker beneath that innocent looking kid exterior. LOL.
Now I have to see the flame war you accidentally started.
Katie, I found your blog from a link to Annie in Austin - who has the BEST links to garden blogs ever.
I love your "punk gardener" and don't think it's an oxymoron. I also love that you have a generous definition of gardener in the first place. I have a friend who has a front yard full of neglected weeds and she calls it a habitat.
As for your lament about young gardeners, I share it. I volunteer in a public veggie garden and I'm amazed when elementary school tours stop by and kids can't imagine what the carrot plant is until they dig it up. Then they're delighted.
Hey I'm young, aren't I? Well, I'm gonna have to go read all this stuff elsewhere. I agree though--whenever and "older" "gardener" talks to me about gardening, they're surprised to hear I am--and that I know a thing or two. I know only middle-aged people who garden, esp in the burbs.
Hi Katie,
I think you made valid points at both Kathy and Hanna's blogs, and you know I feel the same way about wanting to find more gardenbloggers our age. It's been a great discussion, and I'm actually relieved to have found several younger gardenbloggers. It's helping reassure me that we're not such a tiny group after all, and that other people our age are just as passionate about gardening as we are.
Hi Katie,
I'm also one of the "younger" garden bloggers mentioned in Annie's list - just wanted to say 'hi' and introduce myself. I think you made a fair comment - it's an observation I've often shared. Love your blog. Keep up the good work!
mbt - Trouble is my middle name. Just ask my husband.
sore - Habitat. I love it! I don't think that would go over too well with my uppity neighbors though...oh well. It only takes the seed of imagination (and unplugging the TV) for kids to become interested in something like gardening!
Benjamin - I keep hearing that it has to do with young people can't afford homes....blah blah blah. Well nearly ALL of my 20-something friends own homes in this crazy CA real estate market, so that CAN'T explain everything...Apparently this issue hit a nerve with some folks. Oh well, I'll just continue playing in the dirt!
Colleen - Now only if we can find people within local range, we can start gardening circles! I live for that day...
HP - I just feel like I kinda got a bad wrap because I generalized. But people have told me they feel the same way, so I don't feel as stupid anymore. But that doesn't stop people from turning this positive into a negative. Oh well. Thanks for visiting.
I didn't see anything remotely offensive, so it either wasn't that bad or it was removed. I guess they don't call you a punk for nothing. But thanks for linking the post - it was interesting. And to my surprise, I was mentioned!!! hee hee. Thanks for commenting on my garden plans. I liked your plans too! Those raised beds will be so nice.
Kind of exciting getting all these comments, huh? Sometimes I would post something that was slightly controversial and fret about it all night. Yet, in the light of the new day it turns out it wasn't so controversial and I have yet to receive a really negative comment.
Your absolutely right about younger people and gardening. My industry has itself all tied up in worry knots about this very issue.
Hanna is correct. Don't be to hard on your self.
Continue to speak up!
just to let you know. I am a younger gardener.. I am 34, I still think that is pretty darn young. Not offended, just setting you straight! ;) I had my very first garden in my own house, my hubby and I bought in Boise, Idaho way back when I was 23.
wicked - yeah I know, I'm oversensitive, especially given the fact I'm getting a lot of traffic for it. No publicity is bad publicity I suppose!!
Trey - yep! I've never felt so important in my whole life. It's quite fun actually! I didn't think what I said was all that controversial either...but thanks for the tip. And don't worry, the more traffic I get the more it makes me want to write and post everyday!
Dirty - "young" is all in the mind. I'll probably still feel (and look) young at 50. Also, young is relative to what age you are... the concept of "young" tends to creep up in age as you have more birthdays. I appreciate the advice of folks who have been around and done things I'm just getting into. That's where I get lots of great advice. Keep up the great work!
Oversensitive? Now look who is reading into things! The thought never crossed my mind. I just wondered if they took off the good dirt before I got to it! :) Besides, if it gets my blog as much traffic as yours is getting, I'll start leaving nasty comments on blogs. Ya' know, Whatever works!
wicked - I didn't leave a nasty comment! I promise. But a comment taken perhaps out of context...yes. :0) Either way, let the parade begin!
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