Meet TS and Come See the Rest of the Garden...

Friday, July 29, 2016

Party at the Casa! Are You Coming?

I'm having a party and you're invited! I'm hosting the 2017 Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling and I want you to come! The 2017 Fling is open to garden bloggers from around the world and will feature amazing gardens in Washington DC, northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. It's going to be awesome!




Here's the scoop:

What are the dates/times and who can come?

We begin at 6 pm on Thursday, June 22 and end at 8 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2017  Any garden blogger with a blog at least six months old by the registration date that contains a minimum of one post written on or after April 15, 2016 is welcome to join us.

What do you do at the Fling?

Think of the Fling as the ultimate garden tour. You'll be surrounded by other gardeners as passionate about gardening as you are. Bloggers are interesting, intelligent, creative people and visiting gardens with them is an incredible experience. Have you ever wondered about the people behind your favorite blogs? This is your chance to meet them! 


Enjoying lunch by a lake at the 2016 Minneapolis Fling. Photo by Helen Battersby

Ok, so what are we going to do at the Capital Region Fling?

We'll be visiting the amazing Smithsonian gardens along the National Mall in Washington DC. You'll have several hours to self-tour this area which will probably include a bathroom break in one of our world famous museums.  We'll also be visiting the incredible US Botanic Garden as well as a few other fabulous DC gardens. Did you know there's an urban "farm" right in the middle of DC?

In Maryland and northern Virginia, we'll be exploring amazing private and public gardens as well as visiting a very cool local winery. There will also be an opportunity to shop at one of the premier nurseries in our area. Check out this interactive story map for a sneak peek into our itinerary!




There are twelve Smithsonian gardens along the National Mall. 




What is the Capital Region?

The Capital Region includes the surrounding suburbs outside DC that are home to most of the people who keep the nation's capital running. DC is a small city and doesn't have enough space to house everybody who works there. Waking up in Virginia, commuting into DC, and then popping into Maryland is very common. Believe it or not, you'll probably lose track of what state we're in while you're here. One of the unique characteristics of the Capital Region is its geographic diversity. Within 45 miles of the White House you can find numerous historic towns such as Arlington, Alexandria, and Annapolis, world class wineries, beautiful farm land, and views of the Chesapeake Bay and Blue Ridge mountains.   


Did you know there's a house in Maryland with a sidewalk in DC?

When can I register and how much does it cost?

Registration opens at noon (Eastern time) on Saturday, October 15, 2016. The cost is $300 and is payable through all major credit cards. Registration is expected to fill up quickly so mark your calendar so you don't forget! 

How do I register?

As soon as registration opens, send an email to the Capital Region Fling committee that includes the following info: Your name, how old your blog is, and a link to your blog. We'll quickly confirm that your blog meets the registration criteria and will send you a response with a link to our invitation-only Eventbrite site to register for the Fling. Once you've registered through Eventbrite and your payment has been processed, you're all set! 

Where can I find this information?

About two weeks before registration opens, I'll post a reminder on my blog. There will also be information available on the Garden Bloggers Fling webpage and in the Facebook group. I'll post the email you'll use to contact us on October 1 but won't begin responding until noon (Eastern time), Saturday, October 15. To make it fair for everyone early registration isn't an option unless you have previously sponsored a Fling. 


What does my registration fee cover?

Your fee covers the expenses related to the Fling including admission and transportation to each garden, fresh from the farm appetizers at our Welcome! party on Thursday night, and lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as dinner on Sunday. You will pay for your transportation to the Fling and your hotel expenses. We're staying at a beautiful Hyatt at the Reston Town Center and have been given a special Fling-only room rate. There will be multiple opportunities to win incredible door prizes supplied by our sponsors so leave some space in your suitcase for all the swag.


We'll be traveling in air conditioned comfort thanks to the luxury coaches and mini-buses of Reston Limo.

Are we going to be visiting your garden?

Yes! While my garden doesn't compare to the others we'll be visiting, it's my pleasure to welcome you to the Casa! I hope to see you there.



Are you coming?


73 comments:

  1. That sounds like a blast!!! There is nothing more beautiful than a bunch of gardens coming together! I wish I could go but I'll be on a birding trek that month. Keep up the great work!

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  2. I hope I can make it! I'm sure it will be amazing--especially since you're planning it, Tammy. :) Your story map is incredible, and obviously there are some awesome gardens in the Capital Region. Cheers!

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    1. Ya gotta be there! It wouldn't be the same without you!

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  3. You're so on the ball, Tammy! You know I'll be there.

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  4. Wow - I just checked out the story map. It looks like a great tour!

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    Replies
    1. The map only shows some of the private gardens. There are more!

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  5. Yes. Tammy, hope to see you there. susie

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  6. You've certainly got my attention here. I haven't been before but there might be a first time in 2017. :-)

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  7. I do hope, Tammy, but it depends on different circumstances. Thank you for your invitation!

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    1. There are several bloggers from the UK who are planning on attending. I hope you do, too!

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  8. Omg, yes, yes, yes! You had me at Smithsonian... But everything else you've described sounds amazing. You're doing such a great job at tackling such an enormous task - please let me know if you need any extra help on a personal level. Separate from my role at American Meadows, I am happy to contribute as just Jenny the garden writer!

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  9. You KNOW I'm gonna be there! Can't wait!!

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  10. You know I want to come. If you are at the helm it will be fantastic! No sense of direction whatsoever so likely to be the missing person when you do the bus head count-if I find my way out of the airport of course.

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks! If we lose you, we'll send out a search party!

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  11. Thanks for this post! I've already checked out the hotel, and looked at available flights. It'll be exciting to attend a fling after missing two years! Can't wait to see everyone!

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    1. The hotel and town center are wonderful! By planning early, everyone can keep an eye out for cheap flights.

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  12. Oh how exciting! One of these years I really want to make it to one of these. I doubt I will be able to make it to this one, but when the kids are a little older, for sure!

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    1. I think a Fling in Boston would be so fun! Maybe someone will plan one up your way.

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  13. Looks fantastic! - so fantastic that I wonder if there'll be any spots left after early registration. Fingers crossed!

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    1. Only about 10 people are eligible to register early so there will be plenty of spots left!

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  14. Wow, Tammy this looks awesome. I didn't have much time for garden tours when I lived in the area and this would be a chance to make up for it. Seriously considering it. Are you doing all this planning and hosting solo? I've had so many hints from other bloggers but being the only garden blogger in town seems daunting.

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    1. Thanks! There's no way I could do this alone! I have a group of amazing people working with me. I hope to see you at the Fling. :o)

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  15. All the dates are marked down on the calendar...actually, they were all marked down as soon as I was back from Minneapolis :) I can't, can't, can't wait!!

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  16. Why I KNOW I would not miss this for anything and so happy to be a part of it all!! You are awesome!!!

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  17. Sounds amazing! You know we'll be there!

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  18. Oh...how I wish I could be there!!!! It sounds utterly stunning, and it would be such a treat to meet you!xxx

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    1. You should come! We're expecting several bloggers from the UK.

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    2. I know....be sure I will one day!xx

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  19. That sounds like so much fun! It would be great to meet you and see your garden, as well as all the other amazing gardens in that area. One of these days I am going to make it to a fling!

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  20. Having never visited DC, this sounds like a fantastic chance to see its lovelier parts! I'll do my best to come!

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  21. This I must really consider. I have never been passed the Mississippi. I think I should go. Can a I bring a non blogging friend? What about hotel accommodations? I'll have to read more, but I think I'd like to do this! I'll get back to you.

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    1. The Fling is for bloggers only but you'll meet lots of new friends as soon as you arrive. I'll release info about the hotel rates after registration to those who have registered.

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    2. Looks fabulous. Very tempting..... Will think on this for a day or so. But I'm leaning yes.

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  22. Having just visited D.C. a couple of weeks ago, I am more than ready to come back! Especially since I was focused on seeing all the historical sites and visited only one garden the whole time I was there. Thanks for letting us know the dates so far in advance--this makes it a lot easier for me to plan ahead and avoid conflicts, I hope. I am so impressed how organized you are, Tammy!

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    1. I'm a big believer is getting all your ducks in a row in advance. It makes it so much easier to shop for cheap flights, etc. :o)

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  23. This is such a neat idea, I wish you were closer. I would be there and what a blast it would be!!! I want to do this in our area, for I am eager to meet other garden bloggers. We don't have any garden clubs in our area. can you believe that?? crazy. I wanted to start one but your idea of 'garden bloggers' being unique is so true. It would be such a great idea to host an even for the midwest. BRILLANT IDEA!!!!

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  24. Hi Tammy, I hope you have a spectacularly huge turn-out. Meeting the person behind the blog is the best part of the Fling and I'm certainly glad I got to meet you and all your crazy quirkiness!

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    1. I'm glad I was able to meet you, too! :o) You and your garden are wonderful. :o)

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  25. It sounds wonderful, what a great event. I would so love to come, but I think it will remain a dream for me.

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    1. There are several UK bloggers that are planning on attending! You should join us!

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  26. You have done such a great job with the organization Tammy! I am sure you'll get a fantastic response to your early registration.

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  27. Yes, I definitely want to come. I hope I will be able to come. I was supposed to be there in the Minneapolis Fling this year but had to cancel the plan due to work and family load. So, let's hope for 2017 as this is just near my house.

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    1. I wanted to give everyone the info early so they could add the registration date to their calendar. I think it's going to fill up quickly. I hope to see you there!

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  28. Tammy, I am so glad that you are doing this as there are lots of great gardens in the area. I live in Maryland and am delighted that it will be in my backyard and I can drive to it! I didn't make Minneapolis but have been to the other flings and know they are not to be missed. If you need any help, please let me know.

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    1. Thanks, Claire! It's going to be a fabulous Fling that really shows the wealth of diversity this area offers. I'm so glad you're coming!

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  29. Oh I so want to do this!! How fun! I will definitely look into going and as my daughter lives in DC I can combine visits! Well done for organizing this!

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  30. Oh, I wish I could come, would have been so fun!! ….but I am afraid it won’t be possible so instead I will read about it afterwards and just say good luck with everything!

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  31. Sounds like a party! We'll have to wait to see what 2017 looks like for us, we're often traveling in June.

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