As I’ve been writing this little documentary of our Vanha Talo Suomi home & garden renovation, many lessons have been learned & shared. One of the most unexpected things about blogging, for me, was discovering an audience. I never really thought anyone would be interested, nor would they have the patience to return again & again to see what was happening or follow along as our projects were progressing. Since I wasn’t interested in plugging products to sell, nor did I have the time or skill to feel confident making DIY videos – all I had were words & photos. Yet, it was enough. By putting one foot in front of the other, the momentum kept going, which helped keep our project on track for much of the later stages. Such has been the case sometimes when deciding, whether to keep writing and documenting the progress or lack of progress, as it were.

The second and most impressive thing about blogging, I encountered, was receiving enthusiasm and kindness from readers I have met along the journey. Astounding encouragement, has been a recurring theme, week to week, season to season as our blog emphasis shifted from home renovations to garden design. For the last seven years, since 2016 I’ve posted almost exclusively about gardening. which can be a tough category! My experiences with social media gardening groups has run the gamut from extremely helpful & neighborly to downright rudeness and hostility. I’ve been so fortunate to fall in with a wonderful group of gardening enthusiasts met through blogging. The Six on Saturday gardening theme was started long ago and has had two busy moderators who host the weekly theme. It’s been a fantastic find, rich with diversity, extensive geographical representation, but most of all kind and generous people. Each week, our personal offering to the theme is presented. This isn’t a contest, there are no prizes – that isn’t the point. The point is joining together for the shared mutual benefits of enjoying the comradery of gardening. Successes, failures, misfortunes, and advice are a weekly opportunity to share & learn. The kind words, interest, and acknowledgement which are received in turn are pure gold.

I have met countless wonderful, interesting and delightful people through this blogging experience. Gardening has been where the journey has really showered me with positivity and enthusiasm. Sharing our home & garden renovation with others has been life-changing. Imagine my surprise to have our garden picked up and showcased by another blogger! Enchanting Gardens is a series started by Rosie Amber. Thus far this season, she’s hosted a glimpse at several unique and truly enchanting gardens around the world. Rosie contacted me to inquire whether we’d be interested in being part of the series. Of course, I said, YES! What a great opportunity and to be included among such a fine group of other gardens created by such inspiring people. Yes, yes, of course! And thank you!

Without further ado, please enjoy Vanha Talo Suomi as we are this week’s Enchanting Garden from the series. Do yourself a favor and visit the other gardens hosted in week’s prior! You won’t be disappointed!

Enchanting Gardens

Until next time ❤

-Kate @ Vanha Talo Suomi