!['Drama Queen' poppy (Papaver) [Nancy J. Ondra/Hayefield.com]](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/papaver-drama-queen-ondra.jpg?resize=537%2C430&ssl=1 "'Drama Queen' poppy (Papaver) [Nancy J. Ondra/Hayefield.com]")
Looking Back
First off: seeds. This year’s seed giveaway has been over for a few weeks now, and all of the requested seeds are on their way to their new homes: 815 packets to 120 gardeners in 7 countries. Thanks to all who participated, with special gratitude to those who sent surprise seeds in return or who contributed a bit extra to help cover postage for other participants (it really helped). If you requested seeds and have not received them by the end of December, feel free to contact me.
One of my favorite parts of the whole request-filling process is seeing which seeds are most popular. This year’s winner was the well-named ‘Drama Queen’ poppy (Papaver). Close behind were several black-themed or golden-leaved plants, including black-leaved cotton (Gossypium herbaceum ‘Nigrum’), ‘Black Barlow’ columbine (Aquilegia), ‘Black Knight’ pincushion flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Knight’), ‘Golden Jubilee’ anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), and ‘Golden Fleece’ cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris).
As time allows, I’ve been cleaning more of my stash and listing the seeds in my Etsy shop, in case any of you feel the need for more seeds this winter.
Looking Ahead
Technically, January 22, 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of my first official post at Hayefield the Blog. Two hundred and sixty seven photo-filled posts later, I’m just about out of the free storage space provided by WordPress, and I’m faced with a dilemma. As much as I enjoy blogging and never expected it to be a source of income, having to pay for more space isn’t a welcome prospect. I figure I have enough room for about four more “free” posts, and I’m thinking of spreading them out over the coming year. That means I won’t be posting on a predictable schedule, so don’t think I’m gone if you don’t see me on the 15th of each month.
Happily, I have joined the new millennium and now have an Instagram account (@nancyjondra), so I can post as many photos and videos as I like there, and I look forward to taking advantage of that opportunity. You don’t have to be a member to see what I’m up to over there: You can view my posts at Nan on Instagram.
You’ll also see my work in a couple of magazines soon. I’ll have a text-and-photos article on seed germination in the January/February 2018 of The American Gardener, and one on ornamental edibles, as well as a “Captivating Combination,” in the April 2018 issue of Fine Gardening. And, er, I didn’t mention this earlier, but I’ve been encouraged to let you all know that I was a guest on The Organic Gardener Podcast with Jackie Marie Beyer back in October. I can’t bear the idea of listening to it myself–I already know that talking isn’t really my thing–but if you want to check it out, you can find it here: 197. The Perennial Matchmaker | Nancy Ondra Garden Blogger | Southeast PA. Or, maybe you’d want to check out some of Jackie’s most popular episodes instead. Yeah, do that.
I think that’s all the news for now from Hayefield. I’ll probably be back with another post sometime in March. Until then, Duncan and I send our best wishes to you all for whatever winter weather you like the most.
![#Duncanthealpaca [Nancy J. Ondra/Hayefield.com]](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/duncan-in-snow.jpg?ssl=1 "#Duncanthealpaca [Nancy J. Ondra/Hayefield.com]")
oh Duncan, I do miss seeing you. You have such a sweet face. Give your Nan a nudge for me. Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.
It’s our first Christmas without Daniel, but thankfully, Duncan seems to be happy and thriving and enjoying the cold weather. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lisa!
-Nan
While I’ll miss your monthly Bloom Day posts, I know the wealth of experience and instruction will continue to generously flow from you through magazine articles and Instagram posts. Giving and sharing come naturally to you and my little piece of this earth has been made more beautiful because of it. Now I need to get my kids to educate me on Instagram so I can see everything you’re up to. I’ll be looking for you on the magazine stand!
You’re so very kind, Debbie; thank you. I already know that it will feel odd not preparing Bloom Day posts every month during the growing season. I’m rather enjoying the freedom of Instagram, though: It’s a much more spontaneous outlet.
-Nan
I’m happy for all of your special appearances but you have definitely popped a big ol’ hole in Friday. Your presence will be missed. We felt special here, lol! I am now a follower on Instagram so I hope to find my lifeline to your pictures and stories there instead ;)
Aw, I’m not leaving for good, just spacing things out a bit. I kind of thought y’all must be getting tired of seeing the same things month after month, year after year….
-Nan
Nan, I feel your pain on the storage. I did just buy more disk space for RDR. I made my 10th blogaversary post back in October. It’s a tough thing to decide whether to do it or not. I’ll follow you on Instagram to see what’s up in your world.~~Dee
Goodness, Dee, I thought you’d started blogging long before I did. I really hadn’t been paying attention to the storage limit until I went to post the seed giveaway last month; then it was rather a shock. I considered deleting some old posts to free up space, but that seemed a waste because they still get a lot of visitors. We’ll see: If seed or photography sales bring in a windfall, then maybe I too can spring for more storage space.
-Nan
I’m so glad you’re leaving a trail of bread crumbs so we can find you in 2018. The new website looks wonderful. Merry Christmas, Nan, and best of luck in all your exciting new endeavors!
Hah–thanks, Denise. Merry Christmas to you too!
-Nan
I’ll miss seeing your regular Bloom Day posts, Nan, and your handsome furry companions of course, but I’ll look for your wonderful articles and books whenever and wherever they appear. Best wishes with the new endeavors and Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Kris. It’ll be nice to have a bit of a break from blogging, but I already have a list of possible topics for next year’s posts. Merry Christmas to you too!
-Nan
Several are getting into this Instagram thing. I am new to this. It seems by the time I finally start a project, it is outdated. I will need to see what you are doing over there.
I know the feeling, Tony. Instagram is probably passe by social media standards, but it’s more current than blogging, anyway. I recommend giving it a try. I’ve already made new friends over there, and connected with a bunch of Hayefield readers too!
-Nan
Having just signed up, I feel quite cheated by this news! Nevertheless, I look forward to following you elsewhere, and will continue to enjoy old postings. Best of luck in all of your new endeavors and perhaps more wonderful books!
Thank you for the good wishes, Liz. After working your way through a decade’s worth of my archived posts, you may be just as happy that I’m cutting back on new ones!
-Nan
Hey Nan, like a garden we are continually changing. Moving from blogs to instagram, we too grow best where we can flourish freely ( see that, that’s a pun). I look forward to my instagram feed becoming much more colorful and inspiring. Let the seeds of inspiration forever germinate in your generous heart. Thanks for 10 years of greatness, looking forward what comes next.
Thank you for the support, Julie. Yes, trying new things is as exciting as planting a new garden!
-Nan
Guess I will have to learn how to access Instagram as I would not care to miss out on your news. Keep on keeping on. Hey, Duncan…can my dogs come visit you?
Hi there, Mary. You should be able to see my Instagram posts at https://www.instagram.com/nancyjondra/, even if you don’t have an account. Duncan politely declines the offer of a visit; we’ve had a few bad experiences with dogs on our walks, to the point that I always carry a walking stick for protection. Though I’m sure your furry friends would be unfailingly polite!
-Nan
Nan: I’m happy to hear about all your new endeavors. I’m especially excited to see all of your photography. Thanks for all the links, the seeds, the updates, and your amazing Year 2017 of gardening. I learn something new at every post. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and exciting 2018. See you in March!
Thanks, Nancy! Merry Christmas to you too, and I wish you all the best for a glorious year of gardening and blogging in 2018.
-Nan
I will miss you dropping into my Inbox on the 15th of every month. I am now following you and your beautiful garden on Instagram and look forward to you popping up in my feed instead. Have yourself a lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Happy to have you as a follower there, Carolyn; thanks! All the best to you and yours for the holidays and a great gardening season next year.
-Nan
Merry, Merry Christmas, Nan !!
A very merry one back to you, Sherry! And now we can look forward to the days getting longer and seed-sowing season arriving….
-Nan
Hi Nan!
I don’t have an Instagram account to communicate with you, so hopefully you check back here. I was so excited to get two of your books for Christmas. I was surprised last night to find my husband looking through the Fall Scaping book. This is the man that usually rolls his eyes when I mention your name! He was even reading sections to me!! I think you have a new convert!!
Thanks you so much for the seeds. I’ll do my best to get them growing in their new home!
Debbie
Hi Debbie! Yep, I’m still here too. Your note made my day. I hope you both really enjoy the books and maybe get some ideas for new projects and plants to try. Best of luck with the seeds, too. Spring seems verrrry far away right now, for sure, but the days are already a wee bit longer, so there is hope. All the best to you in 2018!
-Nan