Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
I HAVE TWO REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL TODAY. First, the Vernal Equinox (spring!) officially begins at 7:21 this evening. Then, today marks…drum roll please…A Garden for the House’s second birthday! To celebrate, I’m giving away a $50 gift certificate from Wayside Gardens, the famous mail-order plant dealer. Would you like to win this shopping spree?
To enter, do these 3 incredibly simple things:
1. Subscribe (if you haven’t already) to my free, weekly email newsletter.
2. Post a comment below, and tell me which topics at A Garden for the House you enjoy most. Is it the recipes? (I still can’t believe my recipe for Lavender Iced Cupcakes received over 1,000 hits within 24 hours of publishing.) Is it houseplants? (Perhaps you found this site while researching bulbs for indoor forcing). Is it outdoor gardening? Or all of the above?
Be sure to include your email address (or at least a portion of it) under your comment. This way I can easily verify that you’ve signed up for the newsletter.
3. Join A Garden for the House on Facebook, Twitter, or both.
Deadline for entry is March 25, at 11:59PM. As usual, I’ll let Random (dot) org select a winner. The winner’s name will be announced at the end of the comments thread below.
And…here’s a little birthday note. After planting this website on March 20, 2009, its readership has grown from 200 per month to over 7,000. And that’s without any advertising, save for the kind souls who have spread the word.
Thank you, everyone, for visiting me regularly. You are the best gardening friends anyone could have!
Don’t miss anything at A Garden for the House…sign up for Kevin’s weekly email newsletter!
P.S.: Mind clicking the “Like” button below?
Related Posts:
Chemical-Free Weed Control
My Supermarket is a Little Shop of Horrors
Roses: My Favorites for 2010
Successful Seed-Starting Indoors
Homemade Mozzarella in 30 Minutes
Lisa says
Happy Birthday! I always look forward to your posts! I have a particular fondness for the fried sage leaves. I love sage and have a lot of different varieties in my garden.
Lisa
([email protected])
Corry E says
The whole reason I followed you on facebook and signed up for your newsletter in the first place was to learn about houseplants! I love when you post about them!
And as I said, I already get the newsletter, and I already follow you on Facebook.
My email is core17 at gmail dot com
Anonymous says
I love your outdoor gardening tips, but I do confess that your pics and hints of your indoor window garden got me through the winter! I receive your weekly newsletter and follow you on Facebook.
[email protected]
Anonymous says
I look forward to all your posts and love looking at the pictures of your houseplants and gardens. Of course I live locally though so I can drive by and try to peak in at your gardens also and have had the pleasure of touring them before 🙂
[email protected]
dona says
I really like reading about outdoor gardening. Mine never looks like some of your pixs but it is getting close!.
sharleygold/hotmail
Tammy says
Happy blog birthday, Kevin! We're all lucky you're here and there's a reason you have so many readers — not just great content, but a generosity of spirit. Thanks for all you do!
Pepi Noble (Harriet) says
Kevin, I enjoy all yuor newsletters. It's been an inspiration and a life saver this looong winter. I do love the recipe sections and the ideas. This is my second year for winter sowing. Thanks and HB
Brenda Johnson says
Kevin- I love your entire site!!! If pushed I'd have to say the recipe portion is my favorite (and the occasional tasting I get to do!) Thoroughly enjoy all of your information though! Congratulations on year number 2…. with many more to follow!
Erin Brady says
Happy Blog Birthday! You know how much I love this blog!!! I love the gardening advise, recieps and allyour little tidbits! Hope to see you at the garden and flower show this week.
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing your gardening knowledge
indoor/outdoor with us! Recipes are always wonderful, but it was the herb garden and the beautiful picture of it that captured me.
May 2011 bloom for you!
pmj says
Happy B-day! I enjoy reading all your posts.
pjames330 at aol dot com
Juann Guo says
I enjoy your newsletter and has also become a fan on facebook, thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday to your blog!
Eric says
Kevin, happy blog birthday! I enjoy all of your articles, but the ones about outdoor gardening and veggies most. The recipes are great, too!
Eric@aim
Shannon says
I love all of the above, especially indoor gardening! sethandshannon1 at yahoo dot com
Shannon says
I like you on Facebook Shannon Schulte sethandshannon1 at yahoo dot com
Katreader says
Happy Birthday! I love all aspects of your blog-especially when you show step by step photographs, be they for recipes or gardening how to. I love the recipes, and all the indoor and outdoor gardening tips-especially when you can combine them (tips on the plant and then a recipe to show how to use it!) Keep up the wonderful work!
Anonymous says
Kevin, Happy Birthday to A Garden for the House. I enjoy all of the above, recipes, houseplants and outdoor gardening. I am already an email subscriber and liked you on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaway. With Spring here, I would love to get some new plants from Wayside Gardens. Thanks again, pvbugg at embarqmail dot com
Cynthia Standley says
I love your enthusiasm and all the info. It's a treat to get your email. Cynthia S
peg42 says
Happy Birthday!
I really like the recipes and the outdoor gardening posts.
Thanks so much and wishing you many more happy blogging years!
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
peg42 says
I'm a FB friend (Margaret E. Smith)
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Jimmaryun...@ says
Happiest of Birthdays! And OMGosh what's not to like! Recipes, gardening (ornamental, indoor, and veggie!) seed starting, bulbs, plant/blooming combinations……love love love! I am a full time mom to two boys and while I still find time to indulge my former life as a landscape designer/ rusty metal garden artist/ and teacher, your blog has been a joy to find….. We all have strengths and weaknesses but I've always found the best inspiration and teaching came from other plant/food/'living art' nuts 🙂 I live for those 'OH! What a great idea, shoulda thought of that, so simple/so perfect!' moments….thanks for bringing me those when I'm too busy to get outside!
Mary
sksweeps says
Happy birthday and thank you! I love the recipes AND the outdoor tips! The link to the videos on food prices doubling was much appreciated… I had an idea they were going to continue to rise, but this really hit home. I've doubled what I'm putting in my veggie garden for this summer (already have lots of fruit trees).
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday to you and to me. I like your recipes and the outdoor gardening the best. Thanks for two great years.
[email protected]
MOMFOREVERANDEVER says
like the outdoor gardening the best- I am now in a place where I can garden again so need refreshing since it has been 25 years since my last- I know old fart but really excited about creating and growing
Anonymous says
Your site is one of my most favorite things to do each week, Kevin. Happy Birthday. HOUSE PLANTS for sure 🙂 Robin, aka. doctora…
Jax says
Recipes make your blog a must – for me!
Anonymous says
Just subscribed and I would love to have them all.I love gardening and cooking
Vicki says
Kevin, the recipes are divine (and yes, I have made the lavender cupcakes!) but the main reason I eagerly watch for each newsletter is the ideas and tips for the outdoor gardening. You have been very helpful on so many areas. It's a great blog – keep it up!
Sue says
New here just found this site today and love it… think everything interests me. Keep up the good work……..
[email protected]
Mama V says
Happy “Blog Birthday! I am a subscriber already, and I love the house plants and outdoor gardening the best! I am also a Twitter follower: @BNTVosburgh Thanks!
[email protected]
zehra ahmad says
Happy B-day!! Kevin, I stumbled onto your website while researching bulb forcing. I love anything horticulturally-related. However, I must say I really enjoyed the mozzarella blog. thanks!
lew alcindor tx at ya-hoo
sue14625 says
Happy Birthday enjoyable site and being in Upstate NY too is nice to see gardening help from my area
Dana says
HBB, Kevin, I enjoy both your blog and Facebook.
You take us thru all the seasons with your cooking and gardening knowledge.
Thank-you.
Sharon Harmon says
The recipes are awesome! I can't wait to try some! 😉
[email protected]
Sharon Harmon says
Joined A Garden for the House on Facebook 😉
[email protected]
Kathy Stumpf says
I love your website. I now do winter sowing your way and I like to see the results of your plantings.
Kathy
[email protected]
Lisa Campagna says
Hi Kevin,
What a great day for a Birthday!! The snowdrops are in bloom and the crocus's are starting to pop out each day. I just love all of the items you blog about, but especially your outdoor gardening tips. I have learned so much and look forward to your emails. Have a great day. Lisa @ [email protected]
SolDucky says
Happy Birthday! I am a subscriber and follow on FB as sarah linette, and love the recipes and outdoor gardening info.
Cynthya says
Congrats on making 2 years! That's quite old in blog years.
I like the recipes and gardening info, but maybe most of all the photos. They are just gorgeous. I appreciate the reminder of what I should be doing in the garden. I also was glad you gave the info on Monsanto which I hadn't seen anywhere else.
The daffodils just started blooming here in Indiana and the forsythia has a few blossoms. It really is starting to feel like Spring.
Cynthya (neztep)
Melissa Pilcher says
Happy Birthday! Isn't this the best time of year to celebrate birth? My birthday is in 10 days and I have 2 gifts on my wish list. The first is for a camellia which I recently read in Southern Living are now available in varieties tolerant of temps in zone 6 (I live just south of Cincinnati.)
My second gift choice is for rennet. I actually just saw your site for the very first time and I'm dying to make mozzarella cheese. I can't wait to read more on outdoor gardening.Thanks for sharing!
mjnjpilch
Aisling says
I subscribe to your newsletter and I love it all. My “favorite” part is probably houseplants because I do enjoy having nice healthy plants inside. (Outside plants are pretty much taking care of themselves these days.) And I “like” you on Facebook as Gaye McGill. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net
Anonymous says
I've already won by finding your blog. You've helped me tremendously through the 'Ask Kevin' part of your blog, and that has to be my favorite because of your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I've signed up for your newsletter, but may have done it wrong – I've never received it, and I'm going to facebook right now to become a follower.
Andrea … [email protected]
Anonymous says
Starting my very first garden this spring, so I'm a bit worried, not sure what to plant- I want a veggie garden- we live in a Zone 3 area, ( Owls Head NY).
Cindy M
[email protected]
andra says
i get the newsleter and i like you on fb. i came to learn how to garden and what to do and how to and what plants i can grow here. i want my yard to look good and your blog is great! [email protected]
Lean says
I subscribed to your newsletter. I also follow on twitter @LeanS12. I really do enjoy outdoor gardening and taking a look at your blog section on outdoor gardening just gave me an idea for a project. LeanS12(at)gmail(dot)com
Salleefur/Jesselyn/Jesster says
I am a long time newsletter and I enjoy all aspects of it! I signed up for your gardening info and tips, but I've come to really enjoy the recipes. I can't wait to try the Lavender Frosted Cupcakes and I already bought the ingredients to make my very own Fresh Mozzerella THIS weekend. We grow basil all year round – but I can't wait till we have fresh ripe tomatoes in the backyard to make a truly “original” Caprese Salad. Thanks, Kevin – and Happy Garden Birthday.
Oh, and I LIKE you on Facebook! (Jesselyn A)
jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com
Erin E says
Happy Birthday! I've been getting your emails for quite some time, and while I was drawn to you because of your outdoor gardening posts I now love all the topics you chat about. I follow you on twitter (@sewmuchstuff).
Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
sewmuchstuff at ymail dot com
Deb says
I'm already a subscriber and just joined you on facebook. Debra Ford
fairydancer40[at]gmail[dot]com
This year I am focusing on easy annuals for the garden, so I've been enjoying your posts about them….especially the petunias and the ivy leaved geranium.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Bonnie Dee says
Happy Birthday & Congratulations!!!!
I enjoy all of your topics, but most of all, I love your recipes! Thanks to your yummy recipes I gained 10 pounds over winter..darn you!
I mean, umm that's okay, soon the warm weather will return along with my active thinner self…I hope 🙂
It's been a great year & Thank you so much for such a wonderful learning experience!
(I'm only kidding about blaming you..teehee)
xoxo Bonnie Dee psychocandy321(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kitty Cardero says
I'm new to gardening so I find the What To Do When posts useful. I signed up for your newsletter and followed you on facebook and twitter. I clicked Like, too 🙂
kittycardero at gmail dot com
Tracy Suzanne says
Hi Kevin. Happy blog birthday! I have to admit I'm brand new here but I enjoy posts on all gardening especially outdoor gardens. I'm looking forward to visiting here again. I'm following via email and on facebook and twitter.
Thanks for letting me enter….Tracy 🙂
cottonpickincute(at)hotmail(dot)com
wcc says
1.) I'm already a newsletter subscriber.
2.) I love your Homemade Mozzarella post. Never thought you could make it so quick and easy?!
3.) I follow on twitter (@whitechocolatec).
Thanks so much for the chance! 🙂
whitechocolatecherries at gmail.com
kendra22 says
twitter kendra22007
email subscribe
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com
and I love the outdoor garden/recipes
thank u
Barbarawr says
I subscribe as barbara529 at juno dot com
I like all of the above 🙂
I follow you on twitter – bsw529
Email address is in blogger profile
JudyZ says
I subscribed
I love the recipes
I follow you on twitter @potlicker26
susansmoaks says
email subscriber, i enjoy the recipes, and i am a facebook fan tony l smoaks
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
Angie says
I love all the outdoor gardening ideas!
osheimangie at yahoo dot com
Pamela S says
I've been signed up or your email newsletter for quite a while and look forward to getting it. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com
Pamela S says
I admit that I usually read the gardening items the most…both indoor and out, but I'm going off now to check out the cupcake recipe that's so popular!!! Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Thanks for playing, everyone! I've learned a lot from your comments concerning the types of posts you prefer to read.
Random.org selected comment #37 as the winner. Congratulations, Cynthya (neztep).
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Canvas art says
I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of
your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content available for you?
I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome web log!