In November of last year, I happened to notice that Jennifer over at Three Dogs in a Garden was hosting an essay contest. As I can’t resist a writing challenge (especially when there’s a “Humour” category), I right away sent off a submission. Imagine my delight when “Burnt Casseroles” was selected as one of the four winning entries! Thanks, Jennifer!
Head over to Three Dogs and a Garden to view my essay and the incredible images that Jennifer photographed to illustrate it. While you’re there, stay awhile and enjoy her beautiful and informative posts.
And don’t forget to check out the other winning essays! Here they are:
“Don’t Be the Crazy Cat Lady!” by Holley of Roses and Other Gardening Joys
“What Not to Do In a Job Interview” by Rosemary Aubut
and “Wyoming” by Laurrie Sostman.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Flowery Prose 
Loved the essay Sheryl! I agree on the second point – “Never go to the garden centre on pay day” – like going to do the grocery shopping on an empty stomach! LOL! 😉
Hee hee, that’s so true! It’s exactly the same idea! 🙂
A fun and wonderful essay Sheryl. I had to learn to only buy at the plant store what I can manage to do in one day. It’s so easy to go overboard.
You’re so right about how easy it is to go overboard – I try now to make a list and stick to it. Sometimes, though, a little “treat” or two ends up coming home with me regardless. Oh well…. 🙂
Good Job Sheryl and her photo’s were really cute too.
Thanks! 🙂
Loved your essay! It was all such good advice – especially the part about not going to the garden center on pay day! haha – I wrote that then read Cathy’s response. Seems we think alike! Congrats to you!
Thanks so much! I figured that part about not going to the garden centre on pay day would resonate with a few gardeners! 😉
so enjoyed the essay. what a delightful sense of humour you have! I so agree with all of your suggestions. I always call myself a ‘wanna-be’ gardener because my garden never gets to the point that I had hoped it would. Your perspective gives me a lot of valid excuses! ~Thea
Thanks, Thea – I’m glad you liked it. I had a ton of fun writing it. I wonder sometimes if any of us have the gardens we hope for…but maybe that’s all part of the joy of gardening! (It helps to have some excuses to fall back on, anyway!). 😉
Enjoyed your essay, Sheryl. Accompanying photos were well done. Gave me some smiles. Apparently learning to garden is very similar to learning to hike or climb. Well done and congratulations! If it weren’t for burnt casseroles, it is likely I would have starved to death thirty years ago.
Thanks, Barry! I love what you wrote about the burnt casseroles…it’s so funny and true. We can definitely all relate. 🙂
Loved your essay, made me laugh out loud, mostly because I recognized myself in a lot of what you say 🙂 I’ve spent too much money, made more mistakes than I can count and often retreat for lemonade when I’ve gotten myself in too deep.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I KNEW I wasn’t the only gardener who felt that way…. 😉
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I KNEW I wasn’t the only gardener who felt that way…. 😉
just thought i’d visit a bit and see if spring had finally arrived in your parts and then this wonderful essay just had to be read, great advice given with a great sense of humor..and the photos! and thanks very much for liking my poem, the encouragement is always appreciated. 🙂
It looks as if – FINALLY! – spring has arrived! We’ve had a few balmy, sunny days and the plants and trees are all leafing out at once! It’s wonderful!
I’m glad you enjoyed my essay – it was certainly delightful to write! And Jennifer’s photos are exceptional, as always.
I look forward to reading more of your poems – I really like your voice and style. Great work, keep it up! 🙂
Thanks again Sheryl for writing such a terrific essay. I think everyone enjoyed your writing style and great sense of humour. I think all gardeners can recognize themselves in one of your ten tips.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It was such fun to participate in your contest – I really enjoyed writing my essay, and I’m pleased that so many people seemed to like it and your amazing photos. It was fabulous to read the other entries as well!