This is the final post I’m making to celebrate my 18th year online. So much has happened during that time, and it’s exciting to metaphorically bury the past, while simultaneously celebrating accomplishments and planting seeds for an uncertain future. I’ve always reached for the stars, but as a mature woman, I’m now present when I pull my bow back to attempt to hit the mark. So much of this life has been left to chance, or has been touched markedly by the kindness of others. I move forward with calm purpose, accountability, and self-compassion.
This is not a sponsored post or event. These are just gifts. I wanted to give gifts because I’m grateful STILL to anyone who shows up to read what I have to say.
This is the final post containing the last 6 items I’m giving away. It will be up for grabs until December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm. (The second batch is still available to comment on until December 10, 2025.)
To enter, be sure to do one of these things: subscribe to this site through WordPress, follow @SpiffySeeds on IG, or send a request to follow my currently private account @ann.loves.plants on Instagram. (Please, only residents in the USA can apply. I can’t afford shipping beyond our borders.) Or, if you follow me at @annlovesplants.bsky.social that works too.
One entry per person per post. Please comment below and include which of the 6 items you’re most interested in.
Prize 13: Pacific Bonsai Museum Beanie Hat
While at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden I purchased this new hat that’s the same as one I wear at work and while gardening. If you’ve never been to the Pacific Bonsai Museum, I recommend checking it out sometime when you’re in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
And the hat is nice and comfy too!
Prize 14: Barley and Buckwheat Zines
I purchased some zines from the Culinary Breeding Network. I chose them because I cook a great deal from scratch because of my allergies. Whole grain foods are important for my health, and reading about food/agricultural history is always fun for me. Both of these have short introductions and then lots of recipes.
I’ve not yet cooked from either of them, but if you’d like to learn more about the research behind them you can look at Barley World and the More Bang for Your Buckwheat project.
Prize 15: Lotus Flower Windsock
While I have a few flags of Italy, I’ve never had a windsock and for some reason I really liked this one—probably since it feels a bit abstract. Yours is new in its bag and I purchased it at Lan Su Garden.
Prize 16: A Dozen Cuccidati or Dinner
One or the other. You can request a dozen cuccidati or a simple dinner here at my home. (I know I’m known for 5-course Italian meals but I’m not sure I have that in me right now. I’m terribly out of practice lol.)
Dinner menu can be negotiated. I can cook so many things, and my love of food, and the process of growing and harvesting food, is at the heart of my love of horticulture.
We can do dinner indoors or outside later in the season. Cookies will be shipped.
Prize 17: A Dozen Cuccidati or Dinner
Same as above.
Prize 18: Copy of The Spirited Garden Creative Private Retreats
Last, but NOT least, I will send one person a new copy of the book I was included in that was published earlier this year. I only just realized I haven’t written about the experience, but I will soon.
It was exciting to see my crazy garden home in print, and to read the summary about my life with plants. The book has so many incredible photos of such great gardens. The content really focuses on the passion we all share. I couldn’t be more pleased to be included with such a great group of folks.
Good luck folks and thank you so much for being you!!!
Ann Loves Plants 
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