It’s been nearly a week now since I first published this blog. Being new to the world of blogging, I wasn’t sure what to expect. One thing I thought highly likely, however, was to go unread for quite some time and not get any comments for quite some time after that.
In this, I have been pleasantly surprised with my first comments arriving yesterday. Actually, “surprised” is something of an understatement; I was visibly thrilled when next to my first post there appeared a brand new shining “1 comment” link. My refresh button also breathed a sigh of relief having taken an anxious beating over the past few days in the quest for my first comment. (Thanks go to Barbee’, Zoë, and Nigel for this.)
Suddenly, my meandering memoranda had some kind of point, beyond the enjoyment of the writing itself. Indeed, one comment suggested that my writing was of some actual interest. Next, someone may claim to find it useful…sorry, must have slipped into a day-dream there.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about blogging, in the past few days, and reading a fraction of the thousands of gardening blogs that are out there. There’s some fantastic stuff and a huge variety too.
All of this has got me thinking about this blog and what I want it to be. On this, I devoured Kate’s blog that recently asked what it means to her (and received some 72 comments and counting in the process!) and agreed wholeheartedly with the conclusions that she reached: that her blog is for her, not to attract the largest numbers of readers.
At the back of my mind has been this niggling thought that every one of the blogs that I’ve read are so knowledgeable about gardening and the horticultural world. How am I to deliver on that?
Then I realised that sincerity and honesty in the blogging world are far more valuable than knowledge alone. (At least as far as this blogger is concerned.)
So, I have decided to let the circumstances of my horticultural life drive this blog. Namely that I am not only new to blogging, I’m new to gardening too!
Since moving out of a flat and into a house (with a garden!!) a year and a half ago, I have been getting increasingly interested in the subject. This has resulted in: a weekend course; money spent on shiny new tools; too much money spent on gardening books (books on various subjects being a passion of mine anyway); subscriptions to gardening magazines; membership of the RHS; enrolment (but little participation as yet) in a distance learning garden design course; one bed of bulbs planted at the end of 2006; some containers; and, a far-too-long-running patio build at the top of the garden, that is finally nearing completion!
As you will note – not much actual gardening as yet. But the enthusiasm is there.
And that’s what I think this blog will be…an enthusiastic view of gardening through the eyes of someone that’s new to it all. My garden is a blank canvass, having gone neglected for several years, and I will share its development with you all as I go along. There will be plenty of mistakes I’m sure, but hopefully some laughs along the way too.
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9 comments:
This is an exceptional post. I'm glad I have dropped by to read your thoughts about it all. I was able to remember to drop by Kate's blog again (my thoughts and time have been taken up by a new member in the family .. things fell to the way side .. sigh !)
I think you are going to be just fine as a writer and a gardener .. none of the two know EVERYTHING .. and mistakes are a great teaching tool .. lord .. I should know ! haha
Good luck with the garden .. I hope to see your blank canvas "bloom" wonderfully !
Joy
I loved reading your post and am glad you'll be following your heart and writing on what you love. There is much excitement when we are starting out as gardeners (and bloggers too!) and I can hear it in your words. Sharing your experiences and thoughts is a great thing - we are all lucky to have our blogging community.
I'm glad that my post gave you some food for thought.
Keep on posting and have lots of fun!!
Wow, if this is a blank canvas, I can't wait to see you paint your masterpiece! I truly admire the horti-professionals and their work, but as far as the rest of us mortals are concerned, I see just artists and more artists. So many different blogs, different people and different garden styles and none less interesting than the other. I've really enjoyed reading your lovely blog, and the wonderful sincerity of your last post has made me so glad for having checked the latest Blotanical blogs, for I have found one extraordinary garden blog and am really looking forward to your future posts. Respect!
What a lovely post. What a lovely position you find yourself in, new garden, new blog. Blank canvasses for you to make truly and uniquely your own.
Enjoy the journey and we shall enjoy following your footsteps.
Regards
Karen
Once the Gardening bug bites you, there will be no going back.
You'll be smitten. We all start somewhere, with blogging and gardening, so don't be hard on yourself because you are new. I enjoy your writing very much.
The advise I would give is write for yourself because [b]you[/b]enjoy it, because if you do , others will, they will pick up on your enthusiasm, and that always makes better reading . Just carry on like you are, I think you are doing wonderfully :-)
Newbie blogger and blotanist here, so cheers! It is exciting and nerve wrecking isn't it? Well I've found a very supportive community here at blotanical, and I've been having a great time. Welcome, and looking forward to seeing more posts!
The main thing is to enjoy the blogging and the gardening. Neither should become too much of a chore. I find there is always something new to learn, no matter how many years I've spent gardening. Good luck!
Looking forward to following your meandering memoranda!
I enjouyed reading your post. Spring is an exciting time and it is so fun to go out and check out the garden each dawn.I am looking forward to your garden experiences! Best regards.
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