Out at dinner last night with friends, Mrs Buster asked, “What is the point of a Garden Blog?”
Good question – which stopped me in my tracks! – and stayed with me all day to-day.
What is the point of my garden blog? Does there need to be a point to it? And why do I do it?
Why do we bloggers blog?
I suspect that each of us will have different reasons, and perhaps more than one.
I have kept dairies and journals off and on for years. Ranging from the self conscious “I hate so and so, they are a cow” mutterings of the teenage years.
Then I have sketchbooks / journals for my textile art, which are more work in progress with life notes.
Also “Morning Pages” as advocated by Julia Cameron, in the “Artists Way” where you write 3 pages of anything that comes into your head in long hand – these pages are not meant to be read – but I found them a wonderful tool for times in my life where I have been stressed or uncertain. And just needed to clear my mind – and find my path again.
Google the question – “What is a blog” and the first part of wikipedia’s response is:-
“A blog (a contraction of the term “Web log”) is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary …..”
My garden blog started as a personal garden journal for the garden here as we were doing so much work on it – I wanted some kind of record of the gardens development, it started as a celebration of this garden. Plus a visual reminder that we were making progress.
Then – of course, “Strangers” visited, and left comments. Which was lovely, so here I am today – this is my 101 post on “An Artists Garden” – and now it is so much more than simply a journal for me to record the changes we make.
The first thing I noticed about blogging is “the kindness of strangers” I see evidence of this over an over again and it is an aspect of blogging that I appreciate, all be it in a rather bittersweet way. How easy is it for me to be supportive to some one 100’s or 1000’s of miles away – but neglect to make time to be supportive within my local community. Although sometimes – I suspect it is much easier to share things with strangers rather than burden friends, family or neighbors.
The other thing I enjoy is that some of the commentators – have become “blogging friends” and I do so enjoy a friend popping in to say “hello” without having to tidy the house – or get out of my dressing gown for that matter!
So why do I write a blog?
Simply because I like it.
I enjoy photographing the world about me, I like thinking about things to write. I get a certain amount of satisfaction from actually turning up at my blog dashboard and writing a post – it has become part of my week.
Why do you blog?
If you would care to share why you blog – do leave a link here to your post.
If you don’t blog – perhaps you would care to share why you read blogs.
Garden Journal 
OK, you asked me this question earlier when I came round for a cup of tea and a chat. My answer was that is was a diary, although obviously not a private one. I think the idea of keeping a record of your garden is a very good one.
I read your blog to keep up to date with what is going on with you, Shedman and the garden. I occasionally pop into other peoples to see what the “competition” is up to. But for me, it is a personal thing.
Please keep it up. You have no idea how much pleasure I get from logging on when I get home from work and looking at your wonderful photos and reading your sometimes moving and usually insightful commentaries. Not forgetting the comic strip and Digger of course. They always make me smile.
Hi Dobby and thanks for the comment – I am touched that it gives you pleasure to log on and see what had been going on at the “Artist’s Garden” – I wont be giving up blogging – and this will probably be my primary blog – but I may get back to my studio blog, during the winter, which has been very neglected of late!
Karen
Why do you blog?
If you would care to share why you blog – do leave a link here to your post.
If you don’t blog – perhaps you would care to share why you read blogs.
That certainly IS a good question, and one we’ve all asked ourselves, I’m sure, especially on those days when nothing we write, nothing we photograph, nothing we’re growing seems to turn out right!
I blog for the joy I get in sharing with others, whether it be an exciting tidbit of news, a new flower in bloom, a photograph that pleases me, or simply to make a connection with like-minded folk, such as the Blotanical community.
I like to think I give readers something to think about, something to ponder, perhaps. I read others’ blogs for the same reason. I have learned so much in reading the many blogs I try to visit each day, not just about gardening, but about people, about life.
Hi Nancy – I agree with you about learning from blogs “not just about gardening, but about people, about life”
I think a lot of the blogs I enjoy I found them because of the “garden” aspect – I have continued to read them because they are rich and diverse. Whether it is because of humor, visual imagery, or good writing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Karen
Hi Karen, while there are so many reasons why I began blogging, wanting to be part of the larger garden bloggers community, not just be a lurker, has to be the biggest reason. When I first discovered that there were people out there writing about gardening and showing photos of their gardens, I was in heaven. There was lots to learn and people to meet and get to know through their writing. I had been keeping journals for many years and after receiving my first digital camera in 2002, started taking photos of the garden for record keeping, the blog was the next step in that progression. What I didn’t expect was the conversations with other bloggers, everyone is so nice and supportive. Meeting some of the bloggers in Austin last spring was yet another step, more friendships formed. Blogging gives so much pleasure, I can’t imagine not doing it.
Frances
Hi Frances – I think you are right about being part of the bigger community – it really is something isn’t it! Thanks for sharing why you blog and how much joy it gives you.
Also Frances and Nancy – How much joy you both give others, with your blogs 2 awards each on blotanical
Karen
So many reasons…. If you’re a fanatic about gardening, blogging can be just a way to be even more involved. It makes the garden work less lonely. Its a way to learn better methods. I’ve been very involved in blogging for several years now. This is what I wrote once to explain the point of my hobby: “This blog is a way to record what’s going on in my garden, to get advice from other gardeners and hopefully to inspire new gardeners.” Its really exciting when you realize what you publish is encouraging other gardeners!
Cheers! I love your photos! kathy
Hi Kathy – thank you for the visit and for taking time to leave a comment about why you blog. I have never thought about the fact that what a blogger writes may encourage other gardeners! I think I certainly get inspired by other bloggers enthusiasm for a particular plant, or group of plants and it encourages me to give it a go (Daylilies being a case in point here 🙂 )
Karen
Hi there Karen , good question , good question 😀
Yep… sharing I guess is the reason I blog too and I also love it. I blog now to show videos, photos and chat about the birds and wildlife visiting my garden hoping that others will enjoy theirs more too – hence title gardenwatch. I began with a robin video to my homesick friend in Aus and now people from around the world are popping by to see the hedgehog (that they don’t see) or the Nestbox activity (that they would love to see) – how cool is that! I get mail from people asking questions or sharing stories of what’s giong on in their gardens – I love this aspect of blogging.
Being honest, initially I didn’t embrace the whole blogging experience but once I began browsing and linking to garden blogs this all changed. I started commenting and receiving comments too. My first love is plants and once I started chatting about them well…. I too regard many garden Bloggers as friends. There really is warm and welcoming community out there. There is nothing more fun for a gardener that hearing another chat about and share their own garden and garden visits.
I hear what you are saying Karen, should we not get involved in our own community. Well, I guess I add a little to that when I have something topical going on in the garden. I email a column of a local newspaper to suggest his readers look out in their gardens for…. He usually prints my mail with a nice intro too as his readers have heard from me before. I find that fun too. I will be mailing him after my next post 😀
Sorry Karen, long comment and you are looking for a post perhaps – I’ll keep this in mind for 19th November as then I will have been blogging for two years. I can’t believe it! I now have a garden diary that I would never have had otherwise and thoroughly enjoy doing it 😀
Hi Shirl – Comments or posts either is fine 🙂 Long comments are good too!
You are so right – about people e-mailing you for advice – I did that and best of all – YOU replied – that is what is so cool about a blogging community! that you took the time to respond to my query and point me in the right direction.
I shall look forward to celebrating the 19th November – 2 years of blogging. Nice one. 🙂
Karen
Why do I blog – like you mine started as a record but I got a real buzz when I started to receive comments and have gained so much from the interactions. Information, advice, friendship. Interestingly I have belonged to a garden club for 2 years now and we meet monthly and have a chat, visit a garden, listen to a talk but I dont get as much out of it as I do garden blogging. I suspect this is something to do with being anonymous – of you know what I mean. I dont think we are so concerned about creating the right impression when we blog as we dont think it is likely we will meet the people we talk to so we are more relaxed. Like you writing my blog has become part of my week and I will really touched a while ago when you checked to see if I was OK as I hadnt done a Wordless Wednesday.
Hi Patient Gardener – thanks for letting us know “why you blog” – I have to agree with you, I think I get more from Garden bloggers than the gardening club – but then I have only been once – so not perhaps a fair comparison.
Thanks for the lovely comment – I did have a moments doubt before I contacted you – where is the line between friendly concern and intrusive behavior? So glad it was OK to do so!
Karen
I tend to be a bit long winded. This time is no exception of course! I chose to post my reason on my site. What a great topic! http://cbmvwag.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-do-i-blog.html
Hi Cinj – thanks for leaving a comment – I have read your post – and I was touched by the reasons you blog – thanks for running with this one and writing about “why you blog”
(I never think you are long winded – just chatty 🙂 )
Karen
I don’t think I would have started a gardening blog if I hadn’t already been reading other blogs. Book blogs for crime fiction and scifi. Cooking blogs for vegetarian food. Somehow this led me to discover gardening blogs and only at that point did I stop lurking and start leaving comments. Shortly afterwards I had the “I could do a blog too” revelation.
My blog is essentially a record of my gardening but, for me, it can’t exist in a void. I need the communication with other gardeners and this is what gives my blog life. It’s such a thrill to find that someone has made time to leave a comment for me. Through the blog I make friends, learn new things, visit other countries etc. I find that the the longer I blog the more reasons I have for doing it.
Hi Easygardener – thanks for visiting – I think that is a good point – I think that I started blogging mainly for myself – but it can’t exist in a void – well it could – but it wouldn’t be half so much fun!
And it is lovely when someone has made time to leave a comment – So thank you!
Karen
Hi Karen – I’m saving a full answer on this one for my first bloganniversary next month. It’s been on my ‘to do’ list for months and that seemed to be the right time for me to say something.
However, just to pick up on what Easy Gardener said. I started blogging just for me, but I was surprised to find having an audience mattered too. I nearly gave up so many times in the early days when I wasn’t getting any comments.
The blog’s still primarily for me (I call it the magazine I’d like to read), but because there’s people out there looking, I’m sure it’s raised my standards. I want to make both my photography and writing better. What I’d write in a diary would be so much more slapdash and sloppy. I also look at other blogs to not only enjoy what’s there, but to learn from as well.
Whilst this may sound like my blog isn’t representing me, but some perfectionist me instead, rest assured it isn’t. I’m always surprised when people say ‘oh I couldn’t do that, I’m not a good enough gardener, photographer or whatever’. I’ll let you into a secret, I’m not a very good gardener either, I’m just one step ahead of anyone, learning all the time. I’ll share my triumphs as well as my disasters!
Oops, have I got anything left to say next month? Wait and see 😉
Hi VP – I am sure you will have more to say next month 😉
I look forward to your first blogaversary post! I do think keeping a blog and going “public” stops me at any rate from being sloppy – I think I take more thoughtful pictures around the garden now – than just a snap-shot of work in progress – so your right – having a wider audience does contribute to why we blog. Thanks for dropping in.
Karen
Why read blogs? To be surprised first thing in the morning by an image like your butterfly one up above. (Is that a poppy btw? Just reminded me of the blue poppy seeds i didn’t manage to do this year.)
Why blog? for human contact.
Actually that covers both questions.
I’m going to nick your idea of replying to comments within the original comment – imitation being compliment. Thanx – for that, and the blog. 80)
Hi Mand – thanks for dropping in – I do find it easier to reply to comments in the comments (as it were) so glad you think it is a good idea.
The flower is a cosmos “purity”. am really pleased with them this year
Karen
I’ve just started garden blogging (last August), after having been inspired by firstly real-life gardens, and later on by many blogs on gardening. I have just taken on the personal challange of transforming a rather ordinary garden into a lush green space – but without having too much experience (that’s why my blog is called The Reluctant Garden Designer). My garden blog is a way to put words and pictures to that progress, both the actual, practical transformation, but also a record of how my thoughts and feelings around it change (well, at least I anticipate them to do so). But, the bonus is, since I started, I realise that many other garden-related thoughts swirl around, in my own head and others. It’s like slowing down your brain and really express your line of thoughts, and reading taking in others. It’s also quite special to blog within one, single area. I have less interest in the general personal blogs which seem to be going on about absolutely everything.
Anyway, it was nice to find your blog!
/Camellia
Hi Camellia – thanks for dropping in and sharing the reasons why you started your blog;- I think you have a great name for your blog.
Karen
This is a really interesting post and I have enjoyed reading all comments. I blog to learn from others, to share and also to help others in some small way if I can like Kathy said above. It is the new magazine and meeting bloggers has been the icing on the cake.
Hi Tina – thanks for taking the time to leave a comment – so glad you enjoyed the post and the resulting comments.
Karen
Initially I got started because my Mom nagged me into it. She saw how passionate I was about gardening & thought it would be great for me to chat with other passionate (obsessed) gardeners. 🙂 Initially I started out reading other blogs and realized I could do this too. Now it is not only my online journal of what’s going on in my garden, but I really enjoy chatting with others. I’ve met some really nice blogging buddies in the past five months. Gardening is my passion, but blogging comes in a close 2nd.
Hi Racquel – Well your Mom has a lot to answer for! I bet she never thought what an great blogger you would become 🙂
Karen
What a great idea for a post! I haven’t been blogging for too long..but I think I started because of the desire to communicate with other gardeners. I know lots of people who like flowers, but I don’t know very many that are passionate about gardening. The group of blogging buddies just gets larger, and everyone is so nice and so helpful! Blogging has certainly become an important part of my life!
Hi Linda – It is amazing how blogging can become so quickly part of your life isn’t it? Thanks for the comment.
Karen
Loved reading the many heartfelt posts, Karen, and though late, I felt compelled because I have met you, a gift.
I really don’t know why and often ask myself the same question … first, I started to see my photos online, then thought … awe… my cookbook will come into play … then since caring for my ailing sister for over a year and a half (my novel / novels on hold) blogging became an opportunity needed to still meet the creative side of myself, often only in the wee hours of the morning. Then I met sharing friends, offering the gift of seeing life and gardens through their learning eyes. Often tempted to quit because of the time crunch, especially when spring hits, my blog became addictive like the urge to shoot every flower, and the challenge to cook and share every seasonal recipe; all addictions too hard to give up. Thanks dear friend for the opportunity to share.
Bless you Joey for your lovely comment – and for sharing what blogging means to you. I am so glad that although tempted to quit (because of time pressure) you stick with it – because it is such a joy to visit with you.
Karen
Hi! I just found your blog (over @ Blotanical). I’ve always loved to write and during the last couple of years I’ve started to make photos. So I guess blogging was a way for me to combinate those two!
But the main reason was probably to meet people from all over the world that share my interests. I’ve participated in several internet discussions (discussing manly gardening) but blogging is more personal. Commentators becomes, as you write, friends. In addition to that I find the blogging community so inspirational! I’ve learned so many things and started so many new projects the last couple of years.
This weekend I’m actually meeting two blogging friends. 🙂 Have a nice weekend! Now I’m going to to check out the rest of your blog. Greetings from Karin (in Sweden)
Hi Karin – thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and let us know why you blog. I hope you have a lovely time meeting with your blogging friends at the weekend. And I hope you will post pictures!
Karen
I started blogging for a strange reason – the challenge of it. I wrote a post about it in August. This was my initial reason for blogging, but I have grown to love the garden blogging community as well.
Hi Daphne – Thanks for leaving a comment and a link to the post you wrote about this subject in August. I enjoyed reading your post – albeit 2 months late.
Karen
My experience finds an echo in many commenting here.
I wrote a post on it and linked to you:
http://ilonagarden.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-garden-blog.html
Hi Ilona – thanks for joining in with this – and I shall be over to read your post shortly. 🙂
Karen
I started out with a simple online garden journal, keeping a log of what flowers were blooming when, what I had planted and where, etc. I’ve tried written journals, unsuccessfully, and I thought that keeping an online journal would provide a better incentive to not quit and continue writing.
Like my garden, the journal evolved and is still evolving. I added pictures, discovered that I enjoyed writing, developed an interest in nature, decided to pursue my more artistic side, see what others are writing and feeling inspired by what they are writing about, and finally, instead of just reading about what others are doing, to go out and actually interact with these other writers.
Even though I didn’t realize it at first, blogging has helped me to grow, develop and has inspired. I can only hope that someday I will be able to do the same for someone else.
Thanx for answering; love the Cosmos. 80)
This am when i got up to write my post i saw in the stats this url and randomly hit on it. We are already talking. When I started my blog I don’t think I had ever read another blog, well seriously there were maybe two. i didn’t want to hear another’s blabbering. I just wanted to share a world of the beauty of flowers, vases and places, a world that links every minute. Yes, I wanted to make money and kept saying to my family that it’s going to happen within 2 years as I had read. I think the monetary support is necessary especially when it has been very nerve wracking to go so many times a day to my stats to see if now there could be a monetary link justified. The past 40 days (not coincidental) I allowed myself to check in early in the am when i posted and about 10 at night. The temptation was always there but i just had to give it away. It was making me stretched.
So now I feel a certain soulmate feeling meeting you this morning and would like to know if we could be linked, something I only asked once before when I first started out and the question was not even answered. Instead, I found another way to be linked, through strangers’ eyes of beauty. Carlisle