I love to talk to people with the same passion for gardening, wildlife etc. We all have our own preferences and tastes, and ways of doing things - that's what makes it interesting, and it's how we learn. Like many others here, I've loved nature and gardening since I could walk, it makes me experienced but that doesn't make me an expert. There are always new plants to buy and learn about, new ways of working, designing, creating, nurturing, balancing, building etc etc, and I love to learn - and hopefully help where I can. There's only so much information you can glean from a robot screen, and half of it is advertising, so I'd rather talk to actual people.
I'm not bothered about meet ups because I'm happy going to places on my own if I want to, but I think the social side of any group is great - I made good, long standing friendships from other forums years ago. Enough people are shy, if you already 'know' people and have broken the ice before you meet, it takes a lot of awkwardness out the equation.
I’m fascinated too by the windows that are opened into other contributors’ lives by the snippets they share and the photos they post. I have a fairly wide circle of friends and acquaintances and I see this forum as an adjunct to that. I hugely value others’ inputs on the broader topics of discussion - Covid, the NHS, the government, Brexit, the BBC, the energy crisis etc. I value hugely the expertise that forum members can give to these debates and I like to follow the exchange of views, albeit (actually, better) if they sometimes get tetchy.
I’ll selfishly add that I am horrified, I don’t think that’s too strong a word, by the predicaments of those who have cantankerous neighbours and problem neighbourhoods. I read about them, and I give thanks for Rutland.
So, thank you to all the contributors. And thank you for taking the trouble to write your opinions in a full and rational manner. I put a lot of store by courteous debate, considered argument and cohesive expression.
I began using the forum in ( I think ) 2013. I find it an excellent source of information and advice and a friendly and welcoming space. I also like the fact that threads often go off topic and lead to interesting debates whether it be about horticulture or any other subject under the sun. Not only info but the number of seeds and plants that frequently change hands and give people a chance to try their hands at something new without going to huge expense. It also says something that those who profess to dislike the forum and make it known fairly regularly do continue to post. GW must be doing something right
Been popping in and out for about 8 or 9 years learning loads, exchanging views, probably not really helping anyone else except by laying bare my mistakes and tragedies. Totally agree with all the comments above and that makes a very friendly forum, disagree, agree, offer another point of view, most people respond positively.
A lovely way to waste time during COVID as well
"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." Sir Terry Pratchett
Nearly thirty years ago I helped to form a local garden club. It was so popular there was a waiting List. I served on the committee for nine years and made lots of new friends. It was great to arrive at a meeting knowing there would be plenty of like minded people to talk to share plants and ideas. We welcomed many great speakers over the years, enjoyed gardening holidays and trips. Gardeners World was filmed in a friends garden too so all very exciting. It was a large part of my life at that time. During lockdown a family member died of covid and my OH was shielding and continues to be immunosuppressed. Everything has changed no more garden club, cinema, buses, restaurants just a visit to the GC where we sit outside. Medics still say to be cautious. Then I found a new gardening group by chance right here. It has been a great opportunity for me. Thankyou for sharing all your garden thoughts and interests you will never know how much they are appreciated.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
That's a lovely post @GardenerSuze. Gardening has been a lifeline for many people during Covid, especially if - like you - there have been serious difficulties to deal with. Even if they don't all carry on with it, a few new folk discovering the interest has to be a good thing. Gardening became more important to me when my marriage broke down and I had two little girls whose lives were turned completely upside down. When they were at school I spent a lot of time studying and doing a course etc. I could have done with this forum then, but the internet wasn't something I really used, and had to learn on my own. Fast forward several years, and this forum saved my sanity after escaping a violent, abusive partner. I'm still alive and that's something I appreciate every day
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I just wish I had the words to express my happiness at being a part of this forum. Yes, I too, have learned so much, not only about gardening but that we all have the same worries as we advance in our years. I hope my small contributions have been of some help.
Thank you for your precious information everyone re gardening and on all the other subjects that appear here.
As a forum newbie but gardener of many years' ineptitude, this is just the most fantastic place to get the information I never knew I needed as well as some I did. As well as providing answers to my questions - and sometimes some unexpected answers - it's also making me much more curious, much more open to delving and learning properly rather than just making do (who the heck knew apple trees were so complicated? Yes, I know, you all did).
What my garden will get out of this is probably going to be too long to list. It's very early days for it but I just know that it will be a better garden for your help and support.
It's interesting how many of you also have personal reasons to be glad of the forum welcome. I've got my own too. Since moving here 18 months ago, I've made some friends, mostly gardeners but some not ( ), but it's different. I feel this is adding a dimension to my social life that is otherwise at the moment missing.
Posts
I'm not bothered about meet ups because I'm happy going to places on my own if I want to, but I think the social side of any group is great - I made good, long standing friendships from other forums years ago. Enough people are shy, if you already 'know' people and have broken the ice before you meet, it takes a lot of awkwardness out the equation.
I’m fascinated too by the windows that are opened into other contributors’ lives by the snippets they share and the photos they post. I have a fairly wide circle of friends and acquaintances and I see this forum as an adjunct to that. I hugely value others’ inputs on the broader topics of discussion - Covid, the NHS, the government, Brexit, the BBC, the energy crisis etc. I value hugely the expertise that forum members can give to these debates and I like to follow the exchange of views, albeit (actually, better) if they sometimes get tetchy.
I’ll selfishly add that I am horrified, I don’t think that’s too strong a word, by the predicaments of those who have cantankerous neighbours and problem neighbourhoods. I read about them, and I give thanks for Rutland.
So, thank you to all the contributors. And thank you for taking the trouble to write your opinions in a full and rational manner. I put a lot of store by courteous debate, considered argument and cohesive expression.
It also says something that those who profess to dislike the forum and make it known fairly regularly do continue to post. GW must be doing something right
A lovely way to waste time during COVID as well
It was a large part of my life at that time. During lockdown a family member died of covid and my OH was shielding and continues to be immunosuppressed. Everything has changed no more garden club, cinema, buses, restaurants just a visit to the GC where we sit outside. Medics still say to be cautious.
Then I found a new gardening group by chance right here. It has been a great opportunity for me. Thankyou for sharing all your garden thoughts and interests you will never know how much they are appreciated.
Even if they don't all carry on with it, a few new folk discovering the interest has to be a good thing.
Gardening became more important to me when my marriage broke down and I had two little girls whose lives were turned completely upside down. When they were at school I spent a lot of time studying and doing a course etc. I could have done with this forum then, but the internet wasn't something I really used, and had to learn on my own.
Fast forward several years, and this forum saved my sanity after escaping a violent, abusive partner. I'm still alive and that's something I appreciate every day
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I just wish I had the words to express my happiness at being a part of this forum. Yes, I too, have learned so much, not only about gardening but that we all have the same worries as we advance in our years. I hope my small contributions have been of some help.
You are such a nice bunch of people.
As a forum newbie but gardener of many years' ineptitude, this is just the most fantastic place to get the information I never knew I needed as well as some I did. As well as providing answers to my questions - and sometimes some unexpected answers - it's also making me much more curious, much more open to delving and learning properly rather than just making do (who the heck knew apple trees were so complicated? Yes, I know, you all did).
What my garden will get out of this is probably going to be too long to list. It's very early days for it but I just know that it will be a better garden for your help and support.
It's interesting how many of you also have personal reasons to be glad of the forum welcome. I've got my own too. Since moving here 18 months ago, I've made some friends, mostly gardeners but some not (
So thank you for being you. You're great.