Tuesday, August 30

Another blogiversary


Starting a blog is a bit like taking on a new allotment plot! It starts out as just an idea. For some people they find that the idea was far better than the reality and will write one or two posts (or dig one or two beds) and then disappear.

Others decide that it is something that they can only devote a limited amount of time to - unlike at the allotment the weeds don’t take over if you are away for a while although when you do switch on your computer after a break it may seem that lots of things have happened in your absence. There’s usually lots of catching up to do!

Then there is the variety of ways blogs are set out and what bloggers choose to write about. 

There is also the way a community develops around a common interest and how this community can support one another with advice, tips and inspiration.

I started this blog on 30 August 2006 which makes today it's 5th blogiversay hence the reason that this post is about blogging and not gardening - I hope you’ll just indulge me a little.

It does seem a bit incredible that I started blogging 5 years, and over 870 posts ago over which time the blog has evolved into something completely different to how it started out - just like our allotment and our garden. 

I've always enjoyed writing my blog but it's also good to know that there are people out there who regularly read what I've written. I'm always excited to achieve a new follower and wonder what has gone wrong when the number of followers goes down meaning someone has dumped me! 

I love reading the comments and would like to thank all of you who regularly make comments and help make the blog come alive. It's good to get to know some of my readers better through this interaction and also benefit from the tips, suggestions and advice offered. I'm always happy when someone new comments too. I know from experience that it can sometimes feel as though you are gatecrashing a party where everyone knows everyone else but we all like to meet new friends as well as keep up with older ones.

Of course blogging is very much a two way thing and I also enjoy visiting lots of other blogs, most of which are featured in my blogrolls. Who needs gardening books when there is a team of knowledgeable people out there always teaching some new tricks, reminding us of old ones, inspiring us to try new things and giving us an insight into how they garden in other areas of the world? 

As a ‘thank you’ for reading I’d love to be able to share a piece of one of my sister's fabulous chocolate cakes with you but as that isn't practical maybe you will be satisfied with a photo instead.


I'd also like to thank Craig, Mark and Carrie for the awards they gave me this year.


     
     
Craig only took on his allotment plot in July 2010 but his blog Dykes Edge Allotments describes how in such a short time he has transformed an overgrown area into a show plot.

Mark combines his love of growing vegetables (especially chillies) with his love of cooking and his blog Mark's Veg Plot is full of information about his growing techniques accompanied by his favourite recipes.

Carrie's blog Grow Our Own describes how her brand new garden in Northern Ireland is taking shape as well as taking us for regular visits to her allotment plot. She's a firm believe in what she calls allotmentherapy and also has a lovely way with words.

I know lots of my regular visitors have already found these blogs - if you haven't pop over and take a look.


18 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your blogiversary, Sue. I totally agree with you, who needs gardening books when there's so many good blogs out there to read, with brilliant tips.

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  2. oh that cake looks good, I'll have some with my imaginary tea my daughter is giving me, interesting to read your reflections for a new blogger. Hard to imagine having that many posts. Congratulations.

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  3. Congratulations, you're two days older than me - although you're somewhat more prolific on the writing front than I am!

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  4. Thanks Jo - its far better to learn from real people's real experiences.

    Like in all things - time flies Kirsty - enjoy the cake

    Thanks Rob - so we were nearly twins!

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  5. Congratulations on achieving another significant milestone, Sue.
    Some blogs fade very rapidly, but yours goes from strength to strength.

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  6. Congratulations and here's to another 5 years!

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  7. Sue, that is torture, showing us the cake... Congrats on a thriving blog after five years, quite an achievement. Since you are writing about blogging and not gardening I am going to be really cheeky and ask, any chance you could add a "subscrib e by email" link to your blog? It makes it so much easier for email-focused people like myself to keep up-to-date, I always find myself playing catch-up with your blog...

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  8. Thanks Damo & Mark

    I'll do that just for you Janet!

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  9. Gadget now on the sidebar Janet

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  10. Woo hoo! Thank you Sue, am now all signed up!

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  11. I really need that sugar from that yummy cake...hehehe...lack energy these days. Congratulation on your 5th Blog Birthday!

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  12. Sorry that I can't email cake - Diana!

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  13. Congrats on your blogaversary! Your blog is always a fab read - thankyou :-) Love 'n' hugs, Mel xx

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  14. Glad that you enjoy reading Mel

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  15. Happy be-lated 5th Blogiversary!! Sorry I missed that cake! I bet it was yummy!

    I really enjoy reading your blog and rarely miss a post! Here's to another 5 years of blogging!!

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  16. Sorry Robin - I'd have saved you a piece if I'd known you were coming along later!

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  17. Congrats...the cake looks lovely!!

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  18. My sister makes exceedingly good cakes Tanya

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