Blotanical: A Garden of Friends
I have been a new garden blogger on Blotanical twice!
A few months ago I had some problems with the feed on my blog and I was no longer showing on Blotanical. A directory of garden blogs from all over the world, Blotanical was created by Stuart Robinson. Indeed, Stuart’s own blog, Gardening Tips “N” Ideas, originates from Western Australia. It was Stuart who corrected the problem of my blog’s feed and to my great happiness I was back amongst my fellow garden bloggers, or “Blotanists”, on Blotanical.
During the time I was “in the wilderness” It was the people I had come to know on Blotanical that I missed the most.
To all of the Blotanists I treasure your joy in the natural world, your expertise and your enthusiasm. I have also been honored when you have shared your challenges as friends will do. Your posts have informed, inspired and delighted me.
Even though we are many miles away, you are like a friend with a green thumb passing on cuttings and seeds of plants you have grown to share.
Thank you Blotanical
Warm regards to all of you.
Philip
Flower Power to the People!
Blotanical is a great antidote to all the fear mongering we seem to see everywhere to peddle ideas and goods. And Blotanical is a truer reflection of the state of humankind as good, geneorous and gracious rather than the fear & hate we see in the news. I’ll step down off my soap box now.
Peace Out Bro!
Comment by Shauna — 8. November 2008 @ 03:53
I think you just earned your red star. Glad you made it back.
Comment by deb — 8. November 2008 @ 04:10
Yay Shauna!
Stand on the soap box! How else can there be bubbles!
The bubbles are ideas that tell the truth, build people up and join them together. How else can we save the planet?
You rock!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 04:22
Hi Deb, Debbi, Aunt Debbi!
I loved the story of how you got your name. You and Rhonni/Meme look so great!
I have wanted to do a Blotanical post for a long time. I guess it takes me a while. It was months before I showed my own garden! I wanted at first to tell specific people how much they meant to me, but as time went on I discoved if I did that I would be in the hundreds and I did not want to leave anyone out. It is the whole of Blotanical I love. It means so much to me. I love it when I have a comment. There is nothing like waking up in the morning and seeing a comment on my blog. What a great way to start the day! I try to say thanks to all who comment, and I love checking out all the blogs here on Blotanical and commenting to tell of my appreciation of what they do.
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 04:36
Philip, I am thankful for Blotanical because without it, I never would have found your blog! Your posts are always so carefully crafted and worth the time it takes to read them, and your comments are always so friendly and encouraging. I share your excitement at meeting new folks via this site and in finding out the latest funny, helpful, and informative things they will say both on their own blogs and as commenters on mine. It’s so cool to have these electronic pen pals all over the planet, all interested in a common subject!
Comment by Karen — 8. November 2008 @ 05:19
Philip, I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve missed your visits and your encouraging comments.
I also relish my visits to your corner of the world. Every stay promises a glimpse and adventure into places and gardens unknown, and I never come away without feeling like I’ve just had a cozy chat over a cup of tea with a good friend. Many thanks for that!
Comment by Nancy Bond — 8. November 2008 @ 05:26
Karen!
Yay!
What a perfectly lovely thing to say! Talk about friendly and encouraging!
It is delightful to go with you on your “Greenwalks”
When strolling you have shown it is time to be in the moment. Your daughter understands that when you say in your terrific post about benches provided by people off their gardens:
“She’s usually fine to just plop down on the sidewalk, but when there’s something more interesting to sit on, we are both happier about it.”
Ah, so much fun!
That is the best thing in life.
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 05:33
Hmmm, I gave up on that site because of the problems with feeds. Maybe I should check it out again.
Comment by Phillip — 8. November 2008 @ 06:17
Dear Nancy,
We have lots of good tea…especially rose hip tea! Yay! So high in vitamin c and such a delicious taste and color! I loved your post on that.
Most importantly I hope that everyone visits your site and reads your post on World diabetes day. For Nolan and so many others.
From your blog:
http://nancybond.wordpress.com/
Show your support on November 14 — join the circle. World Diabetes Day is represented by a blue circle logo. The blue circle, noted for its symbolism of positivity, life and health, is the global symbol of diabetes and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.
And in a practical vein, consider purchasing JDRF cards this holiday season; make a donation; educate yourself about juvenile diabetes. Or simply wear blue to show your support next Friday, November 14.
Very warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 06:29
Dear Phillip!
I just loved your recent post on the fall colors in your garden. Your garden is something of a delight for me to enjoy in your blog. In San Francisco we do not have such dramatic contrasts in the seasons. Your blog is such a favorite of mine.
I just love what you do.
In friendship,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 07:07
I can hear your heart talk when you respond to people. Blotanical is over 95% of my viewers. They are all really nice folks too. But there is only one Philip and we think you are pretty grand.
Comment by Anna — 8. November 2008 @ 09:02
Oh Anna,
It is so great to hear from you!
Your posts on the big business nursury practices as compared with smaller nurserys is invaluable.
I can so see you with the red truck with the Flower Garden Girl script.
I have to say your comment fills me up like a plant with lots of good water and sunshine!
I think you are grand, too!
Thank you.
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 10:34
Phillip - what a charming post - I am glad that I found your blog via blotanical, and very happy that your feed issues have been resolved.
Regards
K.
Comment by Karen - An Artists Garden — 8. November 2008 @ 12:11
Hi Philip!
Nice to have found your blog!
I´ve recently also been a member of the Blotanicals
Martin-Janne from Sweden
Comment by Gardenlife — 8. November 2008 @ 13:51
So good to see you back! I have fallen prey on two occasions to the fickleness of Blotanical, each time I was so relieved to be back, so totally empathise with the relief!
Look forward to reading many more posts from you in the future
All the best
Zoë x
Comment by Zoë — 8. November 2008 @ 16:41
Martin-Janne,
You have such a beautiful website!
Than you so much for your comment.
regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 18:13
Dear Zoe,
Your post on your blog just transported me. I love the majestic oak and the dew pond. The converted Bakery looks enchanting!
All the best!
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 18:21
Dear Karen,
your blog just transports me to the beauty that is Western Wales.
Thank you so much for the comment!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. November 2008 @ 18:25
Hugs!
Comment by Anna — 9. November 2008 @ 08:26
Congratulations on being back, but can I confess something? Reading your post confirmed what I suspected: I don’t really know how to do anything on Blotanical. I guess I need to sit down and try to figure it out, I joined months ago, and that’s as far as I got. Then you do things like post and read things there? Man, I am really missing out. Must find “blotanical for dummies” somewhere.
Comment by Megan — 10. November 2008 @ 03:15
Hi Megan,
Thank you for your comment. I enjoy your blog.I am not an expert, but I would fave blogs you like. That way you can go to Picks and see the different tabs. Your faved blogs new posts will come up in one tab, and the current list of all blog posts in another.
I know most people love a comment.
I wish I could be more active.Some people post every day! My hat is off to them!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 19:14
Also contact the help button. Let me know if you have any questions!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 21:16
Philip, you big whiner! LOL, I am more lost than you on a good day! I also lost my computer to something or other and had a geek by who “corrected” things and made me aware of some pretty startling deficiencies. I felt like a bug collector. The thing was, I also missed by Blotanic friends, so I feel your pain. Obviously, since I am here and all, I come by as often as I can, and for all the best reasons. You, sir, are de Man!~Keep it up!
Comment by Steve — 11. November 2008 @ 04:40
Philip,
I consider your blog a gardening treasure of in depth information about your beautiful home, San Francisco.
Donna
Comment by Mother Nature's Garden — 11. November 2008 @ 15:29
Hi Steve!
Talk about a garden of friends!
I am so amazed at the beautiful and natural gardens you plant from scratch. i love the insight on how you make it all happen. thank you so much for your wonderful comments and support!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 11. November 2008 @ 20:18
Donna!
Hi! What a lovely thing to say! I so appreciate it. I am hopefully about to post soon. I loved your spectacular images of fall color!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 11. November 2008 @ 20:27
Hi Philip, what an outstanding case you have made for blotanical. Most of my readers come from it also. I have had the feeds problems twice and both times it was horrible to be without my friends. Very lonely. Finally I switched to wordpress and all seems right with the world of blot for now. Your kind, gentle, enthusiastic voice is one I always relish reading. To think that you didn’t want to show your own garden in the beginning shows how far you have come in allowing people into your world. I love reading your take on your surroundings and even the comments you leave on other’s posts, always supportive and comforting. Thanks for all you do.
Frances
Comment by Frances — 11. November 2008 @ 22:03
Oh, Philip, you humble person, you. You are one of the all time favs, I have no doubt. You’re certainly one of mine. One quality I admire so much is your utter respect for all the beings I’ve seen you interact with. Very kind. Very intelligent. Very thorough.
And charming. Thanks for being who you are. xoxo
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 12. November 2008 @ 01:35
Hi Frances!
Thank you so much! I love visiting Faire Garden in an alternative universe! Where else can one stroll an enchanted place with a magic staff, passwords and treasure maps!
Your comment touche me very much.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 12. November 2008 @ 22:55
Dear kathryn,
Your comment was so touching, that I could not respond right away.
Thank you so very much.
And…
I am so excited that the scarf project is going on display! and then to mountains of Pakistan!
Yay!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 12. November 2008 @ 22:59
Great to have you back Philip and I’m sorry it took me so long to get over here and read your great post. It seems like you have been building some wonderful relationships with many of these bloggers - great to see.
I shall be back…
Comment by Stuart — 13. November 2008 @ 12:36
Hi Stuart!
Thank you so very much for Blotanical and all that you do!
I am a bit late getting up my next post, but hopefully soon. My hats off and admiration to all the Blotanists.
Thank you, Stuart, for your kind work of support.
Very best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 13. November 2008 @ 20:12
I’m just dragging tonight philip===but wanted you to know that you are one of the best people around here and thank you for it!! More big hugs your way. I’ve got a lot of entertaining to do this week so I’ll be slaving over the stove and loving every minute. I’ll save you some goodies.
Comment by Anna — 25. November 2008 @ 09:58
Philip, I know from personal experience what a comfort the Blotanical network can be, thanks to the sympathy and support of people like you. It’s great to see you back. (My son and I loved the Andy Goldsworthy post, btw). Thanks also for your message over on my blog.
Love and hugs, Victoria
Comment by Victoria — 26. November 2008 @ 01:36
Dear Victoria,
Thank you so much for sharing your loss with us and your touching tribute to your husband, Craig. I am thinking of you and your son, and the rest of your family. I can imagine that this is a devastating loss. Please know how much we appreciate you, and we are fortunate to call you friend.
Philip
Comment by admin — 26. November 2008 @ 21:32
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
http://www.smallbusinessavenues.com
Comment by Alena — 13. December 2008 @ 11:30
Hi Alena!
What a nice thing to say!
Thank you for your comment!
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 13. December 2008 @ 17:31