I have posted on this board, off and on, for years. For me it's always been a combination of of 1, 3, and 4...but (I'd like to think) mostly 3 and 4. Showing off only happens after I've completed a project. I love it when others show off. Remember the Victor/Victoria bed? SO cool.

Over the years we've had some good, dare I say hilarious? threads...they're all gone now...dropped off the board. But they were fun while they lasted. So the social interaction is a lot of it.

And I've learned A LOT. I'd like to think I've brought an avid amateur's voice to the table...and sometimes a suggestion/project that sparked some good work.

So that's why I pop in. I've been on hiatus...am hoping to spend a little more time in here this year.

1. to understand myself better.
2. to communicate better.
3. to understand how other people think in orde to be responsive to more people.
4. to learn to write better.
5. to learn from others.

Initially I came here to read what were some fabulous discussions built around landscaping questions. It was wonderfully enlightening and broadening. I continue to learn from the struggles and solutions of others, and enjoy the challenge of trying to evaluate and synthesize problems, even if I don't always respond to them. Some people do crosswords; I visit the Landscape Design Forum.

After awhile I realized I could help a few people in small ways because I finally understood the *many, many* mistakes I have made in my long journey through gardening, so I sometimes offer up my amateur suggestions. There must be some vanity involved, because it can be disappointing to be ignored.

Sometimes I share my enthusiasm for gardens by offering photos of private and public gardens for inspiration. Occasionally when visiting gardens I'll see something that smacks me across the forehead with its innovation, creativity, or practicality, and hope posting a photo will affect someone else the same way.

I've enjoyed the social interaction, but that part is very uneven, indirect, and possibly imaginary.

>I've enjoyed the social interaction, but that part is very uneven, indirect, and possibly imaginaryWhat's imaginary?

I don't see anything.

I think its because I really like to talk and think about design and landscaping. I have lurked here for years, only started posting recently, but I do miss the old discussions that used to be here. And I find the endless list of landscaping questions quite exhausting to think about. I understand that many homeowners have questions and don't know where to turn, but it seems like so few professionals are left on this forum they could never touch the number of issues posted.
I love reading the different opinions when people do post!

I come here because I'm interested in a broader discussion that just a plant-based one. And when I'm planning changes to my garden I find it helps me clarify what I want to do by having input from others - even if I disagree with suggestions, it is useful because it forces me to think more clearly about why I'm thinking 'no...' and that helps me see more clearly what it is I'm aiming for.

Conversation and learning are all part of that. I tend to find comments by the 'regulars' the most interesting because you sort of come to feel you know them in some way and, because their 'voice' is familiar, it feels more like a converstation - even if it's an imaginary one Catkim:-) (Actually, via another GW forum with a group of regulars, an 'imaginary' garden friend has become a real one - we even dog-sit their dog :- )

laag - I like your reasons - thoughtful as usual. You write very well, so you don't need to worry about that one :- )

Posted by bboy USDA 8 Sunset 5 WA (My Page) on Mon, Aug 24, 09 at 15:28

">I've enjoyed the social interaction, but that part is very uneven, indirect, and possibly imaginaryWhat's imaginary?

I don't see anything."

Most people see what they want to see.

Come on, defrost and tell us why you post here.

Why do I post here and follow this forum? I have always liked to watch the landscaping shows on TV where you see stuff being improved, so I guess I look at this as a problem solving diversion on some level. I have presented my own design questions and comments, I wouldn't say for vindication but maybe some affirmation and clarification. Also some new insights to an approach have been very helpful. My low-water/maintenance gardening style is such that vanity (ego driven..?) gardens would be something I could post!
I'm not a plant collecter, so the species forums are interesting, but not what I would come back to regularly. I also follow my regional forum (New England), but don't contribute there as much for some reason.

When I post here - not as frequently as in the past, for various reasons - it is because I hope that I can offer something of value to the discussions or that I can contribute advice someone might find helpful. I also enjoy seeing what other advice is offered by both the pros and the non-professionals and value other viewpoints.

Although it seems to be occurring far less frequently in recent years, I also enjoy most of the more philosophical discussions involving landscape design, as it gets me thinking more deeply about my craft. And when one is self-employed in this business, that type of interchange with one's peers that results in self-reflection is difficult to come by. I just wish there were more of these discussions and more professional participants.

Looks like I'm not the one who needs to thaw a bit.

I discovered this forum when I stayed HWB (Home With Baby), and started hanging out here (and a few other places) for some adult conversation. It's a bit like virtual traveling; I visit less frequently now, as some real traveling has become possible again.

To learn, get feedback, thoughtful criticism. I do a lot of research but it simply is not enough. Greatly enjoy this forum as well and those who people it.

I post here and mostly on the Perennials Forum (and a few others) mainly to hear about others' experiences with whatever problem or question I'm currently having. I've been gardening for a very long time and I still consider myself to be a newbie, which is why gardening is my favorite thing to do. It's always new and challenging, and all it takes to wipe out my countless failures is the thrill of some small victory or discovery.

The friendly advice and encouragement I've received from other posters at GW has been prieless, and it can't be found in any textbook gardening books. No question of mine has ever been too stupid to receive at least one patient and understandable response from someone.

The connection to a great group of people who share my love of gardening and who understand and share their excitement of a problematic plant that begins to flourish under their care, and the sadness of losing one.

Those who post their pictures - their victories - inspire me and give me new ideas. I don't think of that as "bragging" at all, but rather sharing their successes (and they also post their failures, too) with others who appreciate them.

For many reasons, for me it's a good place

I've also been posting here for years. Although I'm an experienced gardener, I appreciate expanding my knowledge of design concepts and putting them into practice by studying other gardens. There are many talented people here, and I enjoy the discussions.

Great question, Rhodium! I recognize echoes of my reasons in many of the above posts - the share the benefit of my many mistakes, to learn things that I can apply to my own set of problems, to have my own ideas critiqued and improved upon, and to enjoy participating in an intellectual community. As a stay-at-home mom (I think I have to start calling myself a housewife since my kids are growing up), I think the process of collective problem-solving with an intellectually-stimulating group of peers is the biggest pull. That means I learn and I contribute and I sharpen my own problem-solving skills in landscaping and everything else.

One other reason is that through participating in the design dilemmas of others I get to vicariously garden or live in other types of houses and properties, and other climates and environments. It's cheaper and easier than moving, which sometimes seems like a good antidote to facing the same design challenges and constraints of the same plot of land for so long, 17 years and counting.

KarinL