Forums and this place

[TonyF]

I belong to half a dozen or eight on-line Forums mainly about work and living in France and just this one for my hobbies.

I've only belonged to this one for a short time but it's SO addictive, I spend more time on here than I do any of the others, not only is it friendly - several of the other Forums can be so combative and even downright rude, especially the academic sites - this place is always a pleasure.

Being right down here and having no close gardening neighbours it's getting more and more like my allotment, so much sharing of information, good natured banter, downright smut occasionally but also such good fun. It's getting to be part of my morning 'ritual', loo, cup of tea, open computer, the Vine ..........

If only there was a way of passing the tea, wine and cake around in the evening other than cybering, it would be perfect!

[heebiejeebie]

I know what you mean there's a good sense of community on this forum - and I get to talk about my gardening obsession here and nobody yawns.

[bubblewrap]

I could not agree with you more I anm new to allotments(Sept 2005) and forums but I always enjoy comming on The Vine for advice/information or just a laugh & always find the folks friendly & helpful.
Love & peace Andy; aka Bubblewrap.

[denise]

I too enjoy coming on here for severval reasons -to see what everyone is up to, often this kicks start me to do the same / find out the news / share everyones ups and downs / to learn loads. OH when passing the compter says 'your not no there again!' when he sees the screen. It is as you say a warm friendly place to be.

[chillie girl]

I agree.

I belong to another forum dedicated to chillies. Thye are a nice bunch on there but I very rarely post any threads as i feel a bit intimidated by them all.
Also when I joined up I said hello and only got two replies, where as when i said hello to you all WOW!!!!, loads of greetings and I immediately felt welcome. I log in at least twice a day and am beginning to recognise names now ( a couple of you are in Grow Your Own this month) so I feel like you are now friends. Joining this forum was one of the best things I have done regarding my garden. I have learned so much allready, and feel I have made hundreds of new friends who have the same interest as me. Thank you everyone for being so nice.

Tracy

[Pottypotter]

Yes it’s quite exciting when you see someone you "know" in the magazine. Just wish I could get of this forum to get some work done. I get some odd looks down the allotment trying out things like parsnips in toilet rolls, net curtains over my cabbage. I'm sure they all think I'm a mad woman who doesn't know what she is doing. Thanks to everyone for being so nice on this forum, I learn something new every day.

[Flummery]

I'm like Tony - it's part of my daily ritual even though I'm a recent convert. When you are 'ploughing a lone furrow' you can easily forget the seeds you meant to plant in March and find them in May. When you are a regular here (and I find it's impossible NOT to be a regular) someone will post something about them and remind you. You are all keeping me on my toes. My veg garden will be MUCH more productive this year and it's thanks to you all. There is a fantastic balance of people with years of experience and newcomers to the noble art. None of us knows so much we can't pick up a few tips. I've never felt so much at home anywhere except home!

I'm passing you a glass of red Tony. Been on the wagon for Lent - Last night's glass was heavenly! (My sister said it could have been sump oil after 6 weeks and I'd still have supped it!)

Cheers,

Flum

[Nicos]

What a lovely thing to say Tony!
Often 'see'you first thing in the morning after Don V.
It's good to touch base with like minded folks.
Know what you mean about other sites though- will stay out of that I think!!!
Glad you are here Tony - you have a lot to offer!!

[JennieAtkinson]

Thanks Tony - its great to know that others think the same.

I've said elsewhere (but I'll say it again!), for me this Forum is my allotment. I'm very much on my own up here (lots of people growing veg etc. but not wanting to grow different things etc.) and no friends to share it with. With an OH dedicated to sailing, its LOVELY coming on here and reading what everyone has been doing and getting so much advice and encouragement.

I wouldn't be growing half the things I'm growing without you all!

[nick the grief]

I agree Tony I am a member of a couple of forums (or should that be fori ) for the various interests I have and one of them they are so far up there own bottoms they can see their teeth The seem to have more interest in knowing the latin names and Taxonomy of the plants than encouraging newcomers and beginers - they don't take kindly to my flipant style .... I know It's hard to belive So I only go on there now to quickly look at the posts to se if there is anything of interest - I don't even log on most times

I like to think this is more than just a forum but more of a 24/7 gardening club open to all and advise freely given.

[Mrs Dobby]

As others have said, the 'vine is a home upon the web, a virtual allotment that I just HAVE to log into and get up to date with at least once a day! (Days off it has to be twice of course! )

Even better when you get the chance to meet another grape, we've met 2 other grapes and the OH of another, and have plans to meet up with several more in the very near future!

[GeordieVik]

I love it here too - I still don't post very often, but I do read new posts at least twice a day usually. Call me a registered lurker?

And my OH frequently asks how I can spend so much time on here - but he's not particularly interested in the lottie or garden, so doesn't appreciate the fantastic tips & advice you can pick up.

Thanks everyone



Vik

[carlseawolf]

i like this forum because its like talking over the garden fence without the keeping up with the jones ( appologies to anyone called jones ).
i do like where people use blogs / websites to show what they have done and give ideas to others and the fact you get a run down of diffrent variaties of plants with honest pros and cons, not company inforced articles.
before i got my allotment i read about five diffrent books about gardening and this forum is like having a hundred on my shelf with a regional variation as an added bonus. its also handy if people put where they live so it gives a rough guide to the rest of the people reading , especially new gardeners that are not sure when to plant.
GREAT WORK SO FAR LETS KEEP IT UP!

[Birdie Wife]

Group hug! This was the first forum I've ever joined and it's still the best!

[Snadger]

I can only reiterate what Tony says, this is an excellent forum and long may it reign or rain, if your water buts are empty!