Hopefully she's well!

Seems like nobody's around anymore, doesn't it?

Gardebweb/Houzz has been somewhat challenging with the half dozen years of changes that have occurred. It would not surprise me if there were strong reasons for many of the changes that took place that have to do with maintaining server function - something that I know nothing about. The changes also have included attrition of members. That's completely understandable if we have any experience within this social media realm.

Still, it is surprising when changes happen. It takes some adjusting, even on the emotional side of life.

Early winter has always been a slow season on RMG. It won't be the gardening off-season in just a few days, here at home and for Steve's digits. The house plants have been here right along. Potted outdoor perennials have been crammed in one corner of the greenhouse and covered with a tarp, against the cold. They will be joined by a flat or two of soil and onion seed, soon. Seeds and seedlings to also protect from the cold in that unheated greenhouse. In another few weeks, the pepper seed will be sown. Tomato, eggplant ... seedlings will fill the window in the South Room and they will be demanding room and a place in a Heated Greenhouse by mid-March. And, time flies ...

Steve

Yes indeed... I'm /just/ starting to get The Itch to start some seeds... normally I start my tomatoes around mid-February, so as you say, we're close!

Onions are a great idea... I always forget about them until it's too late, and then I end up needing to rely on gjcore (who does a great job /not/ forgetting about them).

I'm really hopeful that this year is going to be a great one. It'll be the first year in 6 that I'll really be able to focus on the garden — no massive "work stress" to constantly distract, drain, and de-energize me. I need to start getting last year's failed starter pots cleaned out and ready to go, and start figuring out what I want to grow this year...

You're right about Houzz/GW getting worse. I've been toying with the idea of setting up a forum site for our little group to migrate to, but I figure there's probably already one out there that would work for us... we've just got to find it and (somehow) get everyone over there. Or just stay here until they kick us out! :)

I started some seeds indoors. Shasta Daisy, red hollyhocks and parsley.♥

Yay! I hope you'll post pictures when they pop up!

I try not to start seeds too early. Usually first up is leeks and onions but that's still off into the future some. Did start getting the shelves organized today. I think I have enough seed to get through the season but I always buy some more because it looks interesting.

Unfortunately it seems the most people prefer Facebook or Twitter and the days of real forums are fading away. Whenever I look at gardening FB posts it makes me want to gag . While there's some knowledgeable people it's more about "look at my pictures!" and click like. I guess that's why I rarely open FB and would never have it on my phone.

I hope Skybird is okay. Could be she just drifted away from houzz.

Agreed on FB & Twitter — I don't use either and don't miss 'em. I mean, I like me some good pictures, but they should augment the discussion-centered interaction, not replace it.

I think winter tends to be a downtime around here anyway, so maybe she's just off shoveling and will come check on us in a few months.

It's almost time for me to start seeds, because mine seem to grow more slowly than everyone else's... I'm getting excited!

I don't use FB or Twitter, but it does seem like these old GardenWeb forums don't get as much actions as they used to, and especially in the winter. Sorry to hear Skybird has been absent. I too hope she's okay 🙏🏻

It's quite different from the "olde days."

I remember once commenting during the winter, "Gee, we have gone a whole 24 hours without anyone posting anything!"

Something that happened with GW before Houzz even showed up was the proliferation of subforums. Every topic that anyone could come up with, gained a separate forum. Three or four people went off on their own and were perhaps joined by others, or not. I was reminded the other day that there is a GW "caregivers" forum. Not that these were a bad idea, just that GW couldn't be all things to all people. And, I used to suggest in the Idaho forum that people should come to RMG because weeks and weeks would pass with nuthin!

All gardening is local. But, it is fun recognizing similarities.

Steve

Thanks for Skybird’s update, treebarb. We are so glad to hear you’re in contact with her and she’s still around.