Its so sad

I used to post questions on forums and with in 5 minutes people answered the post. Now sometimes the post drop off with out anything and most are simple questions about plants, fungus, etc
Hope people aren't leaving dave's or getting tired of the site.

Lavina

I also have noticed many of the forums are not very (or all active). I hope this is not a sign of decline of Dave's Garden setup. Some, of course, are active (like the roses and orchid groups).

I for one am not a floral, fauna nor fungi pro so can't answer any questions there.
Maybe it's because most DGers are taking advantage of the good weather, and rather be outside. Hosting a couple of 'active' threads, and do experience a decline in traffic. Chalk it to either real life happening to others, or I'm a boring hostess!





This message was edited Jun 5, 2012 2:09 PM

I haven't posted much but that's because I am so new to Dave's and new to gardening that I really have nothing to add. I love this site though. I've been reading and learning tons. I've decided to keep a blog of sorts of my first steps into the wonderful world of gardening (and weeds, and blisters, and sunburn, oh, and squirrels, don't forget the bloody squirrels) but I have absolutely nothing useful to add to any threads yet. Just questions and more questions.

~Iris~

Thanks for answering and posting on this. I have 4 things still on forums where nothing is even acknowledged that it was posted. This used to not happen and its no certain forum, all 4 are deifferent ones.
So many of the groups that had been here a long time are no longer here. I checked my paying member list. the climate has really changed but maybe it will change back so I for one am not leaving any time soon.
We have the greatest people in the world here.
Have a great day folks.
Lavina

Dear Lavina - I totally agree about some of the worlds greatest folks being found at Dave's.

Iris, it is not true that you don't have anything to share. Each and every member is vital to the success of the group. It is newcomers and their questions who make the forums interesting. Heck, all of us have been new once upon a time. By asking questions you are allowing some of the more experienced gardeners to share their wisdom and all gardeners love doing that, it is a win-win situation for all.

As for the four unanswered questions, you might try posting them on other forums. Heck, I know that I am way off topic many times in things I write and share. Matter of fact, what are the questions and maybe by chance someone reading this particular thread will respond. A person just never knows.

My story with Daves is that I became a member about seven years ago. Probably about three years or so ago, I didn't access Dave's for a while, about a year or so. When I returned, I felt a quite different atmosphere here also. With some poking and prodding and asking the right questions eventually I was told of the split of the group when Dave sold his rights to the website to Disney Company I believe. Anyway......a lot of chatters went to other websites and no longer were active here. I found that to be very sad because I had such fun when first becoming a member.

I too have spent the past couple of years missing some of the folks who used to be here and were active. The group I mainly stick with is Mid Atlantic Gardeners group and it too slowed way down from its previous level of activity. The Mid Atlantic group recently held a plant swap where many of the members met and shared the bounty of the flower gardens. Since that time, I have seen the group rally and a lot more chatting and topics coming up since the get together.

Heck, I see that most of you are from North Carolina, and being a Virginian, I believe that you would be more than welcome to participate in some of the Mid Atlantic threads. NC is mid atlantic enough for me. hahaha You yoo Iris, we are a friendly bunch and have chatters from all locations who chat from time to time. Open to all, for sure. I hope that some of you will drop in and visit us some time.

I do encourage you Lavina to try posting the questions on different forums and see what happens. Best of luck to you all.

Ruby

Hello Lavina!!
It's been a while since I've been on DG but I'm still gardening when I can. I recently renewed my subscription and had a good look around at the forums. I've noticed that there is a different feel about the place now. A lot of people are gone for whatever reason but it will be nice to meet some new folks on here.
I used to think that whenever you had a question, you go to DG and somebody will know the answer so I see your point if you're still waiting for answers.

:o)

Erynne

Hi Lavina and others,

Glad I found this thread. I recently posted a request for some post-surgery assistance; nothing major but it was disappointing not to get any responses.

However, this Friday I will have my first in-person meeting with a DG friend and I'm very excited about that. I know many DGers who attend gatherings and visit each other. I'm kind of out of the way where I live so that doesn't happen much for me but I've made some good friends here and I'd be lost without them. I've also lost some friends here but that's another story. Overall, my experiences have been positive and I've been able to move on and away from problem people.

Most of my questions have been about tropical or subtropical plants and people usually respond if I can't find the answer in the Plan Guides.

Maybe this will become another of those "friendly chat" threads.

katie

Katiebear - that would be nice to have a new chat thread. I read some of the others and everyone sounds very friendly. But some of these groups have obviously been together for years and it is a bit awkward to butt in. Mostly I just read the plant information and be quiet otherwise. I have seen your posts on some chat threads and you obviously inhabit a world quite different from my little corner in North Carolina. It woud be interesting of the the people who have responded to LaviniaMae could continue the conversation. She is also from North Carolina, I see.

I agree. The threads I enjoy most are very supportive and positive. It takes time to build up that kind of rapport but I think this thread is off to a good start.

kb

These are a few chat threads that I do pop in once in a while.

LK's (Taters55) *She's about to* chat http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1258780/
where many are avid gardeners. Friendly group of 'sistahs'.

Betty's (Bettypauze) *Best, Worse, What did I learn today* chat http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1264050/
I've met the hostess in person, at a Sistahs' Gathering in Ohio 2 years ago. WYSIWYG with her. She'd be hosting this year's gathering at her home in Canada.

And you are all very welcome to mine. *Sweet Interruptions* Chat.
Where we call each other 'sistahs' and the impetus for those "Sistahs Gathering".
Nope, we're not 'clannish'. I've followed one chat for a couple of years, and don't seem to 'fit' in as I've been overlooked by the ones that had were there longer.
So, I don't try to do that here, nor do I hold anyone beholden to keep returning to the thread. Come and go as you please.
You can talk of anything under the sun, even vent.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1258780/

Jaye

OK, Jaye - taking you at your word ("you can talk of anything under the sun"). Where in the world (or rather, in North Carolina) is TabacVille? Is this just made up for privacy (security) reasons or is it an actual place? I have lived all my life (66 years) in North Carolina, mostly in the Raleigh-Durham-Granville County area and do not know of a TabacVille? Can you enlighten me?

This message was edited Jun 10, 2012 1:13 PM

Privacy reason, as one can google anything and discover the horrors of open information!! No privacy act there.
I'm not too far from Loris, SC and about 15 minutes from Whiteville, NC.

I guess I enjoy a bit of privacy also, in that I don't really live in Franklinton. That is the mailing address, but I am out in the woods about 7 miles from Franklinton. We have 5 acres on a creek and love it here (except for the deer flies this time of year!). My husband and I retired at the end of 2011 and are learning a new way of life. It is strange not to have schedules as we have both always worked while raising sons (all grown now). I feel guilty doing my garden chores leisurely instead of sqeezing them in between commuting to work and running errands on the weekends. My husband keeps reminding me to slow down ("you are retired now!). I feel very fortunate to have this time in our lives and need to be reminded every day to live in the moment (not looking back or spending too much time looking forward).

Erynne -- i remember you from the hosta forum, it's been a while.

I think I've been on DG for 5 yrs now ?? just about the time Dave sold ... .and it was resold about 2 yrs ago, and i think that is when a lot of 'hubbalabub' started.... I didnt want to get dragged into all of that as i was here for "gardening".
some of my friends left but most stayed as there is such a strong 'family-ness' to DG, no matter who owns it.

I have always considered this my "home" where gardening is concerned, and have some very good friends here... the others -- I know where to find them, and most are on FB too.

I do find DG tends to slow down certain times of the year as many are out spending time in the yard, just as I do.

One thing I love about DG is the caring folks.... I was on an extended vacation last year, and made a comment that my subscription was going to lapse, so i'd be gone away til i could re-new.... not one person, but TWO re-newed for me!!

that is what makes DG so special.

I believe in that old adage... whatever you gives.. it will be returned in kind to you.
That's why your subscriptions were taken care of, TCS.

Yes, there are other sites, one prior to DG's existence, and the other, following the original creator.
Membership have been reduced to just this and the new site.
Unfortunately, another reason for the decline of interaction here can also be blamed on another social network, Facebook. I was surprised to see so many former DGers starting DG-like pages.
Still they lack the charm of the member 'closeness' that's uniquely DG.

"Stillwood", I too live in the Boondocks!!

Hello everyone!
Boy is it ever a hot one today here in southern Ontario. I'm glad I was up early to water my wannabe potager (veg patch). Normally I cook on Sundays but not today. It's sandwich Sunday!

Hey tcs! Yup, it certainly has been a while since I was actively on DG but then so much has happened in my life. I still have all of my hostas however I'm not adding to my collection right now because money is tight. We need our chimney rebuilt and we need a new roof. On top of that, we have little Miss Stella who is 8.5 months old and her diapers come before plants (unless I come across a bargain that I can't pass up).

Welcome. It's a hot one here in Mulege, Mexico, too. I'm mostly playing poker and thinking about leaving for Ca. tomorrow.

kb

I agree it is not what it use to be. Co-ops were fun and frenzy. It has been awhile since a co-op has taken place but am finding they are more frustrating on other sites. Never know if plants will be available and when. Although there isn't dialogue in many forums I have checked the other "sites" and seems to be less than here. Out of three "buildings" I find dg the best.

Erynne - I gather you like hostas. I am quite fond of them, but unfortunately so are the deer around here. When we first moved out here, I planted lots of them - I especially like the great big ones. But as the years have gone by, they have been badly munched. The deer do not seem to bother the little ones, but the big pretty blue ones are a deer's delight! A couple of years ago we saw a mama with 2 babies walking around the garden and decided she was showing them "the deli". So I gave up on planting new ones. The big pretty ones that are left are surrounded with chicken wire (which is not very lovely at all) and I am no longer putting in new ones. The deer do not seem to eat Helleborus (Lenten roses) plants, so I have been putting in lots of them as replacements for the eaten hostas.

Oh goodness, see a lot of old friends on this thread..

Think it's the time of year, all catching up with gardening chores..

I absolutely love to garden but have difficulties knowing which plant is which,I plant and if they survive I smile!

Wish I could answer some of your concerns, from the list above, there is lots of knowledge to be had

>>A couple of years ago we saw a mama with 2 babies walking around the garden and decided she was showing them "the deli".

thats funny -- well, not really.. but funny none the less....

I dont spend a lot on them anymore.... I have a local landscape place that has a buy one get one sale in Aug, then shortly after that, it's Buy One get TWO.... I snagged Empress Wu last year for $5.50.

thankfully I do not have a deer problem.

Love hosta's as well, luckily the critters don't come for lunch!

Jaye thanks for the compliments and setting the link to the thread..appreciated.

Erynne, guess since the move you have been gardening like crazy. Is your sister still living in Victoria Harbour?

Going to be another sunshine day in my neck of the woods..so much to do for the DG Sistah's Gathering and time is at a premium..so hot yesterday did little in the gardens..I was so relaxed I actually fell asleep.

Thanks folks
Yesterday I noticed a quip that said someone else has bought Dave's Did anyone see it besides me?

We have not changed ownership since Internet Brands purchased us 2 1/2 years ago. (Disney has never owned us or had any connection to DG) I think Facebook has changed the way a lot of people interact on line, but we have 5,057 paid subscribers who use DG...we have a lot of areas and it is sometimes easy to overlook activity if your personal favorites aren't getting much attention. There were 7,205 unique posts at DG last week.

Thanks Melody , you all do a good job just wish some of my old pals would get over it n come back.

Miss some of mine as well!

I just joined Dave's garden. I love all the information. The people I've interacted with so far have been super nice. I'm still feeling my way around j some of the GD threads I read & glean loads of info from but don't respond to because you can tell the group is close & I'd feel like an interloper. I only signed up for 2 months as a try out but will probably renew. I usually browse while I'm in my garden on my cell. :)

Oh, never feel that way, do not lurk, join in, if you say that particular group is not welcoming, don't give up, try another and from that group you will have an on-line family!

I've met many of my on-line friends and am amazed at the bond we've made, their warmth truly given from the heart.

Several threads have forged friendships, have yearly Sistah's gathering, this year I'm blessed to have it here in Canada at the end of the month..I'm overwhelmed and excited all wrapped in one as I will share my home and gardens with them..some ARE closer than family, some bringing husbands, children..we've watched each others family grow!

So know you will be received as a welcome addition to many on threads, just join in, introduce yourself and find a home!

Hi hartzell81 and welcome. We love meeting new people and getting to know them. A lot of us here are quilters as well as gardeners. And we DO love to chat. Pop in and tell us a bit about yourself. Do you have any hobbies? Some of us are into stained glass and some of us do handwork like knitting and crochet. But most of all we are a loving and supportive group. We do truly care about each other. Looking forward to hearing from you.... Barb

I have been a very silly person and have opened closed thingys and got it started again. Some newbes had not originally read the post andwere glad I reopened the post even tho it was not mine originally. You learn a lot sometimes from this and some of us have even met neighbors from here.lol I did not more to the coast of NC until 2008. We bought our place in 2001 and I met a neighbor who lives 1/2 a mile from me. Also learned about garden shops and classes at the community colleges because of Dave's. Its been a great wealth of learning and did I say we go a Round up together within 2 weeks and had 18 people and one was a co-worker from the company I retired from that came and neither of us knew the other loved plants.
Lavina

I've been reading the sweet interruptions thread. :) I'll prob. butt my nose in over there at some point. LOL. In addition to gardening I quilt (when I have time) and I love to cook. I'm also an avid reader. It goes well with the gardening because after taking care of my plants I can enjoy them & my book. I'm currently working 2 jobs (DH is disabled & having emotional problems with getting his disability paperwork done), taking care of 2 teenage daughters one who is autistic & on the intellectual & emotional level of a 5 y/o. Plus the puppies (ok they're dogs LOL) and the kitties. Ugh I get exhausted thinking about it all. Life's a crazy stressful exciting ride that's for sure. :)

Just know they would welcome you as would we on the Best/worse and what did I learn today thread!!

Out to enjoy the sunshine!

Ok. I will jump in. We spent M-F at Wilderness Water Park in Sevierville TN having a reunion with our 3 sons and their families. Fun and exhausting. We returned home yesterday bringing our 8-year old grandson to spend a week- first time away from his family for him. I have gotten out of the habit of looking after young ones-going to be interesting. Right now he is out in the woodworking shop with DH.

How wonderful for you, am sure the grandchildren enjoyed their time with you! So miss my granchildren being young, do enjoy them as the years fly and they become teens with lives of their own.

Gosh my girls were 7 & 10 when I started seeing their dad. Now I have teenagers. It goes too fast. Enjoy your gramma time! I always begged to go to grammas. Gram rocked.

Never been on this thread before, but I'm gonna comment anyway...........LOL

I do NOT like those other 2 "rooms"..........and if they start charging to belong, I'm gone. Not much goes on there on the threads I am interested in. *Maybe I'm not interesting to begin with???*

I renewed again last fall when my subscription came up........and I plan to keep renewing unless it really goes to pot. One forum that I always really enjoyed was "Healthy Living"......I check back occasionally to see if there has been any activity, but not much. Maybe everyone is healthy and do not need to visit?? :>)

Facebook?? Don't get me started.......I dispise FB and fail to see any redeeming value in it. Yes, I have a page I never go to; should probably just close the account. I guess if there was a way that I didn't have to read umpteen replies to posted things from people I have NO idea of who they are that post to people that I DO know............gah!!!!!!!!!!! Twitter???? Ain't gonna go there for all the tea in China.

Now, this probably makes me sound like a crochety old broad.........so be it. But, my 2 grands think I am way fun. We bake, we went swimming with them in their pool just this afternoon. We have picnics in Grammy's greenhouse in the winter. We put the harness on Pippie the cat and "take him for a walk"........ya, right....anyone who has cats knows how THAT goes.............

Today with our grandson Will we went to the Sylvan Waterfowl Center at Scotland Neck NC . He has been interested in birds since age 3 and has learned quite a lot. We took a lunch and has a really good time. On the way back we stopped at McDonalds for milkshakes. Two days down and five to go. Tomorrow will be a day at home. He likes to pick beans and eats as many raw as he picks. He is fascinated by our many lizards.

Anna I am gonna check out the Healty living forum and stillwood was it worth it to go see the birds? I want to go see them. I want chickens and oh yeah there is a guy in Laurinburg who has rare pheasants. I want to go see them also. My grandkids live in Youngsville kinda.
Lavina

Birds?????