Being open, I’d like to aim for fortnightly or even weekly posts, my writing time however must often play second fiddle to family time, things sometimes therefore need to topple off the agenda, and that needs to be okay. Even though writing has become an important creative outlet for me, I must be realistic from the outset, so now this intro and opening apology is out of the way, I will simply move forward and post journal entries as often as I can.

Looking ahead then, from this day forward I’m pledging to reliably deliver newsletter style posts: good old fashioned garden journal style entries about my green experiences and exploits. In addition to journal entries, I shall of course continue to post some arguably more creative Gardening Ways essays, where as ever, I’ll be looking to stretch myself technically and artistically. These are my goals for Gardening Ways on Substack during 2025.

Previously…

As far as Substack is concerned, I established my account at the beginning of 2024, and choosing a steady approach went on to post two articles per month on average. I’ve also dabbled with the notes feature frequently but with more muted success I have to say. Subsequently, after a year of posting in that way I feel Substack is where I need and want to be, so as I actively turn down the dial across other social channels, I’m happy to turn it up here, for myself and my perfectly formed group of subscribers.

What to expect…

Some of you have been with me for many years, regularly connecting in response to my ‘content’ on social channels, or to my Gardening Ways WordPress blog which began in 2016; some might even remember the Garden Journal posts I used to create during my work at Compton Verney. Still, if you’re new to my written words, rest assured that I’ll continue to broadcast just as I do now, but with the bonus of some additional journal style articles too – all of which will remain freely accessible.

[Note: If you’re reading this on WordPress, whilst I’m committed to remaining there for the foreseeable future too, I will be reviewing the merits of keeping up that blog. There are some fabulous garden and nature writers over on Substack, all willing to share their knowledge and wisdom, so whilst WordPress has been a great place to develop my writing, I’m likely heading in a new direction soon, albeit after migrating some of my favourite articles across this year.]

Focussing on content, whilst I don’t set out to teach people gardening, which is not really my bag, I will be writing about all things garden, nature and outdoors focused, with a healthy helping of wellbeing words too. Strangely, whilst as a horticulturalist I love plants, I’m not a plants person, and whilst I’m fully across heritage horticulture and modern garden design, I am a self-confessed generalist, finding fascination in many elements of green spaces. To those ends, you can expect my journal entries to skip across nature and gardening, experiences in gardens and many other things besides as fancy takes me.

To conclude this kick-starting Garden Journal entry then, being finalised on a refreshingly frosty morning from my home garden in Warwickshire, England, I will simply say thank you for reading thus far. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for my Garden Journal entries going forward, and for other essays too. I also hope with crossed fingers that you’ll let me know your thoughts about my words past, present and future, for whilst sending my work out into the ether does benefit me in terms of the creative and contemplative process, it’s so much nicer knowing you’re there, and that my words are worthwhile.

Until next time, enjoy your garden.

Gary Webb, Gardening Ways