Formerly known as the Garden Blog Directory, Stuart Robinson’s web-based garden blog directory website, Blotanical, has been refreshed and pumped up with several new features.
Site Design
No longer simply a directory, but packed with tools and articles, the overall design of the site is attractive, neat and organized. The colour scheme is professional, easy on the eyes, and appropriately anchored in the calm greens and blues usually associated with the subject matter. Thankfully, the site lacks some of the juvenile and poor quality graphics sometimes found on gardening-themed websites. Ads blend into the site without detracting from its overall appearance and without distracting the reader. Badges and widgets are available for readers and users to grab and share on their own website.
Browse Geographically
So far, the site, which includes a geographical garden blog directory, features 348 blogs on every continent except South America. Using the power of Google Maps technology, users have the ability to search for a garden blog by virtually roaming the globe to find a garden blog writer in their own back yard. Blogs are indicated on the map with a clever and stylish flower icon.
Search All Blogs in the Directory
Also powered by Google, the search function will likely be one of the most useful features of Blotanical. Visitors and members can search all of the blogs that are listed on Blotanical with one simple click of the mouse. Searching for information about compost? The search reveals ten pages of hits to sites listed in the directory.
Submit Your Site
There is a simple, user-friendly form provided for new users who have a garden-related blog to submit to Blotanical. Each site will appear on the map, as discussed, and each site receives its own listing, complete with a screen shot of the map page.
Recent Posts
The “Picks” tab at the top of the site’s main page links to a list of 100 most recent posts. At the time of writing, this feature was still in its development phase. This is a feature that could be extremely valuable to garden blog readers who are looking for fresh content.
Popular Sites
The Popular sites features tracks links from Blotanical out to blogs listed in the directory. The page features the ten most popular sites based on outgoing links, and provides a screen shot of the blog for readers to see.
Still Growing
There are still some features yet to come online at Blotanical. For example, Stuart intends to launch an award system, known as the “Blotanicals” in 2008, the aim of which is “to enhance the garden blogging community even further”. What appears to be a rather comprehensive product, services and plant review section is also coming soon. A “My Plot” area is available for members to provide more comprehensive information about their own gardens to other members.
Congratulations are owed to Stuart. His extensive efforts will, indeed, help to foster communication and a feeling of camaraderie among gardeners who participate in the gardening blogosphere.
Amy Urquhart - Amy Urquhart is an editor, freelance writer, wife, mother and gardener living in Bowmanville, Ontario. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts ...
