Phew!

It's finally out there...but not without its hiccups.

With wild jubilation, and a tinge of nervousness, I sent out the emails to all the garden bloggers already list with the old Garden Blog Directory. And it seems I should have been nervous - no amount of time or trialling could have prepared me for the bungled email.

Sure...it looked pretty enough. But did it work? Elementary, my dear Watson. Unless, of course, you're one of the recipients trying to get in to this new fangled machine.

To those who are still persevering, I have outlined a solution in the latest Blotanical News.

So, apart from the problems, what is Blotanical?

Blotanical is my new bouncing baby that was conceived through desperation nearly 9 months ago. It came about as the Garden Blog Directory continued to grow and present a few problems - namely the amount of time it took to register a new submission. To process less than 10 applications took at least 2 or more hours - time that could have been better used improving the site.

And with the rise of social sites and the ability to network amongst friends and peers, the next logical step was to develop it even further.

While I'm happy with the outcome, I could have easily kept it under wraps for another 12 months and quietly plugged away at some other features I'm keen to implement. Nevertheless, its far more exciting seeing bloggers use it and I'm hoping that it will become the tool of choice for garden bloggers throughout the world.

And the name? Well, it kind of makes sense, doesn't it? Bloggers: Botanical - Blotanical. Which makes us all Blotanists practising Blotany. Alright, I'll stop now...

This project wouldn't have found its way into the world without three wonderful ladies who offered suggestions, feedback and much appreciated time and trialling.

Firstly, let me thank Pam from Digging. Pam is the beta tester to end all beta testers. Every day or so, she would email me with a list of questions, observations and incredible suggestions. And nobody would know better than Pam how this site, or its predecessor the GBD, works. My stats show that she's nearly racked up 200 visits to these sites and spends considerable time meeting new bloggers. Pam is the quintessential blotanist and will undoubtedly be our first inductee into the Blotanical Hall of Fame - once that feature has been developed, of course. Thanks heaps, Pam.

Secondly, a lady who needs no introduction at all, Colleen from In the Garden Online. Colleen's reputation with the amazing Mouse & Trowel Awards has set her in good stead for being qualified to be a beta-tester. And while I'm thankful for her friendship and generous praise, Colleen can see things that others don't. Her list of ideas and suggestions have certainly changed the course of some of my implementations - for the better. Thanks Colleen, you're a legend.

And finally, another woman who needs no justification for her abilities - Susan Harris from GardenRant, Takoma Gardener, Sustainable Gardening ya da, ya da! With Susan's successful foray into the blogging industry she was a logical choice to offer advice and suggestions in between her busy career. Susan tells it like it is and made some helpful pointers in the area of logging in and registering. Cheers Susan.

Now it's over to you. Anyone can enjoy Blotanical, but for those special gardeners who enjoy blogging as well you now have a whole new world at your feet. I'm always open to hearing new suggestions and receiving feedback - so bring it on.

So, go out and enjoy the new Blotanical Gardens.