andrewlb notes

Budding

Digital Garden Philosophy

Published:

Digital gardens represent a shift from the chronological stream of traditional blogs to a more organic, interconnected space. The metaphor is intentional: gardens grow, change with seasons, and require tending. Some plants thrive, others wither, and that's okay.

The philosophy centers on learning in public and embracing the messiness of thought development. Not everything needs to be a polished essay. Sometimes the most valuable insights come from half-formed ideas that spark connections for others. Gardens encourage experimentation without the pressure of perfection.

This approach values connection over completion. Notes link to each other, forming a web of related concepts. Ideas can remain in various states of maturity—seedlings are fresh thoughts, budding ideas are developing, and evergreen notes are refined references. The garden is a living document of thinking, not a monument to finished work.

By making the process visible, digital gardens celebrate intellectual curiosity and continuous learning. They're spaces where it's safe to think out loud.