Scrolling through endless feeds, bombarded by algorithmically selected content, it’s easy to feel like you’re adrift in a sea of noise, not truly connecting with anything. I felt this markedly until I landed on an old friend’s website that he shared — a quiet oasis of carefully curated thoughts, open-source projects and free expression.
This wasn’t a typical blog or social media profile; it was a digital garden, a vibrant ecosystem of interconnected ideas. Imagine a sprawling garden, not a neatly manicured lawn, where paths meander through diverse flora, leading to unexpected discoveries. That’s the core essence of a digital garden.
The internet wasn’t always this way. In its early days, personal websites flourished — like Justin Hall’s links.net, started in 1994, which became one of the web’s first blogs where he shared everything from personal essays to curated web links. GeoCities, launched in 1994, hosted millions of personal websites organized into themed “neighborhoods” like SiliconValley for tech and SunsetStrip for music fans.
Then came the rise of social media platforms: Facebook’s 2006 public launch promised connection and community, but gradually (and unfortunately) shifted to an algorithmic feed in 2009, fundamentally changing how users experienced content. Instagram followed suit in 2016, abandoning chronological posts for an engagement-based algorithm.
Now, a quiet resurgence of personal websites is taking root, reclaiming the internet as a space for individual expression. Digital gardens are distinct from traditional blogs or social media feeds. They are non-linear, continuously evolving spaces where ideas can grow organically, unconstrained by the pressure of chronological order or algorithmic approval. These modern digital gardens prioritize organic discovery — readers might start with an essay on meditation and find themselves exploring connected thoughts on cognitive science or ancient philosophy, following their curiosity rather than an algorithm’s suggestions.
Several factors contribute to the burgeoning popularity of digital gardens. Algorithm fatigue and the overwhelming deluge of content on mainstream platforms have left many craving more authentic online experiences. At the same time, the increasing availability of user-friendly website-building tools has lowered the barrier to entry for creating personal digital spaces.
This movement also aligns with the broader trend of reclaiming digital sovereignty — taking control of our data and online identities.
A growing community of “new gardeners” cultivates these digital landscapes. Maggie Appleton’s website is a prime example, a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of design, technology and culture. Andy Matuschak’s site demonstrates a different approach, focusing on evergreen notes and networked thought.
These digital gardens foster deeper thinking, genuine connection and a sense of community among like-minded individuals. They embody the spirit of “learning in public,” where the process of knowledge creation is shared openly, inviting collaboration and feedback.
This renaissance of personal websites does come with challenges, however. The decentralized nature of digital gardens makes discovery difficult. Unlike content pushed by algorithms, these gardens often rely on word-of-mouth and serendipity to be found.
Maintaining a digital garden requires significant time and effort — not to mention the technical knowledge. Nurturing a thriving ecosystem of interconnected ideas is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. While digital gardens offer a refuge from the algorithmic noise, they also risk being hidden from those who might benefit most from their unique perspective.
The metaphor of the garden offers a powerful vision for the future of the internet — a space where individuals can cultivate their own unique digital landscapes, fostering genuine connection and intellectual growth. Digital gardens represent a shift away from the ephemeral nature of social media feeds and towards the cultivation of lasting knowledge, with the potential to reshape internet culture in profound ways.
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of cultivating their own digital garden, a variety of tools are available to help get started.
Simple, user-friendly platforms like Notion, Obsidian and Roam Research offer intuitive interfaces for creating and linking notes, while more code-centric options like Jekyll, Hugo and Gatsby provide greater flexibility and customization for those comfortable with web development.
This burgeoning ecosystem of tools empowers individuals to create digital spaces that truly reflect their unique perspectives and interests, fostering a richer and more meaningful online experience.
The digital garden helps us move away from time-bound streams and into contextual knowledge spaces — offering a fertile ground for ideas to take root, grow and connect, ultimately shaping a more vibrant and interconnected future for personal expression online — the way it was always meant to be.