Add Photo to Journal
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| Photo Credit: Stephanie Avett |
| A three-ring binder offers great flexibility as a garden journal. |
How on earth do gardeners keep track of what they’ve planted where? The answer is simple – a garden journal. Not only is a journal helpful in reminding you which plant you’ve put where, it’s also a great tool for garden planning. While it seems like a lot to undertake at first, a journal will actually save you time because it’s such an easy reference. And, your journal can be as simple or as sophisticated as you’d like.
To get started, designate a notebook or folder to record and keep track of your gardening experiences. Any sort of notebook will work. I find a three-ring binder offers the greatest flexibility. Then, divide the notebook into five sections: maps, plants, pictures, calendar and notes. Maps – In this section, sketch out a master map for your entire yard, and designate the various garden areas. Next sketch a more detailed map of each bed, being sure to show where things are planted. This does not have to be fancy; just use a single sheet of paper to represent your yard or garden. Draw circles where things are planted and number them. Each number should correspond to a different plant. This number can then be cross-referenced to the “Plants” section (see next entry). | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Stephanie Avett | | Include pictures of the plants just emerging from the ground and in flower right next to the plant descriptions as a quick reminder. |
Plants – This part of your notebook should contain information on the plants in the garden. This could include photos, bloom time, bloom color, height, seasonal interest information, etc. To make it easy, just cut the descriptions straight from a catalog, tape in the nursery tag from the plant itself or simply record your observations. And don’t forget to add personal notes, such as “My favorite,” or “Great cutflower” or even “Careful, makes me itch!”
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