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Garden journal layout9/16/2023 ![]() ![]() Conduct a soil test when you first begin to garden and every few years thereafter.Recording their appearance helps you understand why a plant that once thrived might be suffering now. Documenting all of the plants and hardscape elements in a location helps you to analyze their interactions-are your Carolina rhododendrons ( Rhododendron minus) struggling under the shade of a pin oak ( Quercus palustris) tree? Are the roots of your obedient plant ( Physostegia virginiana) choking out your tulip ( Tulipa spp.) bulbs? Is that western wall reflecting heat and burning the leaves of your American beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana) shrub?.Remember that over time some sunny locations may transition into partial sun or even full shade so be sure to update your maps on a regular basis. Follow the sun throughout the season noting areas of shade throughout the day.Make note of the wet and dry areas of your yard.Drawing in pencil allows you to make adjustments if you lose a plant or transplant something. Make the drawing large and detailed enough to recognize plants later. Be sure to include the location of all buildings, utilities, hardscapes, and plants. Creating a drawing to scale using graph paper ( Figure A–6) or a computer software program ( Figure A–7) is especially helpful when designing a garden space.Recording details about different locations in the garden will serve as a guide for plant replacements, future projects, or expansions. Making the most of a location's strengths and avoiding known problems will lead to a more successful gardening experience. How does wind affect the site? Every location has its own unique microclimate. Notice the direction slopes and swales face. ![]() Identify the time of day the site is in shade and the level of shade (dappled, dense). Take time to observe patterns of sun and shade. Understanding site characteristics is critical to selecting plants that will thrive in a specific location. By recording information over a long period of time, you will create an invaluable source of information about your yard and garden that will guide you in making any future decisions about plants, problems, or design.Ĭapturing information about the site, seasonal factors, plants, pests, projects, and expenses will provide the data necessary to make informed decisions and have a successful thriving garden now and in the future.ġ. Selecting a style is a matter of preference, choose a format you are comfortable with and committed to using on a regular basis. If traditional paper formats do not appeal to you, consider recording data and observations in one of the countless digital formats ( Figure A–4, Figure A–5) available online for free or purchase. They may be a simple hardbound ( Figure A–1) or spiral notebook ( Figure A–2), recorded on graph paper notebook ( Figure A–3), collected in a three-ring binder, or come in scrapbook form. Garden journals are as varied as the perennials in a garden. A well-used garden journal is a powerful resource for any gardener. To maximize the benefits, keep a garden journal and record information and observations about plants, weather events, soil conditions, and wildlife encounters. Gardening provides exercise, stress relief, enjoyment, beauty and a satisfaction that continues to grow as plants do. Garden Journals–A Powerful Tool for Success Skip to Garden Journals–A Powerful Tool for Success ![]()
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