WHAT TO RECORD

Take photos and add them to your diary, whether it’s a digital or paper one.

Make a note of the weather, especially rainfall and climate extremes. There are some garden diaries that include charts for weather observations.

Record what’s in flower and how long it looks good. This can be done with words or pictures. Knowing the expected timing of peak flowering helps with planning a garden event.

Record harvests, good crop varieties, and recipes that you’ve made with your produce.

Note new plantings and where they are in the garden. Also include details of any plants that fail. Many paper diaries have pockets for storing plant labels. If your diary is digital, take a picture to upload.

Keep a record of visitors to your garden, and gardens that you visit.

Your garden diary is also a great place to record any ideas, plans or plants you’d like to grow, and books to read. If you spot a great idea, such as a clever plant support or upcycled pot, or a brilliant plant combination, take a photo or make a note for your diary.

It’s tempting to keep a diary that’s impersonal, perhaps only including plant lists and notes about the weather. But don’t be afraid to add personal comments and opinions, as these will also be invaluable records when you re-read your diary in the future.

Don’t berate yourself for not making an entry in your diary every day, or even every week. Just write in it as often as you can, and take photos of important events. When you look back over past entries, you’ll be very glad for everything that’s in there.