“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson

In the face-paced environment of life, garden journaling can provide an opportunity to slow down, take a breath, and be present in the natural world.

What Is the Benefit of Keeping a Garden Journal?

These are just a few of the benefits associated with keeping a garden journal:

• Plan garden planting and crop rotations

  

• Keep track of plant growth
• Practice species identification
• Reflect on successes and failures
• Nurture creativity
• Elevate awareness

How to Start a Garden Journal

1. Pick a format: There are many different forms a journal can take. Simply pick an option that appeals to you. Writing in a notebook is a solid, reliable option. If you want to easily incorporate photos, consider an app-based journal or the notes app on your phone. If you are not interested in writing, consider audio recordings.
2. Create a routine: Establishing a specific time you work on your journal can help ensure you stick to it. Whether it is a few minutes every time you visit the garden or 15 minutes once a week, establishing a routine is key for creating a well-used journal.
3. Be present: Observe your surroundings with all 5 senses. Pay attention to the feeling of soil on your hands, the sound of nearby birds, the juiciness of a fresh tomato, the smell of herbs and flowers, the way morning dew clings to the leaves. Notice the little details and don’t forget to take some deep breaths.
4. Record: Record what you notice. There are no rules! Document growth or lack of growth you see, practice identifying insects, record any wildlife sightings, or sketch new blooms. Feel free to include drawings, photos, clippings, or etchings. Get creative and experiment!

   

5. Reflect: Reflect on how the garden and your observations have changed over time. Are there any patterns or surprises that come up? What challenges have you faced, and how will you approach them next season? How has journaling has impacted your perspective of and relationship to the garden?

Engage Your Community

Promote learning and curiosity: Fostering greater observational skills allows even the most experienced gardener to discover new things. Regularly and closely observing the garden will help any gardener become more familiar with plant growth phases, insect life cycles, and seasonal patterns.

Create prompts and activities: Engage your garden community by creating journal prompts and creating a space where gardeners can share their experiences, observations, and questions.

Celebrate: Minding the little details can help establish perspective, allowing us to practice gratitude and recognize small wins. Garden journals can be used to reflect on and celebrate small wins.

Share: Documenting a personal or collective journey can help members feel more connected to the environment and themselves, while sharing observations with a community can help grow a sense of connection to others.

Involve youth: Journaling provides opportunities for kids in the garden to ask questions, learn through observation, and practice creativity. Being present in the garden can also help foster a sense of deep appreciation and connection to the earth.

No matter age or experience, journaling in the garden can provide a way to reduce stress, practice mindfulness, and greater appreciate the small, beautiful things.

For more information, please contact Kaleena Davis, Ornamental Horticulture Assistant at UF/IFAS Extension in Hillsborough County at kaleenadavis@ufl.edu. If you don’t have a garden yet, consider keeping a nature journal.

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