Friday, March 27, 2015

Bunnies and Garden Journals





It's spring and I'm so excited to be in my garden again.  We aren't  past the last average frost date so I haven't started planting anything in the ground yet.   I did buy a few plants and potted them up in containers which can be easily moved inside if the temperature drops.   




March is the perfect time to start a garden journal.  
I purchased a small (girly) journal at Michaels in the half price bin.  It's the perfect way to keep track of my plants, purchases and future plans.


Here is a picture of one I 've had since 1995!!  It has withstood 20 garden seasons.  It's where I have kept plant labels and valuable information about the plants in my garden.  It's nice to go back and look at what variety of rose or clematis I planted.    The horticulture department at OSU sold these and it includes growing information specific to Oklahoma for each month.   OSU also produces a weekly show on gardening that can be viewed on You tube.


I would be lost without my trusty old garden journal and it's bursting at the seams and that's what prompted me to buy a new and "girlier" one for garden season.   


These are the plant tags from last year that I need to
 file in my new journal.   Most of these plants were purchased late in the summer when nurseries and garden centers  discount their stock significantly.  I have landscaped my yard with many "fixer-upper" plants and after one season they look great and the savings is at least 50-75%.      


I also write down when butterflies, cardinals and hummingbirds arrive each year so I know when to start looking for them so I can put up feeders. 


I jot down garden plans and chores for each month.  When I purchase plants I staple the plant tags on the pages so I can remember how to care for any new plant varieties I try. 


 I also write down where I purchased the plant as well.  I've even kept a envelope with receipts for new plants I've not grown before because most nurseries have a one year guarantee on their plants.  


If I go to the effort of taking care of something all year and it is labeled for my zone then I don't feel bad when I take it back for a refund or store credit if it dies. 
I think it also allows the nurserymen to know what not to order next year so we don't waste our time growing something that isn't appropriate for our zone.     


You can get really fancy with your journals with pretty stickers on the pages too.  I think Susan Branch's garden journals are the most beautiful! I had received the Susan Branch garden journal as a gift several years ago and it came with extra garden stickers.   Since I've purchased a new journal I thought this would be the 
perfect place to use them. 


 Susan Branch's journal is more of a scrapbook and photo album of my garden than a day to day journal.   I think it's out of print now and if she ever reprints them they are the perfect gift for any gardener! 


 I just love all her works.  The quote on the cover says
 "God has given us our memories that we might
 have roses in December", 
isn't that lovely?  



In addition to planning my garden I have been getting out my Easter decorations.  Before I placed them throughout the house I thought I'd  gather them together and share some of my favorite spring pieces. 


Some are at least 20 years old 
but if you love a piece so what if it's not in "style". 
This large bunny has hopped on many of my tablescapes and vignettes for 20 years.   He hasn't aged a bit.


This 'Carrots for Sale' sign is from a very long time ago when my home was decorated in a very country theme.  I just loved it and couldn't get rid of it when I redecorated
 so I bring it out every spring.  





 A few moss covered pots and an antique frog are some of my favs too. Birdhouses and nests are also some of my favorite things to decorate the house with for Easter. 



  I collect garden and nature themed accessories mostly from our travels and they bring back lovely memories
 of the places we've been.    




These are sweet love birds given to me by a 
special garden friend.  I think they are cast concrete
 and then aged. 



I love this garden mug.  I purchased a set at an antique mall in Austin years ago and love that they are English  bone china.  They are labeled  'The Royal Horticultural Society' on the inside rim of each mug and are perfect for a spring tea.    


Pansy faces are the cutest... a closeup of the mug.




April is almost here so I'll finally be able to start planting in the garden but until then I'll be planning and preparing my garden journal for this growing season.  





Happy Spring! 

I'm linking with 
Cindy's
Romantic Home
 Show and Tell Friday



   

5 comments:

  1. I haven't kept a journal since I moved to my new home - thanks for reminding me to pick one up!! Love all your beautiful things. Have a happy weekend!

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  2. You are so organized, Sonia, keeping all your labels and everything. I try to write down when/what I plant in a journal, but I sometimes forget... Your spring/Easter items are so incredibly cute! I love all your bunnies and carrots and spring flowers -- they were just what I needed to see on a chilly March day! Thanks so much for sharing this breath of springtime! -Beth

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  3. Aren't you wise to keep a garden journal. Ha! I'm always keeping the labels, but never thought to be as organized as you. I love this idea!

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  4. Keeping a garden journal is a great way to keep track of the what and where for garden purchases. I keep the tags and empty seed packets in a drawer in the kitchen, needless to say I am not very organized about my flower garden. Your garden display of cute and fanciful garden decor is adorable. The sweet pansy faces in the botanical cup is my favorite. We don't even have and pansies available in our area yet. I am hoping they will come in at the stores this coming week but with the bitter cold we have had this week it is not likely that any will be kept in any outdoor displays for a while yet.

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  5. Hi Sonia, Your garden journal is a great idea. I label my plants in the garden, but hadn't thought to do a journal. Thanks for the idea. Love your flowers and bunnies. Hugs, Beth

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