Papi, just that it the computer refused to download the software. I didn't know the designer or how safe it was. Now I have seen lots of recommendations, I am ok with changing my security settings to make an exception for Garden Planner. It looks like a fun system and worth paying for.
I start out meaning to be organised, keep labels in a file with dates I planted them and all that, but I can never keep it up. I have managed to keep a sketch of my four veg beds and write down what I grow in each so I can keep the rotation going year by year.
But I am pleased with a little scheme of my own invention this year - using coloured scraps of knitting wool to mark plants according to the colour of the flower so I can move them in the correct zone of my rainbow border.
DGM, I used Gardena (free) and took screen shots. Then correlated it with spreadsheets. I might try Garden Planner again - hopefully my computer won't throw its toys out of the pram this time.
Last year I was re-designing my beds and putting in new ones - going over to mostly perennials, drought tolerant and wildlife planting. I put a lot of new stuff in for the long term, with a plan, so it made sense to map it all. It helped me think through the rationale and design. It's a small garden, only three metres wide. Now I have the bones down, I can just tweak what I have. I update my spreadsheet lists to remember what's where as I have brain like a sieve. My main plan is to have a garden that mostly looks after itself (with the above objectives), little veg, few annuals; it's good to have the aims written down so I don't get distracted.
I've wasted vast amounts of money on stupid planting that was never going to work. I'm trying to be more sensible these days and plant less, with more intention, more education and more care of what I already have. I have to say that the mapping process really has helped me, but I am a very systems-orientated type person.
I've wasted vast amounts of money on stupid planting that was never going to work. I'm trying to be more sensible these days and plant less, with more intention, more education and more care of what I already have.
Yep, me too! So much money wasted before I had a clue...
I have a pretty noebook, pics of the veg plot for rotation, when I plant bulbs, I keep the pics on the packaging stick them in, plenty of notes, drawings of where stuff is planted, and keep the labels on them from buying.I have a wish list, also pics cut out of mags, with the year, so I can keep tabs. I write down every variety I use, and what the harvest is like. Good job I dont do it on here, it crashed this morning and phone line went dead.
Having only taken over our garden last October, I have been pulling random plant tags out of various beds since. It had occurred to me at the time that a garden manual would have been far more useful. I have saved the labels, but I have found they don't do me any good tucked into a diaper box. Goodness knows we have enough of those kicking around. I love your idea wild edges, and Fire-that is absolutely brilliant! I will have to give it a go. Unfortunately, I am responsible for the death of dozens of dahlias, as I had no idea where they were located, or where to store them. It will be years before I willingly give them a go. OH has requested that I label the edibles-so that he can safely navigate the herb and vegetable garden. We have just been picking up paint sticks for that-we will get more creative with them next winter. Fortunately everything but the boxwood is non-toxic. I don't expect he will try to sample it by accident though.
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But I am pleased with a little scheme of my own invention this year - using coloured scraps of knitting wool to mark plants according to the colour of the flower so I can move them in the correct zone of my rainbow border.