To journal or not to journal?
While cleaning out an area in the den this weekend, I found a pretty little garden journal. Here it is:
I imagine it would only cover a season, as it is small—only has 25 pages or so. I think you could write something once a week or so, from late spring to early fall. That wouldn’t be too much of an issue, because I might not want to write in it every day. Even during the summer, I don’t garden every day. I suppose I could record observations.
Now, I am well aware that any serious gardener would probably use the Lee Valley 10-year journal, which has 544 pages, with charts, information on cultivation and maintenance and other reference information, as well as the generous diary section.
When I first heard this being discussed on Plurk, I was surprised. I had thought of our blogs as in many ways our journals. But they aren’t, really. It would be deathly boring if I blogged about every single thing I did in the garden. Wouldn’t it?
But to go back to the handwritten page? I don’t know; it seems radical! Why should I do it? I have to think it over—but quickly, as it is under consideration as a possible holiday gift. I'm told.
I imagine it would only cover a season, as it is small—only has 25 pages or so. I think you could write something once a week or so, from late spring to early fall. That wouldn’t be too much of an issue, because I might not want to write in it every day. Even during the summer, I don’t garden every day. I suppose I could record observations.
Now, I am well aware that any serious gardener would probably use the Lee Valley 10-year journal, which has 544 pages, with charts, information on cultivation and maintenance and other reference information, as well as the generous diary section.
When I first heard this being discussed on Plurk, I was surprised. I had thought of our blogs as in many ways our journals. But they aren’t, really. It would be deathly boring if I blogged about every single thing I did in the garden. Wouldn’t it?
But to go back to the handwritten page? I don’t know; it seems radical! Why should I do it? I have to think it over—but quickly, as it is under consideration as a possible holiday gift. I'm told.
Comments
But I must warn you that the 10 year journal is a big, heavy book, so if you are wanting something to take out to the garden and write your notes in while sitting by your pond, stick with your little journal. The 10 year book is best left on a corner of the kitchen counter, where you can see it and write in it every day, but not have to carry it around.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Maybe I could make that my New Year's Resolution. Again.
It's kind of like exercise. I know it's a great idea, it's just doing it that's the problem.
I think that big one is fabulous; I've even checked it out for possible purchase before, but if I didn't keep up with that one, I'd feel so guilty! It's so nice! Maybe the smaller one wouldn't be so intimidating for someone.
It is a lovely book.
K
I have for years used a sketching journal to write and sketch in. Some years they are filled sometimes there is more than one year in a book and sometimes the books aren't quite full. It doesn't matter. What matters to me is I can sit in my comfy chair and browse through the books and see what projects were finished, what chores I didn't do etc...
Frances
I suppose I could have a personal blog for the same thing, but I'd miss those drawings, the love in the gift given and the portability of it around my garden and allotment.
Ha, Jim.
But...to each his own! And I respect the view of those that may agree or disagree with me. :-)
There is something to be said for the permanence of a written record. If you can't find time to write in a paper journal, perhaps you will find a way to archive your blog writing onto paper, before it turns to digital dust.