garden maps

Once a year at my work we write down our goals defining what we would like to achieve for the upcoming year. Our administrator assures us that for goals to happen, the first step is to write them down. I decided to try out this concept at home. For many years I wanted to create garden maps -- so the task went on my list. This fall was the turning point. Ange and I moved so many daylilies around that I lost track of where each plant was when we were done unless, of course, I walked right up to the plant and looked at the individual plant marker. This provided a good incentive for me to get going on this project.

I went online to get some ideas and see examples of what other gardeners do and what type of maps work well for them. Many people use graph paper with exact scale measurements. That sounded like unpleasant work that involved math! Really all I needed was a graphic representation of where each plant lives.

So, after a few weeks of on-and-off mapping my 2016 garden maps are complete and I can happily cross that task off the list (the fun part). I was actually amazed how well the maps helped me coordinate what should get planted where according to each daylily's size, color, and bloom time. And I like to think it happened all because I had my goal written down.

Important tip:  Pencils, just pencils...and a  thick eraser!