Is this your project? Can you share instructions or a pattern with the Craftsy community?
Difficulty:
Category: Home & Garden
Type of item: Functional
For: Unisex
Style: Eco-Friendly, Traditional, Outdoorsy
Materials
When I first began the project, I used: brown craft paper, my color gardening photographs, my grandmother's gardening quotes, pencil, sharpie pen, scissors, twine, 2" black cloth tape, straight edge. Once I decided to have it manufactured (made in USA), the goal was to re-create the original look and feel.
What was your inspiration?
The inspiration for making a gardening record book is multi-fold:
The first source of inspiration for me was the pure joy I felt when I first began jotting down basic activities and events from my garden in my desk calendar --- things like when it rained and how much, what I planted and when, etc. No one was more surprised than me at how far-reaching this simple practice could be! It wasn't long before I was marveling at all I was learning, and how fun it was! So I started searching for a record book just for my garden, and that led to the second part of the inspiration:
I could not find one that worked like I wanted it to. Like so many things, this labor of love was born of necessity. Many of the garden record books I tried were filled with a lot of useless information, and even (!) task lists - as if I didn't already have my own unfinished task lists! More, they just didn't work like I thought they should: I wanted to be able to see at-a-glance 10 days to 2 weeks, as well as what happened the year(s) before. I wanted it to be clean, simple and easy to use.
Once I began laying it out, I knew I wanted it to also be inspirational. I had spent years photographing the amazing gardens of my family and neighbors, so I added some of those images. But the most inspiring part of the book are the quotes that came from my grandmother's gardening notes. My grandmother, Evelyn Corely Buzbee, was a national judge of hostas and daylilies for more than 35 years. After she passed away, we found notes from 'talks' she had made to garden clubs all across America as she toured the country judging flowers. Those quotes are really the heart and soul of the book, and really do inspire me in all aspects of my life every day.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud to be able to stand on the front-line every single day with this business, taking my grandmother's philosophies of gardening and life forward. I am also really proud of the finished product - with 2 great cover choices (same inside), it appeals to a wide range of gardeners of every level, in any zone, and can be used for up to several years.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Whether you purchase one of my Perpetual Gardening Record Books or make your own, the important thing is to keep a record! You will be amazed at all you gain by taking a few minutes to jot down the basics! Make a quick note, and then get on with enjoying your garden!
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