Take Time To Reflect On Your Garden This Year

Now that it's time for a down coat, think about the last growing season in the garden to better prepare for next spring.

"Take notes before you forget," says Spencer Campbell, director of the Morton Arboretum's plant clinic in Lisle. Write down what worked well, what didn't, and what you want to try next year. "When you start planning this winter or when you're at the garden center next April, you'll be glad you did."

Use any format you like: a notepad, a file on your computer or phone, a photo album, or a combination of these.

“Photos can be helpful reminders and records,” Campbell said. “If you take photos in season, in the garden and other places you love, you will activate your memories later.”

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“Even if you can’t remember everything, anything you can write down will be useful,” he said.

What you planted. The date and type of new tree you planted in your garden or the type of tomato you tried in 2023 could be crucial information. Try to get into the habit of saving labels or taking photos of plants you buy.

best wishes. Note anything you particularly like about a flower, shape, scent or product. Mark the days when the plant was at its peak. Has the new amendment helped your soil? Have you found a good brand of potting soil? “Think again about everything you want to do,” Campbell said.

The best and worst places. Notice whether there are areas in the garden where flowers or plants are particularly abundant or particularly sparse. "This way you can find out if it's a lack of sun, a soil problem or another cause," he said.

Plants with problems. Consider plants that are showing signs of disease, have been eaten by deer, are overgrown, or have other problems. “Photography is very important when there are plant diseases,” Campbell said. “If you don’t have photos, write to take them next time if the same problem happens again.” Think about vegetables that don't grow well or that your family doesn't care for.

Secrets. Are there plants in your garden whose names you don't know? Find photos that help you identify yourself. If you don't have photos, write them down to pick them up in the next chapter.

Projects and destruction. Have you laid a new sidewalk in front of your house? Replace drain pipe? Are you building an extension to your house? Was a government job in the pipeline? Document these projects in your garden report. “Any significant soil disturbance can have effects on trees and shrubs that can be seen years later,” Campbell said. “In searching for the reasons, the note you just sent may be a useful clue.”

Tools and equipment. Does the handset continue to vibrate? It may be time to buy a new tire. Is your lawn mower an old gas model that won't cut the grass? Consider purchasing a new cordless electric lawn mower. Do your hands hurt after cuts? You may need to sharpen your pruning shears.

Points of view. What do you see when you drink your morning coffee in the kitchen or sit on the veranda in the evening? Are there places in your home where you can improve your vision? “The house has the most spectacular view of our garden,” Campbell said. But we often forget to plan them.

Inspiration. If you're visiting a friend's park or garden and see a plant or painting you like, write about it or get a photo. “In the winter, you can decide if it will work in the garden and in what conditions,” he said.

Desires. What did you want when you were in the garden this year? It could be better seating, more shade, dog parking, a less crowded driveway to the garage, a greenhouse, or a better sense of privacy.

“Remembering what you want is the first step to making it happen,” says Campbell.

For tree and plant recommendations, contact the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic (630-719-2424, mortanarb.org/plant-clinic or plantclinic@mortonarb.org ). Beth Botts is the editor of Arboretum.

Relax and have fun!