January is all about garden planning. If you are like me, you have all sorts of ideas and projects in your head that you want for your garden. Sometimes they just stay there….in your head. You get caught up in all the things you want, how much will it cost, how do I get started, who do I need to help me, and where do I purchase what I need? I feel your pain…I’ve been there. Sometimes you need to just take one small step toward your project to get you started.
I’m going to be honest with you. I can have hundreds of projects swirling around my head at one time, and I have to narrow it down to one or two. That’s hard when you have so many things you want to do!
- I learned in a business group I am in, to first brainstorm all the things you want to do. Take 5 minutes and write them all down. Get them all out of your head and onto paper. It doesn’t matter how grandiose it is, or you don’t know how it can ever happen, write it down. DREAM BIG! Don’t write anything other than the project name. Later, you will choose one or two (depending on the size of your project), and will breakdown the steps to move you toward FINALLY completing that project you have been putting off.
As gardeners, we tend to be very visual. We think in colors, and images. As a “right brain” thinker, that describes me perfectly. I’ve got photographs and pictures that I have torn out of magazines that help me put on paper, what I have in my head. I have a vision board in my office of all the things I want to manifest in my life and business. Pinterest, books and magazines can be a great way to stimulate your creativity and help you get ideas. I bought a couple of garden magazines just today at the thrift store and tore out many ideas I need for my project. Just be sure you don’t discouraged looking at them. Those gardens in magazines and on Pinterest are often “staged” and took years to create. You will get there!
I’m also not a “checklist” type of person and love visual pages to plan my projects. I created two pages for you to get your ideas on paper with the Garden Projects Brainstorm Sheet, and the Garden Project Planner where you can actually plan your project.
I filled up all the circles on the garden projects brainstorming sheet I have created. That’s 8 circles! While I won’t likely be able to complete ALL those projects this year, I have them down on paper.
I’ll choose 2 or 3 projects and create one garden project planner for each. I’ll decide what actions I need to take, what the budget is, and what I need to buy.
So what is my project? I have chosen two.
The first, and largest project is a garden shed that has been in my back yard for 4 years. Yes, 4 years. It’s full of garden tools, some wood for garden beds, furniture I’ll use in my shed. This year I want to complete the inside. Next year, build and porch and plant a garden around it. So let’s take a look at the garden project planner.
- Name my project: Complete Inside of Garden Shed
- Action: List steps: Clean out shed, move furniture in place and paint them, paint inside, paint floor, wire for electricity, put in switches and plugs and connect to solar panel.
- Budget: Determine cost of paint, wiring, solar panel (small), electrical switches, electrical plugs and covers.
- To Buy: Paint, wiring, solar panel, switches, outlets.
- Notes: List places to purchase the above materials and the price when you visit the store or check online. List people who can help you. (My son can do the electrical wiring, but if not, determine who can do the labor for you if you can’t) List how many switches, etc you need. If you are building something, include the size of lumber etc. If planting, the plants you want, and how many. Have a plan before you go, so that you won’t be caught up in all the choices.
Next create a notebook of your ideas. Take it with you when you go to the home improvement center or nursery. Be sure and take your project planner too!
My second project is putting up split rail fence with flower gardens in front. This will include measurements, and a garden plan, clearing the ground in front of the fence, mulch, flowers, etc. You see where I am going? List out everything on your garden project planner.
It’s not enough to just complete your list. Put a Date for completion for each step. Hold yourself accountable for getting started.
Download your Garden Project Planner: Here
Download your Garden Project Brainstorm Sheet: Here
Share your journey creating your project on my private Facebook group. You can join free here https://www.facebook.com/groups/GrowingwithGardenChick
Need a little extra help? You can schedule a 30 minute Zoom call with me to discuss your garden challenges. Use the code Gardenproject now through April 1st and you will receive 30% off Go to https://www.GrowingwithGardenchick.com
Now take the first step, download the sheets, and start brainstorming your projects.
Happy Gardening!
Karen