My journal makes many trips back and forth to the garden during the growing season clutched in rather grubby hands. Stiff paper, a strong spine, and waterproof ink save the day. Garden journals aren't anything new. They've been around at least since medieval times, when herbalists kept records of the growth and use of wild and cultivated herbs. Thanks to journal writers, we have many wonderful accounts of long-forgotten country gardens in Europe and beautiful artwork from Victorian gardeners, who often filled their journals with dried flowers, sketches, and watercolors.
Winter is a great time to begin a garden journal.
Start by recording your fall bulb plantings and their locations. If the tulips don't make it past the moles and chipmunks for spring blooming, write it down. Next fall you'll plant pest-proof daffodils instead. Next year you'll know exactly when and where to start them. Take the time to record your efforts and experiences and you'll have a satisfying history of your work in the garden, and you'll become a better gardener because of it.