To label a plant or not, that is the question...
Actually I've asked and explored that question before. And now I'm revisiting the topic again, this time on a different tangent.
My memory on plant names isn't as good as is once was, especially with an ever increasing amount of plants we're collecting as well as increasing mental demands from work. On several occasions I've found myself very grateful of plant labels that are still intact when the need to know the ID is there, memory in limbo and the label was there to the rescue.
But the idea of putting labels on everything still puts me off.
Plus the other problem of finding labels that are not obstructive to the eye and at the same time long lasting and won't fade away in time and exposed to the elements.
Then I had an idea, why not use a technology on hand already to do the labelling and cataloguing for me? The digital camera!
So that's what I've been doing recently, take photos of plants with their original label then discard those without any extra information on them. The images are then stored on separate folder and are also stored online so I can access the folders easily when away from home.
This way I can go back at the photos to find the exact names and ID's and I won't have to worry about labels fading away or being a distraction when looking at a plant.
The minor disadvantage though is that you won't have instant access to the name of a plant you've forgotten about, you'll have to refer to the ID album. And if you change it's planting position or it's pot/container you may have to take a photo of it again with a label.
It's not an original idea but it's something that's happy with. Now why did I not think of this before??
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
What a truly splendid idea Mark ! ...I may have to copy this , especially for plants in the garden ..will you put them in separate folders by category ?
ReplyDeleteI only have three categories at the moment Kathy, aloes agaves and miscellaneous with the latter being the biggest as you can imagine. When I get the chance later on I'll subdivide that category too :)
Delete"My memory on plant names isn't as good as is once was...as well as increasing mental demands from work." You forgot another reason: advancing age, LOL.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I'll emulate it by photographing new additions that I often don't consider photo-worthy yet.
That did cross my mind Gerhard, just didn't want to acknowledge it, lol!!
DeleteDon't forget to take some wider shots so you remember where those plants actually are (if they're in the ground and not in pots). I know some of my older plants look nothing like their "baby" photos.
ReplyDeleteSome of my plants have tags in the ground but they're no longer easily accessible -- I see the tag down in there but can't get at it without some contortion. :)
Wider shots makes sense Alan, so you see them in relation to their surroundings too, especially as everything does get bigger or change in time :)
DeleteThat is a great idea. I may try to do it too...although I'll have to remember to do it...
ReplyDeleteThat's another thing Lisa, remembering to do it itself :)
DeleteThat's a good idea, especially taking advantage of cloud storage so you can access the pictures anywhere. I have these smallish copper tags for some of my indoor plants that I like, but would prefer no labels.
ReplyDeleteGood old labelling has its big advantages too Evan. Engraved copper tags are good too, especially as the writing won't fade away :)
DeleteThat's an excellent idea! I take photos of new plants (haphazardly) and label my photos but I like the idea of photographing the label itself with all its tiny tidbits of information. I keep an Excel spreadsheet of all my plants by planting area (no pictures, though) but maintaining the thing gets to be a royal pain.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining lists can quickly become such a chore isn't it Kris? Photo cataloging seems less demanding although if wanted can be made complicated too. And no need to make picture taking fancy, haphazard will do :)
DeleteWhen thinking of starting a project like this I can see myself being really good at it for awhile, then starting to forget. Or getting too many in "holding" waiting to be filed. I'll be hoping for an update in about a year, to see how your getting on with it.
ReplyDeleteWill see how it goes too Loree. So far as I've made it simple, basically shove all pics in broad 'folder' it's easy to do. But as more pile in...
DeleteGreat idea! I'm shocking with names. I usually have to search back through previous posts to find them.
ReplyDeleteSame here Amy, have found the blog handy on several occasions :)
DeleteA splendid idea that would take some time but knowing you, it'll be done very quickly. Oh to have a better memory!
ReplyDeleteit's not that complicated Peter but memory is still the best, most times anyway :)
DeleteMy solution is low tech but works for me. An index card for each plant with its location. They are stored is an old library card catalog file. Yours is clearly easier and much faster and has the advantage of the photo.
ReplyDeleteThe photo is an advantage but a nicely done index card system is quite impressive:)
DeleteMy system is like that of Ms Wis, above...just can't conceive of anything that requires more time at the computer. It's brilliant if you're happy with that tho.
ReplyDeleteIt's not that complicated Ricki, once photos taken they're copied and pasted on to folders. I probably won't bother to alphabetise them though :)
DeleteIt's an excellent idea. Perfect for organised visual people and a method I use myself. Also good when planning a new garden scheme - I photo the plants I think I want (and the label) then see how it will fit in with the scheme. I did once think of starting a plant database on my computer but, really, life is too short and I'd rather be gardening!!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Caro! Minimise the efforts in filing and maximise time spent out gardening, much better! :)
DeleteBlogging has been a treasure--a store for plant names as well as when they were planted and what they looked like on arrival. Digital photography must be one of the greatest inventions ever! So, I guess the Internet is good for something.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fabulous invention Gail! Back in the day you have to be careful on the amount of pics you can take, plus the scanning...
DeleteI like your idea. I have been thinking of taking photos of all the plants in the different areas of my garden and labeling them in an album. I am put off by the amount of work this may entail, but also it may be a lot of fun. It definitely would help my poor brain remember what I have.
ReplyDeleteBit by bit of a project Debs,should make it easier :)
Deletehey, I just started doing that too. it's my 800th attempt to keep track. but if you guys think it's a good idea, it must be the ticket...
ReplyDeleteWe hope so Patricia :)
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