Reviewing The Benefits of Garden Mulch

 

Mulch is much under rated, but mulching the soil is one of the best tasks you can do for your garden. The beauty of our plants and flowers, the quality of our fruits and vegetables all starts with the quality of our soil. It is easy to buy all the lovely flowering plants and bulbs only to find that they cannot thrive in our soil. Many gardeners or potential gardeners then become disappointed. 

However, If we take care of the soil and keep it healthy and weed free, the rest comes naturally. Mulch offers a wide range of benefits to the garden in terms of the look and beauty of our gardens and if organic mulch, in practical benefits for the soil and the health and beauty of our plants. For both experienced gardeners and complete novices garden mulch can enhance and transform your garden. 

You Might Be Asking What is Mulch?

Mulch is simply a layer of material thickly applied to the surface of the soil usually applied to beds and borders in our gardens.

It can be organic, such as wood chips, bark, straw and mulch compost. Organic is best if you need to improve the quality of your soil. 

Mulch can also be inorganic, like gravel,  sheeting, and rubber. Inorganic mulch can serve a practical purpose of weed suppression like sheeting but not be very pleasing to look at, or it can be very pretty especially if you use pebbles or glass beads.

Each type of mulch serves different purposes and can be chosen based on the specific needs of your garden.

What Are The Benefits of Mulch?

Mulching For A  Beautiful Garden

I am always pleasantly surprised what a difference a little time spent mulching achieves to the look of the garden. The difference can be quite dramatic! Mulch always seems to make plants look so much better and the whole garden put together beautifully. We can also use different types of mulch to create specific areas of the garden whether you want a natural look or more formal approach for different areas. 

Reducing Weeding!

This is my number one reason for spending time mulching in Spring. Although it takes time to mulch it saves so much more time in weeding. A thick layer of mulch which blocks out sunlight can inhibit much of the weed seeding and growth.  This thankfully reduces the need for hand weeding. As I never use any chemical weed killer and am not a huge fan of endless hand weeding on my knees, it is essential for my garden. It is not a guarantee of no weeds, but as long as you use a thick enough layer of mulch, which is about two to four inches deep, it can cut down weeding quite a lot.   

Moisture And Temperature Regulation

Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. This is particularly beneficial for the summer during hot, dry periods. If using mulch for this purpose a Spring mulching is most beneficial.  Mulch also acts like a blanket to keep the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Our garden soil is heavy clay and it dries out and cracks in the summer and in winter becomes a hard, cold, wet block so these insulating properties are very important to our garden.

Mulching For A Healthy Soil

In gardening soil health and structure is where it all begins. Organic mulches always decompose or rot down over time. This adds important nutrients and  improves the structure and overall fertility of the soil. An improved and healthy soil promotes plants to have a healthy root development which is key to a healthy plant and good flowers, vegetables and fruit.

 Our heavy clay soil has nutrients but it is difficult for young plants roots to access via the heaviness of the clay. So it is very important to open up the structure of our soil so that plants can root more effectively. However if you have very light soil, sandy, stony or chalky soil, mulching can help to improve and add much needed nutrients and hold and firm up the structure of the soil. 

So mulching with organic matter ultimately helps all types of soil. It is a hugely positive task to do and reaps benefits no matter what your soil type. 

 

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Types of Garden Mulch.

There are two main types of Mulch, organic and inorganic. 

Organic Mulch

This includes materials like bark, well rotted manure, grass clippings, straw, cocoa mulch, wood chips, compost or prepared Mulch compost bags. These mulches rot down with time and enrich the soil with organic matter. Personally I prefer a mulch compost or bark. I have found straw attracts rodents which we do not want and grass clippings can look untidy and a bit messy in the main beds and borders. If you have a stables nearby they may give you or sell you their horse manure, however it will need to have time for it to rot down before you can apply it to the garden soil so you need an area to store it. A prepared mulch in bags is perhaps the easiest way to mulch. 

A word of warning if you have dogs, do not use cocoa mulch as it is toxic to dogs and very attractive to them.

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Inorganic Mulch

This includes materials like gravel, rubber mulch, glass beads, decorative pebbles, river rocks, weed suppressant membranes and plastic sheeting, even old carpet. These mulches do not decompose and will not add any nutrients to the soil. They are often used to suppress and control difficult perennial weeds but some such as gravel, pebbles and river rocks can also be used beautifully for decorative purposes. 

We have used gravel and pebbles in certain areas. River rocks and large decorative pebbles look really beautiful in the right setting and can enhance the plants around them. 

We don't use plastic sheeting generally across the garden as unless it is covered with another layer of organic mulch or pebbles it looks awful. Plus plastics can leach into the soil which is not great and I would certainly not use it on any area I wanted to plant vegetables, fruits or herbs to eat. It or weed suppressant membranes are however useful if you have an area that is riddled with difficult perennial weeds. We did use this successfully for an area of the garden that had a difficult invasive perennial weed. If using it for that purpose it is best to cover the area with weed suppressing membrane, plastic sheeting or an old carpet first, then cover that with a decorative mulch of pebbles or bark. 

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How to Apply Mulch To The Garden

Choose the type of mulch that suits your garden and how you would like it to look. Different area of your garden may need a different approach to mulch type. Some beds may be better with organic mulch where the soil needs improving or you want a natural look while other areas look better with pebbles for example. 

Preparation Of The Garden Is Key

It is best to pull out any annual and perennial weeds from the beds we are mulching. It is easy and tempting to think you can skip this rather boring and tedious step but it is so much better to start with a weed free and clean area before mulching. Otherwise you may well find especially perennial weeds do still come up through the mulch. 

Applying the Mulch

It is important to spread a thick layer of mulch about two to four inches deep on the borders and beds around your plants. I always do this by hand especially in an existing border so as not to damage any of the plants there. Do take care to leave a gap at the base of each plant free from any mulch to prevent any rotting and to allow rainwater to reach the plant roots. It is always better to spread a thick layer over a smaller area than a thin layer over a larger space. 

It is best to mulch after a period of rainfall so you then keep the moisture in the soil. If no rainfall is forecast and you want to mulch, it is advisable to soak the soil beforehand with a watering can or hose. I would advise to always wear a good strong pair of garden gloves when spreading mulch to protect you and so there is no contact with your skin. 

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Maintain the Mulch

There isn't really a lot of ongoing or regular maintenance, but we can add more organic mulch like bark or compost over time as it breaks down into the soil. Organic mulch requires a little more topping up and raking from time to time.

We tend to put it down once a year in spring, but ideally do it twice a year in Spring and again in Autumn/Fall especially if your soil is poor or impoverished. Spring mulching is great for weed suppression, locking moisture in the soil and improving soil structure. Autumn/Fall mulching can also be protective of plants when the frosts and cold weather comes.

For inorganic mulch, like gravel, stones or pebbles just add or rearrange if it needs readjusting or topping up. If you have laid inorganic mulch directly onto soil you may need to occasionally wash down with water and pick out any annual weeds that find their way into any gaps. If you do not want this task it is best to lay a layer of weed suppressing membrane underneath to minimise this further.  

So mulching is a very beneficial task to do every Spring and Autumn/Fall in our gardens. I find it an easy, rewarding task that beautifies the garden and has ample benefits for many months.

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Reviewing The Benefits of Garden Mulch by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden

 

If you love gardening like I do, or are just starting out you probably like plants and want to grow seeds and young plants. You will be keen for each plant to thrive and grow well so you can admire it or grow crops for your table. 

Especially when you are starting out you may be wondering what are the essentials to buy. There are items that are more obvious and are fun to buy and then those which are important but less likely to attract attention. 

One item that is often overlooked is the humble plant label.

Often in the array of gardening products we can buy, plant labels may be an afterthought or we feel that of course we will remember what we planted where and which seeds are in which containers! Well I learned my lesson there a long time ago !! 

My Wooden Plant Labels Ready For Seed Sowing. 

So Why Do Plant Labels Matter?

Plant labels are an essential tool for gardeners. We spend time carefully sowing flowers  or vegetable seeds in a seed bed or container and cover with compost. If you are anything like me you think you will easily recall which seeds are in which area. 

However time passes and the beautiful tiny shoots come up and suddenly you are not sure whether these are flower or vegetable seeds, or even which flowers or vegetables!  They all look so similar and we have no idea. You have a bed or container full of tiny green seedlings, all looking very much the same! I have been there and it is no fun and can be very frustrating. 

Labels can also be very useful for plants that die down completely in the winter. It is very easy to forget that a plant was ever there and we can be inadvertently digging or trampling the beautiful plant. A label in the ground helps us to notice and remember.

At the famous Kew gardens in London where they really know what they are doing with regards to plants and gardening,  they also label just about everything. This is good for visitors who want to learn about the plants, trees and herbs but also helps the staff to care for the plants in the correct way.

 Plant labels are such an easy tool to help us know what we planted and where and you can even put the date on so you can recall how far along they are in growing. If you know what plants they are you can provide the correct conditions and care.

 

Plants and vegetables correctly labelled at Kew Gardens

How to Label Plants Effectively

From my own trials and errors I have found the following tips to be useful.

• As a basic write the plant or seeds name and the date planted or sown.
• If you have room you can include care information and date of expected flowers or harvest. 
• Use a Weatherproof Marker pen so that especially if its to be used outdoors it won't fade away before the end of the season.
• Ideally stick to the same format and information at least for your flowers and then for your vegetables and herbs. It just helps us to easily see the information and work the garden better.
• You can stick labels in the ground for seeds and young plants or tie them higher up a bigger plant.
• Use labels for your houseplants too. It is all too easy to forget the name and care required or when they bloom. 
• Check and clean labels at the beginning or end of the gardening year, especially for outdoor plants.
• Check each year to see what worked and what didn't and improve your systems. 

Honesty Seeds In My Garden Ready to be Collected and Sown

Types of Plant Label Materials

Plant labels are available in various materials, which have their different advantages and disadvantages.

Wooden/Bamboo Labels

 These are usually my labels of choice. It is easy to write  the plant name and date of sowing on. They are environmentally friendly and  biodegradable. Fairly inexpensive, they also look natural and fit in with a wide range of garden schemes, themes and trends.

However I find if exposed to the elements they do not last as long as I would like. They are best for indoor sowing seeds or sowing /planting under glass or in a greenhouse or for indoor plants. They will then be more protected from the elements and last longer. However I do use them outside and just accept that they will not last as long if used in this way. 

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Metal Labels 

These look attractive and elegant and are usually a quality product. As they are weather resistant they offer a more permanent label and can last many years. Some are also rust resistant and are worth looking out for. They can be available in beautiful metals like copper, stainless steel and aluminium which look really lovely in the garden. We can mix and match them or keep to one metal depending on the look you want. 

They are usually more expensive though and this can be an issue if you are sowing lots of seeds or gardening on a budget. If you can buy enough to meet your sowing and labelling needs they are a very lovely addition to a garden. 

Due to the price point, Metal labels are perhaps better suited to labelling more permanent larger plants like perennials or shrubs and trees, but if you can what a  lovely way to label your seedlings and vegetable patch. 

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Plastic Labels

 These are good to use outdoors and can cope with the more inclement weather. Plastic is very durable and well suited to coping with rain. They are also often available in different colours which may be useful to differentiate flowers from vegetables or even different types or varieties and look cheerful. You are generally better using a permanent marker to write with which usually survives rain and snow. 

However they are not environmentally friendly to keep buying. I have plastic items in my garden I purchased years ago but I am trying to simply reuse rather than buy more plastic. So if that matters to you it could be a consideration. 

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Make Your own Labels

Getting creative with a project to make your own labels can be fun. Labels can be made from old lollipop sticks, stones with the names of plants written or painted on and even old cutlery like spoons or even wine corks! They will certainly be fun and unique to your garden. We can create or buy  magical and fun labels for a very individual look. 

Labels can be purely functional or they can be a creative addition to your garden and be an integral part of the garden style. You might want to introduce a certain colour or many bold colours, tie labels with fun facts or inspirational quotes around the garden or express your own garden theme or personality.

Buying creative labels can be more expensive, though they will without doubt add style and magic to your garden.

It is more time consuming to create your own labels than buy them and many gardeners are busy enough in the Spring. Perhaps something for a winter project !

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Plant labels are a vital item for any gardener and especially if you sow seeds. While they can be an afterthought, they are important to keep your garden organised and so you can give the proper care to your seeds and plants. 

They can be basic and functional, beautiful, short or long lasting, expensive or affordable and even fun! So give some thought to the humble plant label and how they will work for you and influence your garden. 

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Storage Boxes

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Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden By Raintree Annie 

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

In my experience, seed container storage boxes are an essential tool for gardeners. Previously, my seeds for flowers and vegetables and salads were stored in draws in the kitchen or open storage boxes and it  was not really adequate. They often seemed to gain moisture or go bad quickly and if I opened a packet and put it back inevitably the seeds would spill out all over ! I also worried about mice and insects being attracted by them.

I often buy seeds whenever I visit a garden centre especially if they have any on sale. So I often keep seeds from one year to the next. A garden magazine I subscribe to monthly usually include free seeds as well. In addition I gather seeds from my own flowers. So it is often the case that I have a lot of seeds needing storage at any one time. 

I enjoy growing from seed and watching the tiny seeds grow into a young plant then mature and flower is a wonder of nature and always enchanting to me. In addition it often works out significantly cheaper than buying larger plug plants later on in the year. If you grow from seed you can grow many times more flowers and crops for the same or less price. 

So I now have two seed storage boxes, I keep one for flower seeds and one for vegetable and salad seeds. 

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

Seed container storage boxes often come with cardboard or plastic compartments or dividers that allow us to organise seeds. Organising seeds is a personal thing. Some people might organise the seeds alphabetically, some by flower type or by month to plant. It does not matter as long as it suits you. Sorting seeds in these ways can make it easier to check dates by which seeds must be sown.

It can also keeps seeds of one type for example salad crops, cress, poppies or sweet peas together so that you don't go out and buy more stock of seeds when you already have plenty.

I also have these blank seed container packets so that I can store any of the seeds I collect from my own plants.

 So there are many benefits from a little time spent organising.   

Keeps Seeds Dry

Seed container storage boxes keep seeds dry. This is very important to keep seeds viable and able to germinate. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and ultimately the seeds just rot before you get a chance to sow them. 

It avoids the disappointment of finding your lovely seeds with all the promise of flowers and crops only to have to discard them. These seed storage boxes help preserve seed quality and ensure they remain good for sowing for longer.

Protection From Mice.

Seeds are a magnet for mice for whom it is a food source. So it is important not to leave seed packets loose in a draw, cupboard or outdoor storage where mice can find them. We do not want a mice infestation in our homes so a sturdy seed container keeps the seeds secure and unavailable as a food source. These containers are usually metal with sturdy fastening clips and so not easily accessed by rodents. I have had no issues with mice getting into my seeds since using these containers. 

Easy To Carry

The seed containers I have and the ones I am talking about here are smaller and easily carried. This is important to me so that I can carry the whole box into the garden, use the seeds from the packets I need and put them back. 

I can keep the box in the garden with me all the time I am gardening so no need to go back and forth to the house. Then I simply carry it  back into the house when I have finished.

I hope to get an allotment one day and they will be invaluable in that case so that I can simply take them back and forth to the allotment easily. 

A sturdy, portable box means no seeds spills all over the garden or home and I have all the packets of seeds available to me as I work.

Storage

I do have a lot of seeds and rarely use all the seeds in every packet every year. Seed container storage boxes are designed for longer term storage, thus allowing seeds to remain viable for longer periods of time. I really like this as it means I can keep seeds for longer, often year to year and as long as I sow them by the use by date on the packet they are still good viable seeds.

There is also plenty of room for my seed labels. Labelling seed trays is in my experience vital. No matter what I think I do forget which seeds I have sown in which seed tray! So labelling is important , yet labels can often go astray. So keeping them in with the seeds in a seed storage box is perfect !  

Having one or more seed container storage boxes is sensible if you gather or buy seeds. Seed container storage boxes offer some good benefits that help us gardeners maintain the quality and viability of flower, vegetable and salad seeds. 

It can also be cost-effective. By keeping seeds protected and dry, away from rodents and organised we keep the seeds fresher for longer. We also can easily see what seeds we already have so no need to buy more of seeds we already own. We also can be more organised so sow the seeds we want to have, whether flowers or vegetables, at the correct time.  

Gardening Gift Idea

These Seed Storage boxes can make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about every gardener and really anyone who you know loves sowing their own seeds. So you may like to bear in mind for Birthdays and Christmas gifts especially, though as a keen gardener, I would be very happy with one as a Valentines gift too! 

In my experience, these container seed boxes are a valuable addition to help make seed sowing a pleasurable and organised gardening activity.

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Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com 

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie 

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Reviewing The Many And Varied Uses Of Magnifiers

I have recently discovered that using a magnifier can be a game changer! Whether you pursue an intricate hobby, are partially or severely sight impaired, have issues seeing tiny labels, or love seeing the world of nature in close up detail, a magnifier is so very useful.

I was introduced to the world of magnifiers due to my husband being diagnosed severe sight impaired. He requires additional support to read print and had an assessment to ascertain which magnifier would suit him.

Magnifiers are incredibly versatile tools with a wide range of uses, regardless of whether you have vision issues or not. As part of his sight assessment my husband was issued with two magnifiers and he finds them very useful, however an unexpected benefit is that I am also finding them extremely helpful! I don't have any particular sight issues but I do find these days and as I get a bit older there are so many things that seem to be in tiny print!! 

My husband who is severe sight impaired uses them for accessibility and a low vision aid and I use them whenever I cannot see the print very well and for other interests. 

Examples of ways we use magnifiers.

• Reading the very small print on washing instructions. I find it particularly annoying that the print is always so small and even worse when it is grey on black. A magnifier helps me to get the washing right and avoid costly mistakes! 
• Reading mixing or cooking information on jars and packets of food.
• Checking ingredient list and cooking instructions on tins, packets and jars.
• Checking the ingredient list on beauty and health products - as I am allergic to specific ingredients this is very important to me to so that I do not get a reaction or waste time having to send things back.
• Reading the Fine Print in important written paper documents.
• When I took an evening class in Astronomy we needed a magnifier to spot the finer details. We used magnifiers to  examine star charts.
• Helps me to in identify tiny pests and diseases particularly on my indoor plants and to investigate the intricate details of plants and flower structures we would not normally see.
• On our nature walks it can be interesting to examine tiny flowers and fungus under the magnifier to find details not easily visible.
• Ideal for checking splinters and other small wounds
• Reading, especially books or magazines with small print 
• Checking telephone numbers
• Looking at debit card details when providers ask for the numbers
• Reading policy numbers on insurances etc when providers ask for them. 
• Reading Instructions on new purchases.
• Reading restaurant menus, especially in low light.

Magnifiers are useful for a range of interests

Here are just a few examples

• Watch and Clock Repair: Magnifiers are essential for examining and repairing the delicate parts of watches and clocks. My Dad had an avid hobby repairing watches and clocks and he always had a couple of magnifiers beside him. I have fond memories as a child watching him take apart watches and clocks, repair them and carefully put it all back together again with such patience and skill.  
• Collectors may use magnifiers to inspect the details and condition of stamps and coins.
• Ideal for artists and crafters working with small, intricate pieces like beads.
• Magnifiers can be used to study the details of rocks and fossils which are fascinating.
• Artists can use magnifiers to add details to their work or to appreciate the intricate details of other artists work.

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Useful Features To Consider In A Magnifier

We personally find the two most useful features a light with the magnifier and the portability.

We now have two magnifiers, one is hand held with a round glass vision area and a handle and the other one is a credit card shaped  magnifier. Both are very useful in all kinds of situations. 

 

Light

We both appreciate a magnifier that has an optional light. This is really helpful when trying to read in low light such as a restaurant menu or a poorly lit room. It is also easier to see tiny print with the light on. I would certainly recommend always getting one with a good light system. 

Magnification Power

This is a personal preference so it is good to check the magnification power for your needs to give you clarity and reduce any eyestrain. This may depend on your eyesight and the reason you need the magnifier.

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Quality 

It is important that the Magnifier is strong enough so that it can stand up to being carried around and used on the move and that it is comfortable to hold. It needs to be light enough to easily carry, yet sturdy enough to carry in a pocket or handbag. We have found that sometimes you might need to consider the trade between a comfort hold and an item that it a bit bulkier or to get two, one to use at home and a lighter  smaller one to use out of the home.

Clarity

It is vital that the resulting sight is clear and comfortable for your eyes. There is a slight learning curve as you find the ideal distance from the letters or numbers you are trying to read to get the optimum clarity. 

Versatility

Ideally the magnifier will be suitable for several tasks, though you may find for some needs and specific tasks you might need two. We only use portable Magnifiers so far, but people may also find a magnifier with a stand is useful especially for crafting and if you find it difficult to hold a magnifier for periods of time. 

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Value For Money

We all look for value for money and assuming you choose the correct magnifier for your needs it can be a great long lasting product and handy helper to help you in everyday life, keep independence and enjoy hobbies. 

 

Magnifiers have so may potential applications for a wide range of needs and interests. Whether you are visually impaired, struggling more with sight as we get older or enjoying an intricate hobby a magnifier is a versatile tool.

It encourages more independence with everyday tasks rather than having to ask other people to read labels and instructions.

In my experience using a magnifier  results in fewer frustrating moments of struggling to see things and makes everyday tasks much easier. I would highly recommend a magnifier!

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Reviewing Charms And Practicalities Of Paper Diaries

Only a few weeks ago I was discussing with a friend how our lives are now intrinsically bound up and even dominated by digital devices. We are reliant now in a way we never were ten and certainly twenty years ago. 

This was brought home to me sharply a few months ago by an unusual set of circumstances where my mobile phone and my computer decided to break down at the same time! Suddenly I had no access to e mails, social media but even worse all our diary dates including medical appointments, meet ups with friends.... everything! 

The only recourse while my computer was “in bits” in the shop and we were waiting on the mobile phone to arrive was our local part time library. How I wished I had a paper copy of all the appointments! 

So in all this the humble paper diary planner I regularly used years ago a suddenly seemed like a great idea I had relegated unnecessarily to history and I missed it. 

I can tell you that I quickly bought a paper diary and I do value it and love making my appts and notes in it in a way that tech does not fulfil somehow. 

Paper Diary And Mindful Reflection

Despite the convenience of digital calendars, the tangible act of writing in a paper diary offers certain  benefits I had completely forgotten as I embraced technology. 

I find that writing our appts and dates by hand encourages mindfulness for me. The slower pace of writing in a diary allows for a level of reflection I never feel when using tech.

I feel more in control and it helps me organise my thoughts. All the noise of digital tech is gone leaving just the order and calmness of organising my life. I am finding that when I write a date in my diary I tend to recall and remember it far better than I do when I use the computer or phone. 

Of course all diaries are a bit different in what they include and you need to decide what is best for you. I have included a range in this article to consider. 

I love that my Diary has a features such as year to view, Year planner, big single day pages to write in and month to view. It makes organising and recording very easy.

I like the sections at the beginning of each month to record Notes, travel planning, financial planning and fitness planning as well. It also has space to record useful telephone numbers and details of friends and family. I love that it has inspirational quotes across the diary days which act as little reminders to live our best life. 

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Creativity and Expression In  a Diary

My paper diary has become already a place for self expression. I can write little extra notes, hopes and plans for the future,  doodles have once again become a thing and I have again become conscious of my long neglected handwriting style.

 I enjoy writing in my diary planner, even when it is just appointments. Its a little bit of creative freedom I cannot replicate online. 

 Reduced Screen Time and Digital Fatigue

I spend a lot of time staring at a  computer screen, I need to for many aspects of my life and work. In many ways I am grateful for digital technology, it has enabled me to work remotely, make friends across the world, shop for my home, find information easily and simplified many things. 

However, we are also constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates which can become tiring and distracting.

 A paper diary offers a welcome break from screens, helping to reduce digital fatigue and the strain it places on our eyes and mind. A paper diary is simple, uncomplicated and can be a beautiful thing to hold in your hands. 

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Privacy and Security

My diary is for me and my husbands engagements. No one else sees it and I really don’t have to worry about privacy, hacking, breaches or especially after my recent experience any tech breakdowns or long wait times for new parts!

It provides a secure and private space for thoughts and plans. You don't need to worry about privacy policies or data storage issues and confidentiality is easy to ensure.

Calm And In Control With My Paper Diary

As I am now recording all important dates and appts in my paper diary I know that even if I face tech breakdowns, failures and long waits for replacement parts or new tech, I will always know I have my back up and do not have to worry. In some ways my paper diary now has my back! 

I do still record in my online planners but that is practical, routine and in work mode. My paper diary feels more personal, more tangible and calm. 

In a world where technology dominates our day to day life, the paper diary is a valuable tool. It might be old fashioned now but I have found a new respect for it helping me in my life organisation in a calm quite tranquil way. 

 Clever Fox Planner PRO Schedule – Undated Weekly & Monthly Life Planner with Time Slots, Appointment Book & Daily Organizer, A4 (Red)Check Price

 

I won't of course give up tech and it has many undeniable advantages that make life easier. 

However, embracing the simplicity and sometimes beauty of a paper diary planner has brought a sense of peace that computer or other digital tools often lack. 

In this increasingly digital world it was amazing to me how satisfying holding an actual pen and writing in a tangible, beautiful paper diary is a pleasure I didn’t know I had missed so much! 

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