A garden scrapbook as we close out 2023: the vegetable harvests, best views, beautiful flowers, and DIY projects recapping this year’s garden season. I can’t wait for next year and all the harvests to come.

You might be wondering why I’m thinking about gardening when the season is over, but the truth is that gardening is always on my mind. Dreaming, remembering plants I want to grow, it never stops. As I think about what I want for my space next, I’m spending some time now scrolling through pictures while the garden is still fresh in my mind. Not only does this help me stay inspired, but it helps me go through what worked and didn’t so I know how to make improvements.

Sharing on social media and taking pictures of my garden is more for me than anything else. I love looking back at the progression of my garden and seeing how plants change over a season. So much happens throughout a season that it is easy to forget all the little things. Like growing my first poblano pepper or finding that rogue volunteer tomato hiding out under the massive zucchini plant. Photos are a helpful reminder of what I’ve created and what there is to look forward to in the next season. When I look at pictures of my first garden and where I am now, it gives me so much gratification and encouragement. Honestly, it is what gets me through the Minnesota winter. No two garden years are the same. That’s what I love about gardening most; it’s constantly evolving, unexpected, and extremely rewarding.

Here are my favorite pictures, harvests, projects, and moments captured from the garden this year. Maybe it will give you inspiration for your space, encouragement to try something new or just give you something pretty to look at. Either way, here’s the 2023 garden.

The Garden Harvests

My Favorite Views of the Garden

The Flowers

The Garden Projects

First Time Growing

What a beautiful growing season. Filled with DIY project ups and down, dissapointments and successes. This year, the vision I originally had for the space came alive. When I first looked at the backyard as an empty dirt patch, I remember dreaming wildly of a secret overflowing garden surrounded by a wood fence filled with arches and spilling over with massive plants and veggies. This is what I imagined, but even better. It's exciting and rewarding to see something in your mind come to fruition. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I cherish it.

May your next year be filled with exciting dreams and overflowing with creativity. Be encouraged to go for it and follow what brings you joy. None of this garden would have been possible if I didn't follow what brought me joy. So, see where it takes you! Happy 2024!

More Gardening Here