Good thread!
I started with a 3 Ring Binder journal I got as a gift about 15 years ago, filled it up and now have two more. It's not wonderfully organized, but I have lists of trees, shrubs, where and when planted. Several pages titled "Things That Died"... Maps on graph paper of garden plans with some lists of what was actually planted and when. A section with receipts in chronological order (immensely helpful). A section for trades. Sections for seeds planted, cuttings tried, experiments with seed stratification etc. A list updated perhaps once yearly of "Seeds I Have". A list of "Things that are Reliable Here". Lists of tools. A list of things I want. Various lists of ideas (eg. a page with ideas of plants for a "Dr Seuss Garden" I may make someday with my sister, with odd looking plants). Printed things from magazines or the internet (a long one on Grevilleas I printed out). I use heavyweight paper for the binder, and I own a three-hole-punch.
What I likely use the most now, is a really big nice box on the shelf in the Living Room. When I plant something I save the tag. Wash it in kitchen sink, dry on counter, then write on it the year and where planted. Toss in box. By winter, I have a bunch, now on a chilly night I file them- I have Ziplock bags in the box for Trees, shrubs, houseplants, annuals, planters, and A-Z ziplocks for perennials/bulbs. I now have over ten years of these and it is really helpful.
I use the Rite in the Rain notepads for hiking and birdwatching. They are fabulous, come in all sizes, I just bought another one last week. never thought of using in the garden but it's a great idea.
I keep thinking of doing some of the mapping on the computer, but never had a garden design program. Jmorth's Paint looks pretty useful. Hmm.
