The Good Gardener retrospective uses gardening metaphors to help teams reflect on their growth and development. Drawing inspiration from the natural cycles of planting and harvesting, this template encourages teams to think about what they want to start (sow), what they want to nurture (grow), and what benefits they've reaped (harvest).
This approach is particularly effective for teams focused on long-term development and continuous improvement. By framing team activities in terms of gardening cycles, participants can easily visualize the progression from initial ideas to mature outcomes.
The metaphor of gardening helps teams understand that success requires patience, consistent care, and the right conditions to thrive. It emphasizes that some initiatives need time to develop, while others might be ready to deliver value.
What is The The Good Gardener Retrospective
Sow
What should we start or experiment with?
This column represents new beginnings and opportunities. Encourage participants to think about fresh ideas, experiments, and initiatives they'd like to plant the seeds for. Remind them that like seeds, new ideas need proper nurturing and time to grow.
Grow
What do we want to continue investing in?
Focus on existing practices or initiatives that show promise but need continued attention and resources. Like plants needing water and sunlight, these items require ongoing care to reach their full potential.
Harvest
What have we gained?
This represents the fruits of the team's labor - successful outcomes and achievements. Encourage participants to celebrate wins and acknowledge the value created through their efforts. Consider how these successes can seed future improvements.
Suggested Icebreaker Questions
- If your team were a garden, what kind of plant would each person be and why?
- What's your favorite season, and how does it reflect your approach to work?
Ideas and Tips for Your Retrospective Meeting
- Use real gardening examples to explain the cycle of growth and how it relates to team development
- Encourage participants to think about the resources and conditions needed for their ideas to flourish
- Remember that like plants, some initiatives need more time than others to show results
- Consider seasonal patterns in your team's work when discussing what to sow or harvest
- Help the team understand that not everything planted will grow, and that's part of the learning process
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