| Many lower gardens and planted solely for their | | | | these items where you think they should go in |
| beauty while others may have a more functional | | | | your garden plan. If you have a large outdoor |
| purpose. So, when you decide you want a flower | | | | space, you may want to divide it into areas. Public |
| garden, you should put a lot of thought into | | | | areas for barbecues and family get togethers and |
| where your garden will be. Much of this will | | | | more private areas for your own special place. |
| depend on the space that you have available. If | | | | How much time will you spend in your garden? |
| you live in a tiny apartment, you may have to | | | | Some plants and flowers require a lot more |
| have an "indoor" garden or a hanging basket or | | | | maintenance to keep them healthy and looking |
| two on your balcony. Container gardens are also | | | | beautiful. If you will be short on time, choose |
| good if you have limited space. Even a small herb | | | | hardier plants that will take less time to tend. |
| garden may satisfy your green thumb. If you are | | | | Bulbs and perennials may require more |
| lucky enough to have an outside area that is large | | | | maintenance because they need to be divided |
| enough, you will have more options. | | | | from year to year. Of course, some may grow |
| Just as there are many types of gardens, there | | | | season after season without much work on your |
| are many types of flower gardens. This should be | | | | part. A large part of gardening is watching how |
| taken into account when you are planning yours. | | | | plants grow in your specific area of the country. |
| And, it should start with a plan. If you just grab | | | | You may just want to plant a border of flowers |
| some plants and start planting willy nilly, you might | | | | at the front of your house or along side a |
| just end up with a mess. | | | | walkway and/or driveway. If you have a lot |
| First, take a good look at the space you have | | | | more time, you might want a larger area filled |
| available. Draw a quick plan of that space, including | | | | with blooms. |
| your house, outbuildings, water sources, shrubs | | | | When planning your garden, think about when |
| and trees, and non-dig areas, such as underground | | | | each time of flower will bloom. There are spring |
| cables. Draw your plan as close to scale as | | | | bulbs, annuals, perennials and bulbs and flowers |
| possible so that you don't run into any nasty | | | | that bloom in the fall. If you plan it right, you can |
| suprises such as purchasing too many plants to fit | | | | have something blooming all three (or four in |
| in your available area. Draw trees as circles, | | | | some areas) seasons of the year. |
| drawing larger circles for larger trees and vice | | | | As with any other endeavor, the better you plan, |
| versa. | | | | the more successful you'll be. Just planning a |
| Now, think about what you want out of your | | | | garden "in your head" is better than having no plan |
| garden? Is it going to be a place for relaxation? | | | | at all. Once you have your plan thought out, start |
| Then, provide a sitting area or even a hammock | | | | planting and enjoy the gorgeous flowers that your |
| for napping. Do you want a water feature? Draw | | | | hard work has produced. |