1. Don’t do too much at the same time…focus on one section or bed at a time
2. Pick an easier spot on your property for starters, try for a sunny, well drained site.
3. Think about a garden bed as you would a room, choose a focal point such as an already existing tree, shrub or garden fixture
4. Think about what kind of garden makes you happy.. Neat symmetrical? Messy cottage? Classic Rose?
5. Look at magazines for inspiration. Or take photos of plants in your neighborhood that you like
6. Make the local Garden Center your hangout…look at the plants, talk to the staff.  Real Gardeners love to talk about their plants, successes and challenges.
7. Don’t pick plants that are too large for your space.  They grow!
8. In a small bed, choose either one tree or large bush (Like these hydrangeas) and then fill in with smaller plants
9. Choose a mixture of perennials (they live for many seasons) and annuals (they live for one season)
10. Choose colors that work with your home.  You can choose a complementary color or a contrast!
11. Don’t underestimate the power of one color.  White is especially bright in a darker space.
12. Before you buy plants, enrich the soil, remove all the weeds and make it easy to plant.
13. Check the plants’ instructions for how deep to dig.  A good rule of thumb is twice as wide and once as deep as the container
14. If you need immediate gratification, don’t choose seed, go for plants
15. Enjoy this…it really is fun digging in the dirt!   Enjoy the complements!

Learn more about the gardens in JoAnn’s life at hoppelife.