Gardeners are one of the largest hobby groups in the world. Gardening can be as simple as a few containers or as complex as a few acres. Regardless of the scale, the same basic rules apply:

1. Realize that gardening is more of a process than a project. Plants take time to grow and along with the plants, you will grow patience. Accept the fact that not everything you attempt is going to look like a magazine cover. Also remember that some of the things you do may be great.

2. Learn about your gardening space. Indoors or out, locate where and when the sun shines. Pay special attention to the soil. Do a soil test to determine what type garden soil you have. Amend it or choose plants suited to it.

3. Learn about yourself. How much time and money do you want to invest? Gardening can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. It’s always a good idea to start small, finding more to do is seldom a problem.

4. Learn about plants, especially the ones you like. Whatever plant you chose to grow, from turfgrass to orchids, do some homework. If for some reason the plants you like most aren’t recommended for your garden site, keep looking. You’re sure to find something you like just as well, maybe even better.

5. Water, fertilize and prune regularly as recommended on the plant tag.

6. Get some good tools. You don’t need one of everything to begin with. A spade, rake, trowel and pruners have started many exceptional gardens.

7. Learn to recognize symptoms before they become problems. Pests, diseases and environmental stressors of lawns and houseplants usually start small, giving you time to react and correct them. Knowing the problem allows you to select the right treatment.

8. Ask questions. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding experienced gardeners who are more than willing to share advice and opinions.

9. Be safe. Follow product instructions carefully, especially pesticide and fertilizer.

10. Keep a record or journal of what works and what doesn’t. Use this information when planning for next season.

11. The plant tag is a good source of information. Sunlight and water requirements, mature size and shape, planting instructions, bloom time, pruning needs and more are all right at your fingertips.

12. Gardening can be strenuous; sore muscles and blisters are often the result of a gardening session. Doing a few basic stretching exercises and investing in a good pair of gloves are worth the time and effort.

13. Perhaps most importantly, although gardening can be hard work, don’t forget to have fun.

Courtesy of Lowe’s.

Landscaping is about patience. Secondly, it is about budget. There is such a thing as a Landscape Triangle that incorporates time, money, and knowledge. Without one, the other two are more difficult to work through in regards to having your dream garden. For example, smaller plants (which may be less expensive) take longer to establish themselves than larger plants, but if you give it time and know where and how to plant them, then you can have that fabulous garden over the long term.

First, make a design of what you would like for your garden to look like in about 5 years or even 10 years. Think long term when planning the design, buying plants, and building around the area. If you do not have this knowledge, then you might consider hiring a landscaper or at least consulting with one before you buy that first plant. A designer can provide you with information about your “dream garden” such as how fast certain plants grow, what plants might work well in your area/climate/soil, and long term care of those plants. Some do-it-yourselfers often plant too many small plants in one area, so as they mature, they crowd themselves right out of room.

One consideration when planning your design, especially when on a budget, is to figure out the cost per square feet of each plant. For example, you pass by the $20 hosta and instead pick the $4 primrose because you are on a budget. Did you save money? If a primrose ultimately fills one square foot in your garden, but the hosta covers 12 square feet, then to fill the same area, the hosta only costs about $1.67/sqft, where the primrose now costs $4/sqft. So, in dollar amounts, to fill that space in your garden, the hosta cost $20 and the primroses will cost $48. You end up not saving money at all, but spending more.

Once you do have the design of your garden in place, you can start figuring out what you want your budget to be, which helps keep your garden within your limits. The important part of the budget is just buying the best valued plants and materials possible.

Before purchasing that first plant, do an inventory of what you already have or what a friend, relative, or neighbor may give you.
• What plants to you have in your own yard that you can transplant, if necessary?
• What plants do your friends, neighbors, or relatives have that you can take a sprig and replant in your yard? But be aware that you should only take plants that are already in your plan. Otherwise, you will have to create a new design.
• Take stock of how much of your own time that you want to invest in this garden.
• Keep the Landscape Triangle in mind before, during, and after the landscaping project so you garden continues to grow year after year after year.

After you have gathered all “donated” plants and taken a look at your own yard, see what is left to get for your design. You can divide your design out into sections and plant one section at a time, or you can plan to plant all the large trees first, then all the small bushes, then flowering plants, etc. When you divide it up, then you can conquer easier, rather than trying to take on the whole garden at one time. Once you decide how to proceed, then start making your list of materials you need for each section/group and start shopping.

TIP: Keep checking your local papers for deals of the week on plants, mulch, and other needed materials.