Every gardener was a beginner at one time, even if it
was when they were a child. The wonder of gardening
never ceases to amaze me, even after many years.
If I were to be asked to offer five tips to all new gardeners,
here is what they would be:
1. Do not be afraid to try to grow an interesting plant.
Even if you fail, you will have learned something
about that plant and what it needs to thrive.
2. Keep track, through a scrapbook, journal or
computer program, of what seeds and plants you
try every year. Draw a diagram of your flower bed
and put information in it such as the type of plant,
where you planted it and your observations about
the plant including rather you liked it or not.
3. Learn botanical names from the beginning. You
will be glad you did. Common names are confusing.
A common name such as daisy may refer to
the typical white daisies, the yellow Rudbeckia or
the larger Chrysanthemum that look like colored
daisies.
4. Experiment, experiment, experiment. If you don’t
like the way something looks in your garden, dig
the plants up and plant it elsewhere. Do this until
you figure out what looks good to you, but be
sure to dig the whole root system and provide
adequate water to help the plant re-establish. Another
option is to keep your plants in pots until you
decide exactly where you want to plant them.
5. Remember that every garden is unique and reflects
its owner’s personality. You don’t need to please
anyone but yourself!
Finally, do not let the name of this book fool you.
While it is written for beginners, seasoned gardeners
will find some of the tips in this book will apply
to them as well.
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