
The bottom line is you're never done learning about plants and your garden. And whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete newbie, Mother Nature will continue to throw you some unexpected twists and turns along the way. They evolve through the years as you learn more about the plants you love. It's also important to be patient because gardens aren't built overnight. It's essential to read plant tags carefully and make sure a perennial, shrub or tree can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness Zone (find yours here). That will dictate what plants will likely thrive in that area. For example, an area that's full shade in summer may be full sun in spring. Watch that space for a few days to get a sense of what's happening at what time of day. For starters, look at the area you want to plant: Does it get full sun, which is 6 or more hours per day? Or maybe it gets only part sun, which is about half that, or full shade.


Starting a garden from scratch may seem daunting for a novice! But we've got you covered with tons of great ideas and free garden plans for every type of yard, whether it's big and sprawling or teeny-tiny.
