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Beginning a garden

Joanne Taylor's photo
Philadelphia Gardening Examiner

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In the beginning, there was a plot of land. Now what? If you’ve always wanted to start a garden, but feel overwhelmed by the knowledge and work that it will require; put those bad seeds to bed. It’s easy; just plan your work and then work your plan. Even in the beginning of time; the Earth was made in a well-planned fashion. God made the sky first (Genesis 1:6), the land next (Vs. 9), and then He chose the plants and planted a garden (Vs.11-12).
 
 
 
 
1.   Look to the sky: (More about growing conditions)
  • Take inventory of your property by making notes on the light conditions during morning, noon, and late afternoon. - Plants have sun exposure requirements
  • Examine what areas of the landscape will have full sun (southern exposure) and which are partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. 
  • Consider your window views; what part of the garden or landscape can you see from inside.
  • Decide if you need screening (trees and shrubs) for privacy.
  • Check for windy corners that would be very harsh for plantings.
 2.   Examine the land:  (More about Soil)
      
       Success will be based not on what you plant, but on what lies beneath your feet, the
       foundation.
3.   Choose your garden type:  (More about flowers)  
     
      Begin by surveying your property and visualizing the garden that you want. Always
      make sure you plant foundation plants like shrubs, ornamental grasses, trees, before
      you begin beds because they serve as a backdrop to your garden
.4.  Choose your plants:   (More about garden resources)
     
      Now it’s time to do some research. Either research the garden sites online, or visit  
      your local bookstore or library and take a look at some of the gardens and plants in
      order to get some idea of what’s out there, what you like, what you don’t like, what
      works for your property and what doesn’t

Learning about gardening can be an endless pursuit. You can spend a life time learning and still never know everything about gardening. You can learn as little or as much as you want. You can learn by searching the web, reading books, taking a class at a community college, or studying to become a certified master gardener. There is a wealth of gardening information; you just have to know where to dig it up. To avoid costly mistakes, think of a garden plan for your entire space, even if it may change later on. The more knowledge you obtain, the less mistakes you’ll make. Just remember, when it comes to gardening, trial and error are the best teachers. 

 
 
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See you at THE 2010 PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW, Saturday, March 6 at 4:00 pm where I'll be speaking:  "The Earth Speaks"   Come join me and learn how to climb higher  mountains. See nature in a way you've never seen before.

 
For more reporting from Joanne on the 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show: Click below:
 
2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show - Blooms from around the World
2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show - No Passport Required
 
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, Philadelphia Gardening Examiner

Joanne is a gardener by trade for 23 years. She's won Blue and Red Ribbon Awards in gardening competitions held by Philadelphia's Horticulture Society, has judged their City Gardens Contest, and also taught at the Philadelphia Flower Show. She is the author of "A Down to Earth Bible Study." www...

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