New at this.. where to start?

Hi everyone,

I'm new to all this... I just bought my first home, and I want to spice up the yard a bit.. but I don't want to just add some random shrubs. Where can I start with making my lawn a little more special? I honestly have no idea.

I would suggest looking through magazines, a great place for ideas and information on what plants will survive/flourish in your climate zone. Also check around your neighborhood for what you find appealing, talk up neighbors, etc. Gardeners are very helpful to "newbies".

You might also see if any of your local nurseries offers design services--you could have them help you plan things out, then you can do the work yourself over time to save some money. That's often a great thing to do when you really have no idea where to start. You can post pics of your yard here and get some suggestions, but for a true blank slate having a designer help you out may be the best way to go. Design services at local nurseries often aren't super expensive, and you may be able to get some of the money back if you use them to execute some of the design or at least buy the plants from them if you decide to do things yourself. I definitely recommend doing as bugme suggested though and find some pics or examples of yards that you like, showing those to the designer will help them come up with a design that you'll be happy with.

You can also check out HGTV and bhg.com they have landscape plans and pics.

Hey again guys,

I decided I wanted to make a nice shaded picnic area for my family in the back yard... a nice pergola with maybe some ivy growing through the rafters for some nice shade. For those that don't know what I'm talking about, I mean this kind of thing: http://www.eyelevelliving.com/product-gallery/12

Is this feasible? Where do I start? Helllllllllllp

It's definitely doable--if you're an experienced DIY'er the cheapest way to do it would be build your own, but if you want a little more help you can buy kits. The kits will cost you more and you're limited to the size they decided to make the kit for, but all the pieces are already cut so all you have to do is anchor it in the ground and then put it together. If you do a Google search for Pergola Plans or Pergola kits you will get tons of hits. Or if you're really not a DIY'er, you can always pay someone to build it for you--that'll be the most expensive option but if you've never done a project like this it may be your best option.

You may be able to find a kit on sale....you have to shop around.

Hi Green! I too started out with bare land when starting a new homestead. I suggest introducing only a few things at a time as opposed to instant gratification. That way may save you money when something you plant doesn't make it. Choose plants,trees,flowers and shrubs that you like not what everyone else does because you are the one living with them. Put the pots of stuff in different parts of the yard untill you find that perfect spot to plant. Take your time and enjoy the outcome. I have come up with some pretty interesting things and deals just by being patient and exploring different places. Have fun and post your newest addition so we can get excited too.

Green,Garden Gate magazine,subscribe to it you wont regret it,you will love it.Every month there are multiple plans,plant photos and descriptions,you will need that.The mag is already punched for a 3 ring binder.Iam going to order the back issuse i dont have.Take your time ,learn,have fun is right. Tamara