New to Dave's Garden and Gardening alltogether!

Hello everyone. My name is Dana and I am from Leeville, LA. I am on a quest to learn how to grow my own herbs and spices, plus start with some simple and beautiful decorative flowers and/or plants. I also need to research what types of plants and flowers are safe for my rabbit to chew on as she loves to forage through the yard while I am out there. I listed myself in Zone 8b, but not sure about the "b" part. I have always wanted to know a little about gardening, plus nothing tastes better than a homecooked italian dinner with fresh basil and oregano. I hope to make new penpals, learn what I can grow here in Louisiana, how to keep it alive, and hopefully I can eventually be helpful to newcomers like me. If you have any articles or know of previous posts that will get me started in the right direction I would love to hear about it. If anyone else is out there in my zone, I would love to hear what you like to grow and what is not a good idea to grow out here. Sorry this is so long! I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Happy New Year!
Sincerely, Dana

ps. I was trying to post a picture as well, but I am not sure it is going to work!

Welcome Dana! I'm waving from south west Kentucky. I'm one of the few but passionate 'veggie folk' here at DG. You'll find a great group of gardeners from LA here. They can help you through some of the unique challenges that y'all in the Deep South face.

Just jump in and start asking questions...lots of friendly helpful people here.

Hi, Dana! I just saw your cute picture of your doggie in the Photo Forum. Enjoy DG!

Welcome Dana from another newbie! You're gonna love it here!

Welcome from northeastern Oregon. Sorry, my gardening tips won't help you much, but there are a few folks here from Louisiana and other similiar climates so I'm sure you will find help and answers. Happy gardening.

Welcome from Iowa. I'm sure you can find answers to all your questions here on the forums. Have fun and happy gardening.

Welcome Dana from another Iowan. So glad you could join us here in the garden.

Hi Dana, another Iowan here and another newcomer. Welcome!

Welcome, Dana... from the North Carolina Mountains!

As for previous stuff posted or good articles, you will see a box on the right column to Search the Forums. Just put in a key word and you will be amazed at what comes up.

I always have an herb garden but as I have become a more serious cook lately, I plan on probably 6-10 plants next year of each of the herbs I like to use.

Hi Dana and welcome from California. The folks here at Dave's Garden are so warm, freindly and helpful. It's a great place to learn!

I'll be trying to start herbs from seeds here in a few weeks. I've poked around the various forums and had anwsers to all my questions.

The plant data base is great for "shopping-around" and getting ideas for what to grow.

Good Luck and see ya 'round the garden.

dana - welcome from the state of new york. i'm sure you will have a wonderful time here with all of us.

Hi Dana.
I'm a two week old baby to
dave's family, and I want to
stay forever...Its the most
friendliest and giving place
I've ran across, and I'm really
old, I've been around..hahah
Happy New Year

welcome from michigan-ENJOY!

Welcome from Georgia!
Brenda