I am afraid to get into my garden!

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mcmenthe (Zone 5b) Mar 18, 2008

When we bought our house in Nova Scotia (Zone 5a-b) there existed beautiful flowers etc. This will be the 3rd spring that nothing has been done and I am determined to save it before it is too late. I am also going to start a small vegetable garden. Is there an online resource for the complete novice, and one who's nervous as well?

This message was edited Mar 18, 2008 4:29 AM

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Mar 18, 2008

This is a good place to start. Everyone here will be more than willing to answer any questions you have. They'll be able to identify your plants and tell you how to take care of them...watering, site location, sun requirements, feeding. Just ask and we'll tell. They can help with all kinds of things. Browse through the site and start asking.

Kwanjin

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KaylyRed Watertown, WI(Zone 5a) Mar 19, 2008

I'm sure "inherited" gardens have their own challenges, especially for a new gardener. I wish you the best of luck whipping your garden into shape! As Kwanjin said, DG is a great resource. I've been here a short time and found tons of good information and very helpful and friendly people.

In your shoes, I would probably start out by trying to identify the plants you have. Take pictures. Make little sketches. As things start to grow and bloom and you can label the plant, make notes of what everything is and where it's located. Then look up the plants on PlantFinder and make notes about their requirements and, if you can find the information, any spring or fall clean-up they require. This will help you out a lot next spring.

Have fun! Don't think of it as scary; think of it as an adventure. :D

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JasperDale Long Beach, CA(Zone 10a) Mar 20, 2008

Kwanjin and KaylyRed are right. You may have some real treasures in your garden and just don't know it yet, so be very attentive to what blooms when, where it's located, etc., like they both said. Documenting on sketches is an excellent idea, and you could also label things.

DO post pictures if you're in doubt. Someone always comes along who knows what things are here, and that way you won't be kicking yourself for yanking out something that's really good or hard to find !

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mcmenthe (Zone 5b) Mar 22, 2008

I do know some of the plants because they bloomed last year though there are lots I can't remember. There is a weird looking tree, looks like pussy willow but on a short weeping willow like tree. Anyway the big thing is finding out what to do to give them a good start for this spring. Since I don't know what they are I am "scared" to do anything that might hurt them.

Thanks for your responses and I look forward to any more hints.

mcmenthe

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