Hello from Illinois!

Hi! My name is Nicole and I live in Mitchell, IL (right outside of St. Louis, MO). I'm not new to gardening (have dabbled in it since I was a kid) but am new to taking it more seriously, if that makes sense to anyone! :)
I've owned my home for nearly four years and the previous owners did no gardening/landscaping aside from planting lots of daffodils, which are blooming now. I've done a lot to the front flower beds but have done nothing to the back yard. I have a variety of plants/herbs in the front flower beds; several types of dianthus, lavender, thyme, perennial geraniums, roses, asters, phlox, just to name a few. I was very pleased that my rosemary survived the winter here for the first time! My husband is putting up a privacy fence within the next month, just the sides, we don't want to replace the back chain link at this time since there is only a field behind us and it would make our already small yard appear tiny! He has agreed to letting me plant a variety of tall flowering shrubs along the back fence, though. With one section of the existing chain link fence we are building a dog run along one side since the back yard is nearly a mud pit. I have two large dogs that do not stay outside, but have still managed to tear up the yard and I want my yard back! :) So I have lots of ideas/plans running through my mind for the back yard. I tend to lean towards flowering shrubs/vines/plants that attract hummingbirds and/or butterflies. My hubby is building a compost bin for us as well this season, so I am looking forward to the changes we're making around the yard this year! I also grow some culinary herbs and he grows tomatoes & peppers for canning (especially salsa!) Anyway, I hope you don't mind my babble but I don't know any other locals who enjoy gardening. This website has been amazing so far!

Thanks,

Nicole

let me be the first to welcome you to daves garden. i live in upstate new york. this is a great place with great, friendly and helpful people. make sure you check out all the forums.

Welcome to Dave's Garden!!

Hi and Welcome! Sounds like a lot of work,( or should I say fun) - ahead. When I moved in my house 6 years ago, I planted alot of flowering shrubs and plants for a border. I can't believe how big they got now. What a joy it is seeing the butterflies and birds !! Happy Gardening !!!

Hello Nicole...Love your DG name ...LOL