Garden for the joys in it.

In your landscape, whether youre starting a new garden or altering the design of an established one, check out what grows well where you live. For example, in western North Carolina, indigenous trees are redbuds and dogwoods.

Shrubs that thrive include azaleas and hydrangeas. Some of the flowering plants that love the area are: black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower, orange daylilies, yellow tickseed, and multi-colored sweet William. Bulbs and tubers include daffodils and irises. Broccoli, tomatoes, and watermelon help make up the vegetable patch.

Take walks and drive around. Peer into other gardens maybe, take a few photographs to help you identify whats growing, blooming, and setting fruit. Go to farmers markets. See what produce theyre selling. Sometimes, there you can even score seedlings or cuttings.

Look at plans for other gardens. Analyze what you like and dont like. Do you like shrubs growing close to the house or do you prefer a feeling of expansiveness? Perhaps, you love gentle curves and abhor straight lines. There are many types of gardens: formal and informal, rock, xeriscape (conserving water), woodland, cottage, vegetable…. Figure out the effect you want before you start planting.

Then, watch where the sun shines and doesnt. Track its path during a day, during a season. Too, watch where water runs in a rainstorm. Do you need to remedy any drainage problems? Another element to pay attention to is wind. Some plants such as gardenias and dill weed are sensitive. For wind protection and, sometimes, for nosy neighbors, you may want to add screening.

Of course, test your soil. Usually, that service is free at the county agriculture extension service. When you get the results, improve the soil as needed. Often, that simply means compost (what you dig in) or mulch (what you put on top).

At this point, you may feel you need help. There are many books at the library, knowledgeable people at nurseries, classes at the community college, master gardeners at the extension office. Of course, other gardeners are great resources for information and, sometimes, free plants.

Now plot variety in heights, foliages, and blossom colors. If buying perennials, buy one of each. Watch what grows this year and what comes back next spring. Then, buy more of what does well. Whatever you choose (annual, perennial, or vegetable), make sure it will grow in your hardiness zone. Then, follow directions: how much sun, how much water, how far apart….

If gardening with poor soil or hungry critters, think raised beds or containers with drought-tolerant plants. Lots of herbs, lettuces, tomatoes, and peppers can be grown in containers. Youll enjoy the feeling of satisfaction, even luxury, when harvesting and eating your own herbs or produce.

Add paths for easy maintenance. One thing is for sure: the weeds will grow and youll want to be able to remove them without stomping your other plants. Maybe you want a focal point such as an arbor, inviting guests to walk through it and into your garden. Add a table and chairs for al fresco dining, chaises for relaxing, perhaps, a bench in a secret spot. Too, add the unexpected a scented flower, a water feature, or a sculpture. Make your outdoor space enjoyable!

Editors Note: Many of Mara and Ford Smiths flower photos can be seen on their website, www.livesimplywithstyle.com, and at Kathleens Gallery and The Book Shelf.