My name is Jody.

I have recently purchased my first home which has a massive yard with very
little in it....tabula rasa! Which is exciting if you know what you are doing
which I am not sure that I do. I am embarking on a perennial gardening
adventure.But, I don't have many seeds or anything to exchange with you all just
yet. But, I do have a desire to learn and share. I also have many questions
about perennial gardening.

I live in northern BC, Canada in a zone 4b. I am looking for seeds that fit my
zone. I love any kind of lily, iris, climbing/ trailing plants and anything
fragrant. I am also looking for bushes, shrubs and trees. I have full sun spots,
partial sun spots, shade spots, woodland areas and a massive rock garden that
needs cleaning and replanting. My partner and I are making raised vegetable garden beds,
flower beds, and three arbors are being put up next week. So, if you are at all
interested in helping out, making suggestions or sending me seeds of some of
your favorites to try I am ready and willing. I, of course, will compensate your
with postage or packaging and will learn to collect seeds to exchange in the
coming years.

Can you come out and garden with me?

Thanks,

Jody

-FEED THE SOIL NOT THE PLANTS. Organic measures do this and you end up with less problems as time goes on. By feeding the soil with Organic means(compost) and staying away from chemical fertilizers, Gods design is best @ work and you get the best results.

-The best and cheapest way to fill in or improve the soil in a garden bed is with compost. I buy in bulk from the local recycling center. If you buy soil or compost in bags it will break the bank and you will get very little for your investment.

-Look for a plant swap in your area that way you will get some established plants as the seeds will take longer to set up.

-Also ask around and you will find that anybody who has a garden will probably give you divisions.

-Don't be afraid to also walk around your neighborhood and admire others gardens and ask for their gardening advise. This will not only give you knowledge but gardeners love to share. What grows for them is likely to grow for you also.

-For vegetable gardening read the book or look here on the forums for "Square foot gardening" it will save you work and see you don't give up by the end of the season.

-If you are patient by the end of June/July in your area the garden centers are clearing out their items and you can get great deals @ the time, sometimes as high as 75% off.

-For next year look into Winter Sowing on the forums here it is addictive and hugely rewarding as the seedling are very hardy and very easy to start and grow.

Have fun but remember to break things down into workable chunks. A garden is always a continual working tapestry.