Hi Jody. It's exciting starting a new garden isn't it? Most of the plants I grow have to grow in full sun. Please look at my page and see if there is anything you would like. If you email me direct, perhaps we can work something out. Ask as many questions as you need to. There are lots of great gardeners here so you will get lots of good advice. Marg

Wow, sounds like you are in for an adventure. I will warn you and that is that you are in for MEGA AMOUNTS OF WORK so maybe focus on some of the beds this year and expand next year. When everything sprouts in your garden you will also be able to see what is extablished there and divide or discard and go from there. Send me a SASE and I will see what I can send you along. Email me and I will give you my address. Also I have some advise for you below

-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.

Hi JodyT,
Anisten gave you some wonderful advices and if you follow this, you will have a beautiful and safe garden. Next fall, I should have some seeds of lupins, holyhocks etc. If you want, I can send them to you. Just send me a PM and I will put your name on y fall list for seeds.

If you want seeds I still have a lot. Hosta, hollyhocks,echinecea pink, Astilbe, beebalm, columbine and more. Email me if your interested.

I have a bunch of seeds I can send you for a sase. Email me and I will send you my address. Are you wanting just perennials or do you want a few annuals to fill in the garden with colour this year?