One thing I learned as a young man is that the nature of our soil can change dramatically in a single year.  Take a good look at your soil before you buy new plants.  Feel of it, smell it.  If in doubt, have your county agent test a sample of it for you.

Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or waterlogged and whether your aspect is sheltered or windswept. You'll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.

Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores mostly cater for a wide range of tools, but there are shops that specialize in the more expensive kind of garden tool that shouts quality. Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to advise you.

Watching a real seed grow into a real tree is as wondrous as any thing kids can find in books or on television. Even kids that have watched a Johnny Appleseed movie will find the process intellectually exciting. However, the child must be brought in to participate in the entire process.

Involve them in your first thoughts on the matter. "I am wanting a tree that will produce fruit so that we can make our own jams and jellies. Now, we don't start by asking ourselves what kind of fruit we like best; the question we want to ask is WHICH KINDS OF FRUITS GROW BEST AND PRODUCE WELL IN OUR AREA.

Your flower garden must have an adequate supply of water, sunlight, and fertile soil. Any lack of these basic necessities will greatly affect the health of plants. Water the flower garden more frequently during dry spells.