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Sep 17, 2022 8:19 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
If all goes as planned, I shall be moving into a new home reasonably soon. There is a nice size bed in the front of the house alongside the garage, and there is a fairly large fenced yard with nothing in it. I would like to turn the fenced yard especially into a wonderful, colourful, old fashioned garden with something happening year round. I am starting from a blank slate as it were, and I really want to do it right. I know absolutely nothing about designing a garden. I imagine I need to start with measuring it, and then trying to envision what should go into and where. I would love to have one o two ornamental trees---I particular love Japanese Maples for their colour and grace. The yard faces east, so it will receive the most light from morning until early afternoon. Once the sun starts to drop in the west in the afternoon, there will not be much in the way of direct sunlight.

So, how do I start? Are there some books you can recommend? Videos? I have admired so many beautiful gardens in my life, but I feel incompetent to create something really beautiful of my own. I want the garden to be an oasis of peace and privacy. I want to attract pollinators and birds. I would love to have a moving water feature, but I think that will have to wait until other things are done first. Where do I begin? Help!
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Sep 18, 2022 8:53 AM CST
Name: Amanda
KC metro area, Missouri (Zone 6a)
Bookworm Cat Lover Dog Lover Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Roses
Region: United States of America Zinnias Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
First, where are you located? That helps alot with what kind of recommendations people give. Smiling
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Sep 18, 2022 2:12 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
I am in hardiness zone 8a.
Last edited by Elysianne Sep 18, 2022 2:20 PM Icon for preview
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Sep 18, 2022 8:15 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
There is more to location than zone. There is also rainfall, terrain, elevation and soil to consider.
Here are some books you might like find useful. https://www.goodreads.com/book...
I love his tv programs.

This one is smaller and less expensive, and probably sufficient for your needs.
https://www.goodreads.com/book...
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
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Sep 18, 2022 8:21 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
^^^ Thank you, Serpent.
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Sep 18, 2022 9:44 PM CST
Name: Bea
PNW (Zone 8b)
Bulbs Native Plants and Wildflowers Spiders! Solar Power Hibiscus Hydrangeas
Peonies Hummingbirder Houseplants Hostas Keeps Horses Zinnias
@Elysiaane.. my best solution is check out other gardens in your new neighborhood. This would be the best time of year to tour your new neighborhood take pics of plants you like and See some fall color in trees and shrubs. Visit a few near by nurseries show a pic of your space you would like to plant and note sun full sun part or all day. Many will help you and give you a good start. Call ahead and ask for appt .

Visit public gardens in your area and you tube has some great gardeners with helpful advice in zone 8a.

See ……you tube gardens in zone 8a..
https://youtu.be/-3ZNi61C9VQ
Zone 8a. https://youtu.be/_LGgPkqgmos
Zone 8a… https://youtu.be/T0cdmSSsByw
I’m so busy... “I don’t know if I found a rope or lost a horse.”
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Sep 19, 2022 4:45 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
^^^ Good suggestions. Thank you!
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Sep 19, 2022 11:05 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
Yes, indeed! Looking at neighbours' gardens is a terrific idea.
Hang around their fences, look wistful and admiring, some of those gardeners will offer you seeds or cullings. Gardeners are absolute suckers for a recent convert.
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
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Sep 20, 2022 7:26 AM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
Serpent said: Yes, indeed! Looking at neighbours' gardens is a terrific idea.
Hang around their fences, look wistful and admiring, some of those gardeners will offer you seeds or cullings. Gardeners are absolute suckers for a recent convert.

Big Grin Will do. Thanks.
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Sep 21, 2022 4:42 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
Dedicated gardener.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
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Sep 21, 2022 6:13 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
Not bad! I see you're boning up. Next year, your yard should be spectacular! I hope you post pictures every two weeks.
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
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Sep 21, 2022 9:57 PM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
^^^ (LOL) I have not even started yet. The move is still at least 2-3 weeks ahead. The season is really over now, but hopefully I will be able to get some plans in order and start in late March to early April. I am nervous. I am not a hugely creative person, but I will try to do the best I can. Grin

I just found this tonight. This is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to find.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

And, here is another very helpful video for those like myself who are trying to plan our spaces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Last edited by Elysianne Sep 22, 2022 11:02 AM Icon for preview
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Sep 21, 2022 11:28 PM CST
Name: Bea
PNW (Zone 8b)
Bulbs Native Plants and Wildflowers Spiders! Solar Power Hibiscus Hydrangeas
Peonies Hummingbirder Houseplants Hostas Keeps Horses Zinnias
P.Allen smith… yes one of the best gardens. He has great videos. Now he's a real garden inspiration. I luv his garden…
I’m so busy... “I don’t know if I found a rope or lost a horse.”
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Sep 22, 2022 7:59 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
Isn't it amazing and heartening, how many knowledgeable people are out there, sharing?
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
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Sep 23, 2022 12:19 AM CST
Thread OP
(Zone 8a)
Japanese Maples Salvias Roses Irises Hummingbirder Foliage Fan
Ferns Dragonflies Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Bee Lover
^^^ Indeed....
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