outdoors
PLAN FOR
SUCCESS
from Erie Liskey,
Deputy Editor
,;
Garden
and Outdoor Living
Don't just dream of gardens. Pu^plans to pa
your best yard and garden ever.
BY SUSAN APPLEGET HURST
Gardening 101
WHERE TO GET STARTED
■ Explore a treasure trove of garden inspiration and basic inform ation at
B H G .com /gard ening.
Also visit the National Gardening Association's
Web site at
garden.org.
■ Find your USDA hardiness zone at
BH G .com /zonefind er.
■ Get free expert advice fo ryo u r region through your county extension office.
Visit
csrees.usda.gov/Extension/m dex
to find the one nearest you.
CARING FOR PLANTS
■ Visit
B H G .co m /tre e ca re
for pointers on plantingand pruningtrees and shrubs.
■ The National Arbor Day site—
arborday.org—
is loaded with inform ation about
choosingandcaringfortrees,how togetfree trees,and lots more.
■ Learn all about springand summer bulbs at
bulb.com .
I set aside one
weekend in early
spring—before
plants have grown
much—to remove
leaves, plant debris,
weeds, and trash
from flowerbeds;
divide perennials;
clean up lawn edges;
and add new mulch.
If I can get these
things done early in
the year, then the
garden mostly takes
care of itself the rest
of the season.
5 6 JANUARY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
