Do as I Say, Not as I Do

This was a favorite expression of my Mother's - and one that I like when it's coming from me.

Below are a few hints from my lessons learned. I am sure this list will continue to grow as I recall past experiences and continue to learn (the hard way).

1. Don't just buy what looks pretty in the garden center. Take a piece of paper and pen with you. Write down the name of the plant. Go home and research it. It will still be there when you go back.
2. If you buy a plant and learn that it can be "invasive", plant it in a pot - not the ground. Otherwise, one morning you will wake up and realize it has taken over your entire yard.
3. If someone offers to share their plants with you and then proceeds to pull out big clumps of them, graciously accept and then plant them in a pot. (see Hint # 2)
4. Don't be a pessimist. Plan for your plant or tree to get as big as stated on the product description that comes with it. Otherwise, you will spend the rest of your life pruning limbs from the sides and top of your house.
5. Just because the plants look great in the garden center, it does not mean that they will grow where you live or, even if it does, that it is the time of the year to plant them. Do not plant impatiens in Florida in September. Do not plant petunias in Florida in April. Do not plant lavender at any time - it's just too humid.
6. Reference local resources. Most newspapers publish an annual garden calendar and weekly gardening section. These will provide information that is specific to your location and will prevent you from planting petunias in April.
7. If a plant looks unhappy, first determine if it is getting enough water, is diseased or is infected with insects. If not, move it. It obviously needs something it is not getting.
8. Experiment with the unknown. You might be pleased. Otherwise, the plant will die and you will forget it was ever there. Or, you can always pull out big clumps and share with your neighbors.
9. If you want it to rain, water.
10. Try to tackle disease or insect problems early on - otherwise they will tackle you.
11. Things that attract birds (seed, water) also attract squirrels, raccoons and possums.
12. You will see snakes. Learn about them and make an agreement with them to stay out of your way in exchange for keeping their head attached to their body.
13. Unless you are in a hurry or have absolutely no friends, there are some plants you should never have to buy. In my area, these include: liriope, yarrow, sago palms, society garlic, African iris, Mexican petunia, salvia, Boston fern, elephant ears, Mexican bush sage.
14. If you have no idea where to start, take a walk or ride your bike around the neighborhood and take note of what grows well. If you see someone out working in their yard, ask them what they have planted. Most gardeners are proud and happy to share their knowledge - a maybe even a few plants. (See #3 - be appreciative but leery if they are too happy to share).
15. On the same note, if you plant something and it is "too happy", watch it for a year of two before you divide it spread it all over your yard.
16. If you do spread it all over your yard, you can always pull up big clumps and share with your friends.
17. Round-up is your friend. I wish I had bought stock. I could probably go organic if not for my addiction to Round-up.
18. Google is also your friend. The wealth of information that is available at your fingertips is priceless.
19. When you buy a plant, save the little plastic ID tag that comes with it. Date it. Throw it in a drawer. A year from now, when the plant is struggling or going berserk, you will want to know what it is so you can research appropriate needs or propagation techniques .
20. Share -whether it be fruits, vegetables, cut flowers or off-springs of what you have growing.
21. Take time to appreciate the fruits of your labor. It's not as easy as it sounds. Too often I take a walk and take mental note of just what needs to be done. Then I take a step back and look at what progress has been made and how beautiful it all is.