Containers can be made of wood, clay, stone, or plastic, and there are options to fit most budgets. With some basic preparation of the underlying soil, you can put an open box right down on top and fill it with the soil of your choice. Or, you can use pots that can be moved from place to place. It is possible to grow even a complete vegetable garden in containers, O'Donal says. When you've figured out what's possible for your property, it's time to choose plants.
Annuals offer instant display, but last for only one season.
Perennials, roses, and trees are more expensive and take longer to reach their potential, but they provide more lasting results. Local nurseries are the best source for assuring that your choices have a good chance of survival. For example, the Beaudoins learned that they could grow certain roses only if they protected them carefully. Many plants are unlikely to live through a single Maine winter, warns O'Donal. Others can survive only in selected areas of the state.