And let's not forget the delicious dividends that fruit trees and other food plants offer. Pleasant-smelling blossoms are especially appreciated in people's harried lives. Fragrant flowers near the patio or under the window can bring sweet dreams. Imagine friends and family at a barbecue, with rich smells from the garden swirling all around. These are just a few of the ways you can create a place to enjoy evenings and weekends and stimulate your senses.
Nurseries can help with plant choice and care.
Some have literature on plant varieties,light and water requirements, drought resistance, and climate zones. I did my first landscape plan with no more than a booklet from the town nursery, a gardening guidebook, a few sheets of paper, and my imagination. These days, excellent landscaping advice is just a click away, thanks to the Internet. A brief selection of useful sites includes Fine Gardening and Canadian Gardening , both with great design and accessory ideas. Don t forget Suite101's many gardening sites, including Garden Design , Container Gardening , Wildscaping , and many more.