Start, O'Donal advises, by making a diagram of your house, including north-south orientation and existing plants. Make note of the light and shade patterns at different times of day. This diagram will allow nursery staff to analyze the available light on different parts of your property. Shopping for shade plants takes a bit more research, but the experts are there to help. Next, determine what kind of soil you have.
Most plants prefer a relatively rich, loamy soil.
If you're not sure what kind of soil you have, take a cup of it to the nursery with you. New construction tends to leave very sandy and rocky ground close to the house. Knowing this, the Beaudoins started their vegetable garden in the far corner of their property. Instead, they have built up the soil with organic additions each year. In the fall, they till in organic matter from the garden itself.