Gardening takes patience and expect plenty of trial and error. It doesn't have to be magazine worthy, just pleasing to you. Take it one step at a time so you're not overwhelmed. Magazines and touring other gardens will help give you ideas on what might work in your garden. Scout out your local nursery or garden catalogues for plants that grow in your zone, attend local horticultural plant sales, ask a neighbour or friend what does well in their gardens, go to a Horticultural Society meeting and talk to other gardeners. Discover what plants you like, what you don't like. What grows well and what doesn't. Keep a gardening journal. A garden is a work in progress.