First-Time Gardener

Every budding gardener can make a successful start with the practical advice and step-by-step instructions of this illustrated guide. Beginning with a look at the basic elements—soil, climate, aspect, and light—it then goes on to show novice gardeners how to plan a garden and select a style that's right for them. The next step is "hardscaping": essentials like boundaries, paths, patios, and seating. Then comes the fun part: the plants! Aspiring green thumbs will learn the secrets of good planting and get advice on how to combine plants according to shape, color, and texture, and how to create container displays for year-round color. Packed with color photos, this guide is complete with an extensive section on gardening techniques that takes readers step-by-step through planting, sowing, seeding, and pruning.