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Spring is just around the corner, and I can't wait. Years ago I planted a huge vegetable garden. It was so therapeutic to work in the dirt. Growing up on a farm the garden was like my own little farm. I grew tomatoes, beans, strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, potatoes, etc. It was so good to work out there and then take what the earth, God, and I had produced to the kitchen to put it away for the winter. Back then I had 2 growing sons and the food came in handy.
Today the boys have grownup, and I have no need of the vegetables. Today I grow flowers. Working in the soil is just as therapeutic with flowers as it is with vegetables. As soon as the frost and cold nights are over, I will be out moving dirt.
One needs to plant a variety of flowers in order to have color all summer. The best buys are perennials, since they come back every year. They are more expensive in the beginning, but over time they pay off.
If you are just starting out, I would recommend that you take half of what you can afford to spend and by perennial, then use the rest of annuals. That way you can have a greater variety. Next year then do the same and over time you will end up with more perennials and less expense. Annuals are always necessary, because they can add much color to your garden.
Don't just use plants in your garden. Put walk ways, fountain, bird baths, and bird feeders. They will add depth to the garden.
One of my favorite flowers is really a bush, butterfly bushes. They bloom most of the summer and attract beautiful butterflies. They come in at least 4 colors.
Last year I lost my largest garden to a terrible storm, so this spring I will be building a new garden. As one works tips are learned. I hope that the garden I build this spring will be even more breath taking than the one that was destroyed. One thing I know for sure it will be just as therapeutic.

Learn more about this author, Alice True.
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