How do I plant a garden that looks professional without professional help?

A: Visit your local garden center and take advantage of their resources and customer service. Before you go, consider your answers to these questions:

• What do you want your garden to do for you or the environment?
• Are you interested in curb appeal/increased property value, energy conservation, cut flowers, entertaining, cooking, or planting for pollinators and songbirds?
• How much time do you want to spend in the garden each week and each season?
• What type of planting style do you prefer?
• Do you like cottage, contemporary, wild, or manicured gardens?

Generally speaking, I’d recommend starting with a small area, planting in multiples, choosing a color palette, varying bloom time, bloom size, and bloom shape, mixing perennials, trees, and shrubs, including evergreens, and leaving pockets for annuals and herbs.