If you want to garden, then limited amount of space available, should not alter your decision in any way. Even a 9 ft by 9 ft section can host a botanical delight where a tree, a few bonsais, a clump of variegated crotons, all comfortably share growing splendor with tiny beds of herbs and seasonal flowers. Just the desire to garden is a winning proposition and the ensuing tips can get you well on your way.

Tip 1 - Draw up a ground plan of the area. Pencil in grassy spots and paths. Then mark the tree/trees you can accommodate and reserve its base for a few, shade-loving flowers. Place taller, flowering shrubs at intervals but do not crowd the area. Vary the height and texture of plants and try positioning beds whose flowers complement the next in color. Then keep in mind the slope of the land and the water points. Even if you want to plant ornamental and delicate plants, remember that there is no substitute for the native varieties. These are more hardy and suited to local conditions.

Tip 2 - The walkways should be slightly away from the beds as these are convenient and ensure that the soil does not get compressed. Manure and compost are as vital as water and sunlight for plants. If you have space next to your kitchen, then a compost pit placed there will take table leftovers, vegetable cuttings and skins, waste organic matter as well as fallen leaves and grass mowing. These should be layered if possible and covered with a plastic sheet to induce heat and nitrogen that will kill off unwanted bacteria. Use this mixture for top layers of potted plants, flower and plant beds as well as for vegetables that you might want to grow.

Tip 3 - Oxygen-rich soil goes a long way in rewarding healthy garden produce. Toss up the soil lightly, do not dig and rake up the entire surface or mix and stir like a baker or chef does! The aim of this exercise is to infuse air into the roots. Too much tossing only destroys the fine balance of naturally, different- sized, soil particles that are beneficial. Simple garden forks that will gently do the job best replace implements like rototillers. Also, the beds should have a loose top layer that is not very water-drenched. Compressed and wet soil will not allow air ventilation. Remember, air has to reach the roots.

Tip 4 - Another must is mulch. This mixture keeps soil-related disease and other insects at bay, snuffs out weeds, reduces surface evaporation hence keeping the soil moist for a longer time, and also decomposes into rich nutrients.

Tip 5 - Just watering your garden arbitrarily will not do. Firstly, try and water at one go rather than often so that the deeper layers of soil get wet and roots can grow there. Then, a quick light sprinkle on the foliage is all that is required but aim for the roots.

Tip 6 - Lastly, rare moments can be spent in your garden bonding and caring for sick plants or enjoying the fruits of your efforts in new buds or vegetables that greet you on your stroll there.

If you like Vegetables....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also See:

Allergy Free Garden Design, Choosing Color Combo,Desinging with Seasonal Flowers, Design an English Garden, Garden Design Project, Gardening in Small Spaces, Complete Garden Makeover, Napa Garden Design, Favorite Plants for Landscaping, Perk Up a Flower Bed, Natural Garden Design, Using Pathways in a Garden, Design a White Wonder Gardens, Your Own Outdoor Coffee House, Designing to reduce noise, Designer Lanscape ideas, Do it Yourself Lanscape Design, Garden Design Foundations, Keeping Your Garden Size in Check, Gardening With Little Space, Outside the Box Landscape Design, Side Yard Design Ideas, Stone Patio Design, Theme Gardening, Trends in Landscape Design, What to Plant on a Slope, Winning Landscape Design