Written by Miss May 2014, Talya Boerner

Arkansas Women Bloggers’ May theme is Grow Your Garden. Perfect subject for me! Gardening is an important part of my day-to-day routine. Digging in the dirt makes me tick.

I grew up surrounded by the ultimate garden. Cotton fields. Acres and acres of fertile delta soil. Sometimes Daddy planted soybeans and wheat, but there was always a crop surrounding our house in every direction. And our yard was filled with trees—a plum tree heavy with fruit and cherry trees by the pump house provided lots of good summer picnicking. Momma’s pecan trees now tower over the house still providing fruit for holiday pies.

No, our farm wasn’t a garden in the strict definition of the word, but I grew up aware of life growing beyond our front porch.

I consider myself to be a learn-as-I-go gardener proving anyone can do it. Maybe I inherited a greenish thumb from Nana who seemed to be able to stick a root or seed in the soil and grow all kinds of flowers and vegetables. Or Uncle Rex who always had the most gorgeously landscaped yard in town.

Today as I yanked a pathetic looking collard green plant from my veggie garden, I thought about my gardening life and what I would share with you. Looking back, I realized I’ve come a long way from my early days of only planting flats of pink annuals in straight rows. I’ve put my share of sweat equity into our yard (and the yard before), and I’ve made plenty of mistakes. That’s okay. It’s all part of the gardening journey.

In no particular order, here are a few of my tips and tricks learned along the way…

1) Before planting trees and flower beds, get to know your property. Study the sunlight patterns, shade and drainage.

2) Good soil is essential. No skimping. Lowe’s Garden Centers (and others) sell test kits. Your local cooperative center provides testing as well. Once you determine your soil’s structure you can make amendments.

3) Keeping learning. Many local nurseries offer free classes. These are invaluable as they are geared toward your specific climate and location.

4) Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Mix herbs and veggies with flowers. Hang ferns from trees. Every sliver of dirt is a potential space for growing something. Add whimsey. Plant in uncommon, found containers.

5) Add color with shrubs and vines. Variegated and contrasting leaf color provide interest with a range of hues from pea green to deep purple.

6) Buy perennials after they have bloomed at end of season sales. They will bloom again next year for half the price.

7) Notice what thrives in your area. If you don’t see it blooming in your neighborhood or along the Arboretum sidewalks during summer, it probably won’t grow for you either.

8) Don’t ignore fences and walls—plant vertically to soften the landscape and enlarge your garden area.

9) Spend time with your plants. Photograph your garden, noticing change from day to day. This will help you understand what each plant needs to thrive.

10) Go organic. Period.

11) Don’t forget the magic ingredient—water. But don’t over water.

12) If a plant isn’t working, transplant it to a more suitable location or toss it into the compost pile where it can be useful. Life’s too short to babysit a wimpy plant.

That’s it for my down and dirty gardening tips, but before I go, take a look out your window and tell me what you see. Pine trees? The glorious Ozark Mountains? An expanse of bright clover, sunrise over a lazy river, a pasture? Maybe you live in a town or city with a view of houses or buildings. There are gardens tucked away there too.

You have to know where to look. But more importantly, you have to be able to see.