mmers I think one of the main things I learned when I started gardening was to plant according to my zone. You might have little micro-climates in your garden where you can push the zone, but generally you're taking a chance with that. Those perennials you buy that are a couple of zones higher than yours can end up being very expensive annuals (I can say that with complete authority.....). And there are some plants that 'should' be ok for my garden but I've never had any success with them - something I learned after 2 or 3 attempts. I also have had to look at how much natural water we have - I live in a semi-arid climate and don't have a pond so those plants that need to be kept constantly moist are just nothing I'd buy. We have rain barrels but nothing is going to stay reliably moist in my garden.

One of the main pleasures for me IS finding out what has come up in the spring and I look at those areas where something didn't make it as a spot where I can try something new. And there's never a shortage of plants to try at the nurseries!

Ameyc2 - do you mean just the plain edge you posted? I love that look and just use an old garden edger to achieve it - it's sort of a half moon shaped thing. I personally am not crazy about any other kind of edging.

thedarlingsbecca I agree with see what is growing well in your town or neighborhood. Notice direction it is facing and in sun, shade or partial. Check with friends and family and trade or beg for plants when they are thinning them out. They will know conditions under which they thrived. Once your plants need dividing, give some to other people. My sis-in-law and daughter and I always transfer parts of favorite plants to one or more of our gardens when one of us moves. A few years later, the original owner receives pieces of her old favorites back and is delighted to add them to those at her current home. Also, don't try to be unique! If it isn't around you, forget it! Pay a little extra to buy from a real nursery/gardening place. Your plants will be far healthier.