Is there a nearby house with a very nice garden? If so, I’d very nicely ask the residents to walk with you and see if they can identify things. Most gardeners are happy to talk plants.

The forum folks are also very helpful and skilled at identifying plants.

Local nurseries often have design consultants who’ll do this. I tried it once. I think I paid $150 with a $50 or $75 nursery credit (10 years ago). However the lady they sent misidentified several things and her advice and knowledge were limited. So try to get recommendations. Perhaps there’s a local garden club?

Very nice yard. I agree—lots of potential! Have fun dreaming and planning.

Congratulations on your new home! That azalea is gorgeous!

www,davesgarden.com is a fantastic online resource. Close to home, http://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners, is another great resource. AHS itself is a great resource, As a Georgia born girl I can say that most people that love plants will go out of their way to help you identify and learn to care for your new "babies". As for big box stores, most Home Depots go out of their way to hire (at least seasonally) at least one plant guru, don't discount them. On the other hand, the knowledge and friendship you will find at a local greenhouse is hard to beat.

If you have slope and drainage issues, just know re-grading can get pricey but you may have the option, or even need, to install French Drains. I won't say they are easy to do yourself but if you're willing to get dirty and very tired they are pretty simple.

Good luck and have FUN!

Hmmmmm......not at all sure about the above. In most states the Master Gardener program is intended only for community outreach, not for private garden usage, and they could have restrictions about using the MG title under those circumstances. And to be quite honest, many master gardeners don't know a boxwood from a Japanese holly!

Jeez, gardengal, thanks a lot! Such a ray of sunshine!

Jaime, I'm a master gardener and in my clinic we'd be happy to receive photos of your plants and help you ID them. We'd also send you information about how to care for them. We don't answer questions about landscape design, but do respond to questions about plant care, soil needs, etc. We're all volunteers with access to a lot of reliable information, and want nothing more than to help you be successful in your garden. Contact your local master gardener office where I suspect you'll be warmly welcomed.

P.S. Cute house!

Sorry, did not intend for my statement to disparage all MG's...some are very skilled and highly knowledgeable. But just as many are not. And I know quite a few of each type.

I grew up in Atlanta and now live in Milton. What part of Atlanta are you in? Also, which side of the house faces south?

Ok, you are right near me then. Take some pics of your yard and specific plants and go to Scottsdale farms or Twin Branch nursery. You can get great ideas of layout and such there.