It seems like it was only yesterday when I was complaining about winter “hanging on” and holding spring at bay with a late season freeze. However, spring has prevailed, and this may be the loveliest spring I’ve ever seen. Flowers of every kind can be found at Walmart, Home Depot, and (my favorite place in Pell City) Hazelwood Nursery.

This is only my third year of growing flowers, so I’m far from an expert. If you’re a veteran or master gardener, you’ll enjoy reading this for the humor factor. However, if you’ve never tried growing flowers before, you’ll benefit from some things I learned (mostly the hard way).

• Start small. There must be a reason I thought it a good idea to buy six knockout roses, six Drift roses, two hydrangeas, and a few other plants all at the same time. But for the life of me, I can’t imagine what it could be! Remember you’ll need to dig a hole in our Alabama soil in order to put those plants in the ground. So, start with a few at a time.
• Landscaping fabric. Yes or No? Well, both. A friend had put a few plants in for me a couple years ago, and she used landscaping fabric. When I needed to move those plants, it was a nightmare. So, I swore off landscaping fabric. Wrong decision. Mulch can only do so much, and I have the weeds to prove it. Conclusion: Landscaping is good for some plants and/or areas, but not for all.
• Watch the sales. Why would you pay full price if you don’t need to? Walmart and Home Depot both have discounts on gardening items (including plants), and they vary from week to week. Keep an eye on the sales. If you’re in the military or a veteran, Home Depot will also give you a 10% discount.
• Plant share. Neighbors and friends who garden will probably be delighted to share cuttings or seeds with you. If they have a plant you love, ask them to show you how to propagate one of your own.
• Have a plan. All plants don’t thrive in the same conditions, and none of them grow well in our clay soil. So, plan on amending the soil with peat moss, compost, garden soil, etc. All those things are available at the places I mentioned. Some plants need full sun, others can handle partial shade. That takes me to my last tip.
• Ask questions. Your best sources for answers are Hazelwood Nursery (205-338-3952) the St. Clair County Extension Office (205-338-9416), and other gardeners. I’m lucky enough to live next door to a “Master Gardener,” and she’s always willing to give me some advice.

If it’s your first year or two of gardening, I hope you’ve learned something. If you haven’t tried growing flowers or if you’ve tried without success, I hope you’ll pick up a few plants and give it a try. If some plants die (and they will), don’t despair. Plant another in its place and let the joy of gardening make your heart sing.