I want to create a garden oasis around my property but do not know how

i recommend buying only perennials. Determine if you need shad plants or sun plants. These come back every year.

Hey Laurie -- find a good greenhouse/nursery in your area -- not!! a 'big box' store .. .someone who raises plants that are going to do well in your area; the local Agricultural Agency in your county can also help you with soil sample tests ... don't ever 'fertilize' until you know what the ground/soil needs ... more harm is done by adding chemicals to the soil than doing nothing at all. Ag Agencies also frequently have a 'Master Gardner' program where the members are usually more than willing to help you plan a successful landscape plan and appropriate plants for your grow zone. My mother always said that "Green Thumbs have to be cultivated, just like the garden itself."

not sure where you live so would hate to suggest plants that do not thrive in your area but here are some things to keep in mind...1- make sure you have irrigation so your hardwork planting is not down the drain 2- choose flowers that will bloom at different times so all throughout the year you have color 3- my favorite trick is to drive around my neighborhood and see what is thriving and blooming, then I know I have a better chance of success with my plantings if they are already thriving down the street!

Great suggestions thank you! I live in Nova Scotia, Canada

You have a pretty natural environment. I like to grow herbs, they're easy , love sunshine and you can cook with them. I would choose three easy ones like, Oregano, thyme and Lemon balm. Then maybe mix in with some native perennials experiment with caring for them the first year and then add more later. Starting small especially if you're new and remember the key to a great garden begins with the soil.

https://www.gardenupgreen.com/product/startle-garden

You can find a lot of inspiration and advice in the channel "Garden Answer" on Youtube.

Hey Laurie. I have found, that planting under a tree can be tricky. Might that be moss I see on your tree? If you have pine trees, the pine needles, as well as inadequate lighting my be your problem. I would suggest container gardening under your front yard tree. You would have more control of your soil that way.

Also, maybe you could add a few colourful garden sculptures. You have a beautiful yard.....and a beautiful Province.

Hi Laurie, I also suggest you talk with staff at local green houses to get advise on what plants to select.

I love the landscaping you have in your front yard! Perhaps your flower choices were not the best for your under tree area? Or perhaps the soil needs some compost added.

I do want to recommend that you pull those iron wheels off of your tree periodically so the tree won't grow around the wheel. You don't have remove them, just pull them away a bit and maybe shift the position slightly. We have trees growing next to or even through the fences, that's not good for the trees.

Good luck!