A GARDEN TO SUIT YOUR SITE
A close look at the myriad garden styles and habitats, with advice on how to determine which plants and styles are best suited to your yard's conditions.

THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Advice for choosing a style, timing the display, setting the mood, providing interest in the off season, and putting a plan on paper. We've included a sample plan for a long-season mixed border, as well as illustrated how-tos for preparing a new bed and a list of fragrant plants for near the house.

DESIGNING WITH FLOWERS
Here you'll find important lessons in working with color to create harmony or contrast, plus lists of long-blooming, hot-colored, and cool-colored perennials to try.

DESIGNING WITH FOLIAGE
Learn how to use the form, texture, and color of foliage to lend year-round interest to your garden and get illustrated, step-by-step instructions for dividing an ornamental grass.

CARING FOR YOUR PERENNIALS
Essential information on planting, fertilizing, weed control, mulching, and staking. Plus, illustrated how-tos for planting a peony at the proper depth.

RESOURCES
Recommended sources for perennials, ornamental grasses, and seeds by mail.