IME planting garden plants in unimproved woodland soil may be a frustrating exercise. Your yard has a long edge, so planning the whole thing out now, but then executing it over several years in stages will end up giving you the most finished and cohesive look. I would think about design goals as Kevin suggested. Do you want to create a gentle transition between the woods and the yard? Do you want a bazzilion flowers? Do you want fall color or winter interest? Are you looking to reduce the "new" look of your yard? Or . . . ? If you put a single row or even a double row of perennials along the base of those tall trees, they will just disappear because of the height difference and it won't look too different. There are books on woodland design that you can peruse in a bookstore and may be able to borrow from the library, but in general, the edge of a woodland naturally goes from the tall tree layer to small trees and shrubs to perennials and lower growing plants. When I started in a similar situation, I started with planning and setting up a beds during my first year or two. I tested my soil, watched where the sun and shade are at different times of the year, checked out sources for organic matter to make the soil better for growing plants, and found inexpensive sources for plants. In my succeeding years I planted native plants (mostly rooted cuttings and seedlings) suited to the area in unimproved soil area and more finished beds were planted with garden plants. I ended up planting my woodland edge with large clumps of plants rather than straight beds. That gave me "windows" into the woods, but still allows the woods to step down more gradually than simply tall trees to grass. I planted largely for spring flowers and fall color. Possible sources for inexpensive or free plants: - Consider buying a shrub or two each year that can be used to start more from cuttings (this won't work with all plants, but there are some like willows or dogwood shrubs that root easily from cuttings) - Buy small starts of plants from your local conservation service, usually a state or county agency. For instance, in spring I can get from the NH state nursery seed-grown first-year or second-year woody plants for two or three dollars apiece. When planted in a prepared bed, they grow well. - You might be able to collect cuttings or small seedlings from shrubs in the surrounding woods that are local natives and so will grow well, and start your own. I don't want you give you specific plant names since our growing conditions are too different, but take the time to learn what grows well where you are without being invasive, and then plan where you want shrubs, small trees and perennials. - Are there plant exchanges in your area that might be a good sources for plants? (Around here new gardeners need not bring plants and may just take plants.) Possible sources of free or inexpensive materials to improve and add organic matter to your soil: - city compost - tree trimming services for woodchips - horse farm for manure Is there a nature center or university or arboretum that has displays of ornamental native plants in a woodland edge setting, or are there talks or courses you could attend? Are there garden clubs in your area where you can hear other local gardeners' experience? That will help you figure out what critters other than deer might be problems for your plants, and what plants will grow happily in the soil and sun/shade conditions you have. I realize that it may appear that I am raining on your parade, but having gardened on two properties that included open areas carved out of woodlands, I am hoping to prevent you from making some of my mistakes.(Also, since you mentioned ticks, get in the habit of checking yourself, and if you have them, your pets and kids, every time you come into the house from the yard and every evening before bed.)

I realize that we now have a conflict with the Raleigh swap. I just wanted to put it out there that while I can't change the date at this point, it isn't going to hurt my feelings if anyone decides that they would rather go to the other swap. Our swap was really only meant to be a small friendly gathering and I just thought I would see if anyone from here wanted to come since I occasionally do a little online socializing here. So.. if your interests have changed.. it's really no big deal. Maybe next time! :)

Dina, so much depends upon weather and water. Right now, the vitex shrub/trees are in full bloom and so fully blooming you can actually notice the fragrance..something of a cross between a mild lilac fragrance and a buddleia (butterfly bush). Most of the rudbeckia (gloriosa daisies) are in their first bloom and the perennial ageratum is just beginning to flower. There's a sage that blooms a periwinkle color that is just beginning. I have two varieties of indigofera blooming like crazy, one tall, one low. Most of the daylilies are done except for the named ones with the huge 6' across blooms. Black eyed susans are developing buds. Tobacco is blooming now as are the buddleias. Side of the road blue asters are pretty much done with the main blooming that is noticeable as you drive by. Hydrangeas all in bloom (though I don't have any due to deer). Obviously, the carpet roses (in their third bloom) and the shrub roses are in full bloom. Perennial geraniums bloomed heavily about three weeks ago and will continue sporadically. I have other blooming shrubs that I just can't remember the names (it's late and I'm tired). Now this is from NC about 3 miles from the SC border and, as I mentioned, weather temps and rain have a lot to do with what's blooming when.

It's pretty much all shrubs and perennials - no veggies or annuals! But lots of workhorses for your yard. Come and see us anyway!