Hi Jane,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline with your request for advice about how to start a garden with flowering plants and perhaps a few trees.

Unfortunately Master Gardeners do not make site visits.  You may wish to contact your local garden club to see if club members could assist you.  You may also want to use social media for your town to advertise your need for gardening assistance.  Perhaps there are other volunteer organizations in your town, such as boy or girl scouts, whose volunteers would be willing to help you with your project.  You may also want to contact your local high school or community college.

Because you did not describe the unique features of your lot, I can provide you only with general information about plantings and trees.  Please feel free to contact the Infoline again with more specific information about your lot after reviewing the information provided.

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/04/annual-perennial-blooms-cut-flower-gardens-foam-flower-audio  You can either listen to the audio of this program or read the transcript.

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2024/10/24/how-do-i-plan-a-flower-garden/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/plan_now_for_a_beautiful_cutting_garden

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource006415_Rep9197.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource002024_Rep2999.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/01/can-you-help-me-figure-out-which-shrubs-plant-my-yard

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource002035_Rep3021.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-are-best-flowering-trees-small-yard

The condition of your soil is very important for the success of your garden.  I have included a information that discusses how to have your soil tested.

Here is the link for the UNH Soil Testing Services homepage, which has the address to send the sample to, as well as information on best practices for submitting a soil sample and other resources: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services

And here is the link to the submission form specific to home yards and garden: https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1041&context=advisory_council