How do I start a garden?

You can plant in the spring but may have less bloom the first year. Look to buy bulbs that will continue to produce for many years to come needing only to be thinned every few years. Also for the bed choose any design you want, tall plants in the back is standard but it's not set in stone. I've learned that no plant is home until it's been transplanted at least three times, do this only during dormancy months, or you risk loosing the plant. The main thing is have fun with it, choose plants that you like and will grow in your region and area of yard. Take a look at your soil, till or dig it up to about 2 ft deep of loose good garden soil, amend it if necessary adding lime, garden soil, fertilizer, and don't forget to give it a good bed of mulch which will work to protect the plants and keep them cool and damp during the hot weather. Check your yahoo weather and go into the gardening area, it will give you a good deal of information on what to do and when to do it. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your first garden. Most of us amateur yard gardeners will agree, once you do a garden, you will always have one and it will continue to increasing in size and in it's beauty, enjoyed by all, for many years to come!