I tense with eager anticipation whenever I walk into my favorite nursery, or any nursery. I'm a kid in a toy store with free rein to buy anything I want! My gaze darts from plant to plant, looking for my old favorites and for new varieties.

Suddenly there before me I see a daring new color variety or species beckoning to me. My Holy Grail! My entire world shrinks to this one gem of a plant.

And then I start thinking:

What can I move in my garden so I can squeeze in this plant?

In my mind I shift established perennials to new spots and dig out marigolds I'm tired of. They're annuals! I can plant them again next year.

I smile with confidence knowing my new love will light up my garden like a prison spotlight.

But then guilt sets in.

It's a beautiful plant, but do I really need it? My marigolds bloom faithfully every year. The perennials are content in their plots of soil.

STEP 1: CREATE AN OASIS FOR BIRDS

Create a great focal point in front or backyard while providing a haven for birds. This is one of simplest and least expensive ways to fashion a great yard accent. An elegant birdbath can be placed in any corner of yard, ideally under a small to medium size tree. Select a matching bird feeder to hang from tree to complement birdbath. Plant a small patch of annuals or perennials around base of birdbath to complete design and voilà! It’s an instant focal point for your landscape and a gathering place for your favorite song birds - all in a matter of minutes.

STEP 2: GARDEN WITH YOUR KIDS

Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore -- turn it into a fun weekend event for you and your children. Planting a garden in spring is a great activity for your kids, and their excitement will grow along with garden they helped you plant. Add a garden plaque with your children’s names personally engraved to your herb garden and flower plantings. The plaques will identify children’s special garden plot and will give them a special sense of connection with garden. Garden plaques are inexpensive and come with attached stakes for quick installation in ground. They’re a beautiful and easy way to highlight your flowers or garden.

STEP 3: QUICK AND EASY CURB APPEAL