Get the gardening knowledge you need

Gardening classes and certification programs can get you started in the right direction. Most state universities offer a two-part Master Gardener Certification program through their Extension Service office and many of these will be located in an area near you. Take advantage of these inexpensive educational opportunities to become familiar with pest management, weed control, plant identification, composting and more! Local botanical gardens and arboretums offer specialized classes that can help you increase your gardening savvy.

I recommend: The American Horticultural Society lists Master Gardener Programs across the United States and Canada. Just click on your state to find a program near you.  To find out about the courses offered at your local botanical garden, see this helpful list from The English Cottage Garden website: Botanical Gardens Around the USA

Join a garden club, association or horticultural society

There are hundreds of gardening clubs, horticultural societies and native plant organizations that can provide you with additional educational resources and help you make connections with other gardeners (and potential clients!) in your area.

I recommend: Again, the American Horticultural Society can point you in the right direction. Check out their Gardening Connections page for links to garden clubs across the country.  The Wildflower Center can link you in to the Native Plant Information Network, and incredible resource for plant-related organizations. Add "National Garden Association Member" to your business card by joining the highly respected National Garden Association.

Know your suppliers!

You'll need to know where to go to get plants and other gardening tools and equipment. A bonus: local garden stores, plant catalogs and mailorder nurseries can provide you with a wealth of additonal information.

I recommend: Spend time getting to know both the staff and the stock at  your local and regional garden centers or nurseries. The Lawn and Garden Yellow Pages can tell you where to go. There's an extensive list of mailorder sources at the Garden Bazaar.  Additional sites for buying seeds, bulbs and plants: White Flower Farm, Shady Hills Native Plant Nursery, Sunshine Farm and Gardens, Bloom River.  Need the dirt on where to buy mulch, manure, natural fertilizers and other soil amendments? Visit Planet Natural.

Get out there and garden!

The best way to learn is by doing, right? Use your own garden as both an experiment and an example. Practice growing different species and using different types of soil amendments. Take pictures of what works, and record what doesn't. Use photos of your beautiful designs in a portfolio to present to potential clients.

I recommend: For photographic inspiration, visit the Garden Web photo galleries.  Gardening magazines like Fine Gardening, Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens can provide new design and planting ideas.  If you don't have one going already, start a compost pile. How to Compost.org can tell you how.  Enter your garden in a local home garden show or walk. See the list of Flower and Home Garden Shows around the USA.  Don't forget to ask your local nursery about their new plants in stock!