Did you just buy flowers in full bloom? Uh-oh...

It’s tempting to buy flowers and plants in full bloom when you’re planning your garden – but that’s a mistake... 

It’s better to choose plants with healthy foliage and some buds. You want them to peak at your house, not at the nursery or store. Here are some other common gardening mistakes:

• Too much variety: Taking home just one or two of a particular plant makes your garden look hodgepodge. Three to six of a species will look much more unified and professional.

• Root-bound: If there are roots coming out of the bottom of the container – skip it. Tangled roots suffocate the plant and deprive it of nutrients.

• Waiting to plant: If you just stuck the plants where you plan to plant them, still IN their pots – that’s a mistake. Either get them into the ground or keep them in a shady, damp spot until you can.

If you haven’t bought all your plantings yet – it’s a good idea to take photos of the spots you’ll be sprucing up ahead of time. Those will be a handy reference to share with a professional at the nursery.