In The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers, authors Sean and Allison McManus of SpokenGarden.com show new plant growers how to create and care for beautiful outdoor spaces. Before running to the hardware store for bags of mulch and tools you don't need, let Sean and Allison arm you with the know-how to plant and tend your yard correctly and effectively. Topics Covered include: Selecting and planting the best flowers, trees, and shrubs for your growing conditions, Advice for reducing weeding, watering, and other tasks, Tips for planning the design and layout of your outdoor space, Pruning dos and don'ts for common shrubs, Earth-friendly, all-natural methods for tending to plants and flowers, Techniques for planting different types of plants, Insider tips on everything from the difference between annuals and perennials to choosing the best pest-management strategies Whether you've just purchased your first home and need to know how to care for the existing plantings, or you're starting new flower or shrub beds from scratch, you'll find clear, useful information to put you on the road to success.