Flowers are proven to lift spirits in people. One beautiful and inspiring way to incorporate flowers into you everyday life is to plant a flower garden. Whether you're a beginner looking for a low maintenance garden, or an experienced "green thumb" searching for high maintenance garden, there are many types of flowers to choose from. When planting a flower garden, planning and research is the key to your success.

Sunlight and Soil - When starting to design your flower garden draw a map on the layout of where you wish your flowers to grow. You're first step is to assess the amount of sunlight in these spaces to ensure they will receive the proper sunlight to thrive. Your second step to assess your soil conditions - ideal gardening soil is the consistency of crumbly chocolate cake. This type of soil is moist enough but also drains well so it doesn't stay too wet and drowned your flowers. Adding Hummus to your soil will improve its quality. Hummus is composted manure or leaf mold, or a combination of the two.

Types of Flowers - Now that you know your sunlight and soil conditions, you're ready to start selecting flower choices. When deciding on flowers, the following questions will help your decision:

• Do your flowers need direct or indirect sunlight?
• Do your flowers grow out or up?
• Are your choices perennials or annuals?
• What is the appropriate amount of water needed each day?

Two of the more popular flowers are perennials and annuals. With a two-year life span, Perennials grow and bloom over the spring and summer and then die back every winter only to return in the spring for another blooming cycle. With a one-year life span, Annuals bloom in the summer and spring and die in the winter. Most perennials and roses require a full day of sunlight, 6-8 hours, so plant these flowers in the sunniest spot of your garden. A few good favorites in this species include: Hosta, Cranesbill, Bleeding Heart, and Foxgloves.

When planting flowers, careful planning to understand your sunshine and soil conditions will make your flower buying decision easy and fun! Now, go enjoy playing in the dirt and plant your flowers and your spirits will soar.