There is a great and deserving interest in container gardening. Perhaps its because of the diversity it offers and the knowledge of the age-old adage that says, the best presents come in small packages!

Container Gardens can be enjoyed in a range of spaces from a small balcony, to a larger porch, deck, pool, window boxes and perennial beds.

Used alone or in a group setting, container gardens will add charm and interest.

Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™

Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.

Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum

Warm and welcoming, fences surrounding the property tie the home and garden together making the area from the front door to the fence an extension of the ground floor. The fence, acting as a barrier between your home and the hustle and bustle of daily life, provides you with privacy and protection.  Adding a gate allows the visitor an opportunity to pause and admire the garden as they open the garden gate for their passage through.

Bring your personality to the garden with a gate to match your style.  Stock fences are available, but consider a custom gate to reflect your love of gardening.

Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™

Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.

Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum

How many benches do you have in your garden? One, two, three?

A bench can be placed anywhere a respite might be welcomed. With the right consideration, seating in the garden can serve as a focal point, as well as, a place to sit and admire the view.

Siting a bench at the entrance of the home is a welcoming touch. It becomes a focal point from the curb, a handy place to gather goods before entering the home, and of course, a place to sit a spell, either coming or going.

A well placed bench serves multiple purposes making it the perfect accent to the garden, even if, as a busy gardener, you never have time to sit.

Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™

Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.

Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum

The view of the garden from Elizabeth Lawrence's desk

Tap, tap, tap, ahhhhh…  Imagine if this was your view as you tapped away on your typewriter from your home office; it would be difficult not to stop and admire the view.  This slice of Miss. Lawrence’s urban garden in Charlotte, NC, represents a part of her view from her home office.

Miss. Lawrence’s garden was designed with plants to flower or provide interest year ‘round.  Designed with cutting edge plants (at the time!), a reflecting pond, paths, and a cinder block wall, Miss. Lawrence corralled all her garden loves and interest with a view so she never missed a moment as she went about her daily writings.

When planning your garden, consider the view from the inside.  The view out the windows in areas you spend the most time are prime opportunities to add garden interest.

Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™

Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.

Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum