Question
I have recently moved into my own home and am trying to decorate my deck with flowers.  I have periwinkles, moss rose and mexican heather.  I consider myself not to have a very green thumb but would like to learn how to keep my plants alive & beautiful.  I have some spots that get full sun and some hanging baskets that get only a little morning sun and shade the rest of the day

Answer
SOIL, LIGHT, WATER, AND TEMPERATURE, are the most important things to have success in growing plants.
First start with fresh bagged, potting soil. Buy the best. Try to find the kind that has fertilizer, and moisture control in it.
Now, look for "ANNUALS". They are plants that will bloom for the whole summer season, and die when the weather gets too cold.(perennials come back every year, but they only bloom for a short time.)
Some favorite annuals are, Petunias, Marigolds, Pansies, Impatiens, Wax Begonia, Snapdragon, Zinnia, and Pinks.
For low growing edging on your containers, Sweet Alyssum, Lobelias, and trailing verbena. For folage, try Dusty Miller, and Swedish Ivy, both are perennial.
Remember the plants will get bigger, so only buy a few. Take your time in the garden center carefully selecting your plants. Find the color and look that will please you when you are enjoying your deck. Then, read the lable on the plant. Look at the size and growing conditions. Ask questions ( an excellent way to learn gardening.) When you are ready to plant, arrange your new plants on top of the soil, to get an idea what they will look like. Then plant them, "gently firming them level with the soil, as you go." Water thoroughly. Try to water only the soil, not the plants. Keep them watered, by sticking you finger into the soil up to the middle knuckle. If the soil is dry that deep, then it is probably time to water thoroughly again. It is possible to over water as well as under water. It is important to keep a close eye on the soil condition.
There are endless sources of information in books, on the internet, on TV, and garden seminars. I am limited by space, or I would go on and on with information. But, remember, with gardening, as with cooking, you will get better at it, the more you do it. Even the "experts" have failures now, and then. But, we just keep trying.

bakerplanter