Question
Good evening,     My husband and I recently bought our house and it has an area that is secluded with a fish pond.  I want to clean up the pond and use it again while turning the remainder of the area into an english garden type setting.  I live in the south-east part of Virginia.  The area has bouth light and shade.  Right now there are decorative rocks covering the ground, but I want it to be a more relaxing (escape) for me.  Can you give me advice on an easy to care for ground covering that I can walk on and some nice plants (I have my heart already set on some lavendar) I can include.    Thank you for you help  Crystal

Answer
Crystal,
I think looking at photos of actual gardens that you want to create is easier by actually seeing them.Go to www.google.com and type in "English garden design".You will get many photos and plants touse.Also go to your public library to get books on English gardens. That is how I started! Also a tip: Plan carefully,work at your own pace and have fun!