"Dave Hill" wrote
I would get out and walk your neighbourhood looking at other peoples
gardens to see what is growing well, also your local parks, where you
can see trees and shrubs in a more mature state.
Your local library is a good place to brows gardening books to get
ideas for design and plants, and when you come across a book you don't
want to hand back then is the time to buy it.
After this preperation then visit one or two of your local Nurseries,
you will generaly get better help and advise than at B&Q or many
garden centres.

Welcome back Dave.

I'll add another vote re the library. They're an excellent resource for
books (and sometimes videos or dvds) on all aspects of gardening and
garden planning, which would otherwise cost a fortune to buy. If you're
not already a member, find out about separate shelf locations, as the
Dewey numbering system, if they use that, can separate garden planning
from the books about plants and growing, and there are also some really
good 'oversize' ones that might be kept on other shelves as well.

Also don't rush anything, because you'll probably change your mind
several times before you know what you really want!

A good way to have an enjoyable day out once the season gets going, plus
get information, ideas and sometimes bargain plants at the same time, is
to look out for local garden open days. The owners are often very
knowledgeable and pleased to be asked about their star plants.

Lastly, good luck and keep reading the ng because as I've found out
you'll get some great tips and info here too!

--
Sue