Introduction Welcome to the Northeast! Whether you've lived here a few days, a few months, a few years, or your whole life, you're fortunate to be residing in one of the most exciting and dynamic regions of North America. Even better, if you've picked up this book, odds are you're planting a garden in the Northeast--and that is truly cause to celebrate. Yes, building a garden here (and anywhere) is a lot of work, but it's also one of the most rewarding endeavors you might undertake. More importantly, a little knowledge is key to building a garden, and this book seeks to arm you with that. First, we'll set the stage, with a little bit about the conditions we find ourselves gardening in here in the Northeast. From there, we'll survey a body of garden-worthy plants with which you can populate your northeastern landscape. (Hint: the possibilities are endless.) After that, the book will guide you through a bit of garden design, examining a group of gorgeous gardens in the Northeast through the scope of design elements and principles.

Finally, we'll cover some of the hands-on aspects of growing things here, and what to expect when you're ready to get out there and get your hands dirty. But wait--there's one more thing, and it may be more important than all the others. More than anything, these humble pages will seek to inspire you, not just in one chapter or section, but throughout the entire book. Why? Well, because gardening itself should be an inspiration. If your landscape is uninspired, it's time to change that. Let's get started.