I hope you find our input helpful to you. We were all newbies at one time! I would recommend the Basic Organic Manual as it is a tool you will use for years to come. Plants of the Metroplex is great for selecting plants you will enjoy in your garden and landscape in this area. My copies of both these books are dog-eared and I still refer to them often. Make notes for yourself in the margins! We are all here to help. The forum is full of knowledgeable, friendly folks who are more than willing to aid you in your new venture.
