Glorious gardens abound on Martha's Vineyard. As the brighter days and warmer weather of spring approach, make most of us yearn for a beautiful garden of our own. MVOL asked Liz Thompson and Kate DeVane for their input on starting a flower garden on Martha's Vineyard.

Starting your Vineyard Flower Garden
Liz Thompson recommends looking at your gardening space as a "page-less coloring book that you design". Gardening books, including those by Christopher Lloyd & Eliot Collman, or the Taylor's Guide gardening series, can be an excellent starting point for gardening newbies and serve as a reference for those with defined green thumbs.

Recommended Tools & Supplies
Having the proper tools around for your project is essential and here's a list of tools & supplies you might need to start that perfect Vineyard flower garden.

• Shovels
• Rakes
• Gloves
• Wheelbarrows

Remember that one reason for gardening is reconnecting with the earth & nature. Some local landscapers and garden designers support an organic approach, meaning they supply no power tools or chemicals. Consult with your landscaper or garden center on what's available to you.

What to Plant in Your Vineyard Flower Garden
Remember that your flower garden is a way of personal expression. Be sure to take your time while browsing through selections of plants & seeds as you might stumble upon something you'd never expect to. Some things to keep in mind when planning your garden are:

• Themes
• Colors
• Simple versus complex (how big, perennial versus annual, etc)

Deciding on what to plant can be difficult, so we asked Donaroma's landscape designer Kate DeVane what 5 plants work well in Vineyard Gardens, she suggests popular Vineyard perennials such as:

• Peonies
• Columbines
• Irises
• Poppies
• Bleeding Hearts

If working with these plants sparks additional interest then think about complementing your garden with flowering trees or shrubs which bloom during the early spring season. Hydrangeas, roses, black-eyed susans and trumpet vine are options for late blooming plants. Planting bulbs in the fall will provide you early season risers such as tulips or daffodils but ask the pros which bulbs they suggest as some bulb blooms are popular munchie items for wildlife on the Vineyard.

Ways to Complement Your New Vineyard Garden
The beauty of any garden is enhanced by the visit of wildlife, particularly birds. Martha's Vineyard is a haven for songbirds, both native and migratory, and certain flocks can remain loyal to your garden if properly supplied with food. Installing nest boxes within the vicinity of bird feeders is essential if you want to see the new batches of chickadees or goldfinches. Placing a suet holder is a sure way of getting the attention of Downy Woodpeckers or Nuthatches, but make sure it's tied down securely to avoid squirrels or a gang of crows from stealing it.

SBS on State Road in Vineyard Haven carries blue seal mixes seed varieties, ultra clean sunflower seeds and quality mixes by Lyric, along with suets and thistle seed. Also supplied are number of different feeders poles, hangers and hooks along with a unique supply of nest boxes and bird baths to decorate your garden and the surrounding area.

The best thing about your garden is enjoying it. Your efforts to plan and plant now will be rewarded throughout the growing season. Thanks to Liz Thompson and Kate DeVane for their contributions to this article. For more helpful tips, visit Liz at SBS in Vineyard Haven and Kate at Donaroma's in Edgartown.