Q: I am writing for advice on the fundamentals of gardening. I am about to purchase my first home in LaGrange and I hope to dedicate a substantial amount of time to my lawn and garden. I am hoping that you can direct me to some good books or Web sites to assist me in the basic “how-to’s” of making, starting and caring for a garden.

A: I am partial to “The Southern Living Garden Book” and Southern Living Garden Problem Solver . Both contain a wealth of good information on gardening in the South.

As far as Web sites, none is more helpful than that of The University of Georgia Extension Service. You’ll find there factsheets on home gardening, brochures on lawn care and many other publications that can help both the beginner and the expert. I also often go to the Extension Web sites of Auburn University, Clemson University and North Carolina.

Further, you have excellent resources nearby at Callaway Gardens (1-800-CALLAWAY) and Ferrell Gardens (706-884-8185). Both offer great opportunities for volunteer gardeners.