Question
hi there. i live in new york city and just moved into my first apartment with a backyard garden. as you can imagine i am very excited. i am also a very beginner and have been doing my research but still have one very basic question.

of course, i'd like to have my blooms 3-season. however, i don't want to plant a clump here, and a clump there. i want to be able to intermix different plants, especially with those ephemeral spring blooms that aesthetically die out. how do i do this without overloading the planting area?  

Answer
Shana,
This is one of my FAQ answers to a beginners questions.If I don't answer something pertinent to your situation,just ask me further questions.Your planting zone is 5 or 6.The "neighbors neglected garden" can be replaced with a friends or relative or a friendly neighbor that offers you plants.

Well first you need a plan.Without a plan,you will be lost. Take your camera and get as many views as possible around the house and where you want the beds to be. Start slowly.If you rush it,you will be sorry you started.So roughly sketch out the area on paper,it doesn't have to be perfect,just a starting point.Work on one area at a time,whatever your priority is.I would also check with the neighbors that have the neglected garden to see if there are any salvageable plants or anything.I do that for a living and believe me,there are usually some plants that thrive without any care at all.They may be hard to identify until they bloom so you have to keep an eye out every season for color.Check for anything you can use,like statuary or border stones or shrubbery.They probably won't care if they aren't restoring it.Also here are some websites to look for plants that thrive in your zone,which is THE most important factor when planning a garden,so know your plant zone,which will be 10 or 11:Here are some great sources to look at on the web:White Flower Farm,Wayside Gardens, Shady Oaks Nursery,Walters Perennials(or Gardens),Jackson & Perkins,Khelm's Song Sparrow Perennial Farm,Van Bourgondien Bulbs,Van Dyck's Bulbs,Brent & Becky's Bulbs,Plants by Mail,Gardener's Supply Co.,Bluestone Perennials,Sheperds Seeds

All these companies offer free catalogs too and a lot of specials if you order online.
Good luck with your garden and remember to go at your own pace!