Question
We bought our house at the end of last summer and have spent the year so far updating the house itself.  I've been looking into landscaping for our house, as a project for next year.  I have no idea what plants will grow where I live.  I live in east TN, just west of Knoxville.  I grew up in the north, so I am unfamiliar with plants (annuals, perennials) and trees that will grow in clay soil.  In our front yard, we have a dogwood and a maple, along with a smaller bush that blooms with little white puff balls in the spring.  In the back yard, we have to young Japanese maples and a large blooming pear (I think that's what it's called).  Our yard is is also on a hill, with the backyard being the highest part of the hill.  We're looking for grass and trees for the backyard that will aid in water absorption.  For the front, I'm basically looking for something pretty.  I would love to have a combination of annuals and perennials, and maybe a few little bushes here and there.  Our house is a little ranch with no landscaping in front (other than the trees).  So basically, I have a fresh canvas to work with, I just don't know where to start.  Any advice would be great!

Answer
Hi Amanda,  Take pictures of your place and then go visit your local independent garden centers.  Visit several until you find one that you are comfortable with.  Most nurseries will help you plan your garden and they are your local experts on what will and will not perform in your area.  
Travel around your neighborhood and take pictures of plants you like.
Tell them about...wet areas, areas shaded by neighbors trees, erosion problems, etc.
Tell them how much you want to work in the garden, so they can design a garden as low maintenance as you like.  Jim