Planting Spring Flowers

With Spring around the corner and looking out my dull boring back garden, I've decided that this year I'd like to plant some flowers and in pots, so my dog can't dig them out of the ground. The sad part though is that I'm a total novice and don't have a clue as to what I need and how soon I should have them planted by.

All I know is that I need the

and lots of patience. Other than that I'm clueless, so it will be an interesting project for me, once I learn what I need to learn. I'll take pics once I start.