Under a weak sun, Johnny jump-ups still hit the eyes with brilliant purples and yellows.  In the distance, a potted, white geranium gleams atop a table.  Although the skies are far from clear, the plants in this downtown Savannah garden reflect a perfect picture of springtime.  

"A garden one person loves, another person may not like," says Pat Ryan, member of the "North of Gaston Street" club, also known as N.O.G.S.  "Some like a lot of flowers and color, while other people may only like to see different shades of green," continues Ryan.  In mid-April, Ryan and other members of the "North of Gaston Street" club will give garden tours of a few private homes in downtown Savannah.   

"These are petunias and they actually like some shade," reveals Ryan at a home on Gordon Street.  As a hobby gardener, Ryan believes part of a home's appeal is outside of the home's walls.  Spring is the time to plant annuals or plant types that typically germinate, flower, and die in the same year.

"Keep an eye on when the home stores get in fresh plants," says Ryan.  Home stores are sometimes willing to tell customers who call and ask when a new shipment of plants will arrive, indicates Ryan.  "One day I saw salad plate-size daises at the store," recalls Ryan.  "The next day they were all gone."

General purpose fertilizer either in a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 chemical composition of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium can nourish young and existing plants alike.  Correct application of the fertilizer is necessary.  Plants can actually die if fertilizer is applied incorrectly.  "The drip line is where you want to put down the fertilizer," indicates Ryan. Experts describe the drip line as the imaginary ring on the ground under the outermost edge of the plant's leaves. 

For plants to look neat and tidy, pull off the wilted, "spent buds," as gardeners call them.  Also, make sure pine needles or bark chips in the garden beds are only a couple inches deep.  "Too thick looks messy, but the right amount of covering actually nourishes the plants as it breaks down," continues Ryan.   
 
The N.O.G.S. home garden tours will happen in downtown Savannah, Friday, April 18, 2008 and Saturday, the 19th.  N.O.G.S. club members label plant throughout the gardens included on the tour.  Ryan suggests carrying a note pad and pen to write down the names of the plants as a shopping list for later.

Click here to watch the television segment, "Designing with Jessica."