I had my first garden when I bought my first house in 1995. My dad always gardened and I watched him. I like to try something new or different each year, sometimes I add a couple new perennials or try a new veggie. The aphids and slugs are super challenging. To a new gardener I'd say: be patient, compost, till, and in Baltimore, add lime! This year will be a challenge, I need to have back surgery—so not too much will be done, but next year look out! ■