Rules for my green thumb.

For years now I've gardened with certain 'rules' in mind:-

I never plant double versions of anything because they don't produce 'food' for bees and other insects.

Everything I plant has to have at least two attributesI want besides beauty, a good rule for a small garden, I've found.  One attribute is that it has to feed something besides my soul, insects, seeds or hips for the birds or preferably both. For example, if I plant a climber it has to climb (obviously), it is often scented (honeysuckle and certain clematis) and if it produces berries so much the better. Roses must be scented and have good hips:-) Ivy will often grow where nothing else will and in time will produce flowers for insects, berries, cover  and nesting sites for birds and it will cover ugly walls and fencing in double quick time.

The only exceptions I make will be for certain annuals which I plant simply because they're beautiful, Morning Glory for example. I figure if they're only there for a season they're not wasting space, but even then I try to make them feed me at least, like naturtiums. Pot marigold is both pretty, edible and can be used as a very good medicinal plant for skin problems and the dried petals look very well in pot pouri.

I find that following these 'rules' gives me and my garden visitors lots of satisfaction. And all of the annuals I plant will provide seed for next year.