They call me...the plant killer. 

Although my relationship with plants can be likened to a killer shark preying on its helpless victim, I find gardening to be an intriguing, beautiful, and rewarding experience (when done correctly, which I have yet to accomplish). 

Any green thumbs out there?  Here are some front yard landscaping ideas from Better Homes & Gardens that are sure to give your yard a makeover and your gardening confidence a boost. 

• Try Pebbles & Plantings:  Lay dark gray pebbles surrounded by paving stones for a no-mow, easy-care landscape accent.  Placing a series of irregularly placed, large-scale pavers offers a minimalist, artistic path
• Design a Bountiful Bed:  Wondering how to deal with a narrow flowerbed?  Try a grouping of perennials and annuals, which provide pops of color and easy maintenance
• Create a Zen Oasis:  Build an Asian-inspired garden with design ornaments, mulch, and evergreens
• Paint a Brilliant Canvas:  Mix ornamental grasses with beautiful maple trees.  These choices offer beautiful foliage, little care, and can withstand harsh weather
• Go Beyond the Garden Gate:  A simple, elegant fence not only contains a beautiful garden, but it separates single rows of daylilies and more diverse plantings closer to the house
• Fuse Elements for a Low-Key Setup:  Try mixing a solid surface with loose gravel.  If plants and trees provide overwhelming bolts of color -   let sleekly styled lawn chairs serve as a focal point
• Reach for Grand and Graceful:  A combination of shrubs and trees, specifically willows, help create a striking and vibrant color pallet.  Shrubs can be formally shaped or left to grow in its own form
• Make a Little Nook in the Woods:  Transition between tall plants and groundcovers for diversity and beauty -  add solar-powered landscape lighting for a peaceful, warm feel

While I'll personally stick to the pre-grown planters from Home Depot and cross my fingers to keep even those alive – I hope you true gardeners will take these tips to heart and create the beautiful yards and spaces I enjoy seeing – and in truth, wish I could create myself :)

While we're on the subject of greenery, check out the 3Leaf Group titles on healthy eating, green living, and environmental concerns.  Don't forget, an audiobook makes a great gardening companion…