Spring planting for a beginner

While I absolutely love looking at beautiful landscapes and gardens, I knew that my brown thumb was an inhibitor for me. Being the persistent person I am, I couldn't face not trying to do a garden or landscape myself, so I began planting. Once I realized I could keep plants alive, I tried to see how long and which ones.

When we bought a home last year, the side garden was a disaster. I tried to upkeep, but those darn weeds kept coming up. I HATE WEEDS!

I finally put my foot down and did something about it over the weekend. This particular area of my home only gets about 2-3 hours of sunlight, so I can't really do those beautiful flowers that need full sun. After visiting the local nursery, here's how I designed my garden and the progression in phases:

BEFORE (see what I mean?):

PHASE 1: Laying out the design for planting

PHASE 2: Planting 

PHASE 3: Add mulch and stepping stone and SMILE BIG because it's DONE!

What do you think? I'm really proud of this because this was my first gardening attempt =). Still a few things we need to add, but overall, I'm satisfied.

Next project: Square Foot Garden - already purchased the wood, soil and seeds...here I come!