Where to start

...Hello Sue its a pleasure to meet you. I have done the very same thing on a
38 acre piece of land in New Hampshire zone 5 to approx. 4-5 acres around the
house. First of all I suggest that you adjust your frame of mind. This is a
long term project very different from grading a front yard and seeding a lawn
and "poof" instant landscaping. Its a labor of love, slow down and "savor"
every step and approach it in steps or pieces.  Unless you have lots of labor
help and lots of money it will take some time. With "virgin" ground you will
experience "Joys" that most people have no knowledge of and may not even be
able to relate to.
...First the "big plan" then specific "sections." Each year or season
selectively clear a large area to enable you to build "sectional gardens."
Take GREAT advantage of all the natural litter, leaves from the wooded area
and rake all of it to wherever you plan to have "beds" raised or otherwise.
This will be an incredible mulch mix for your beds. Find or purchase topsoil,
an area of the property, a hillside, future location of a pond, etc., for
material for your beds. In your mind or on paper read your ground and plan
some open areas (sunny spots) and shade areas, so you can vary types of
plantings. Its easy to cut out a tree you won't replace it in your lifetime.
You may want some lawn work that into the plan. Build a few garden beds each
year and work around the house. Its a lifetime project .......Have fun.
                              Jim Towle
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