teenager looking to learn

Hiya everyone,
my name is Tom, I'm 16 years old, from London living in Ireland. I'm a keen koi keeper, and have developed an interest in plants. I'd love to learn some more about gardening and landscaping in general, can anyone suggest what would be a good plant to start with?
here's my fish by the way: Pictures and forums for koi ponds and filters | koivista.com
thanks
Tom

 

Hi Tom. Welcome! This is a great place to learn. Loads of true gardeners here that are friendly and helpful. My suggestion for you would be Japanese Maple. Lovely graceful trees that can be grown in pots or in the ground or even as bonsai. There are many different types shapes and colors available. I have 3 in pots, all different and all lovely. One of my favorite plants for sure.

 

Hi Tom, welcome.

I don't know how much ground you've got to use, why not start perhaps with something edible? Radishes or perhaps a packet of cut-and-tree-again lettuce seed? (You've got all summer to grow - and eat - them) You could get a couple of tomato plants (really cheap in places like B&Q, Homebase, Wilkinsons), varieties like 'Tumbling Tom' can be grown in something as small as a hanging basket (I use this merely as an indication of size, they don't have to be grown in one).

You'll no doubt be aware that some plants like acid soil, others prefer something more alkaline: some like dry conditions others want moist: some want full sun, some aren't too fussy whilst there are some which like shade: some will grow to enormous proportions others will remain a mere 3" - 4": some (like bedding plants) will flower and die, some will flower year after year, some will be evergreen.

Without getting too technical, just look at where you want to put your plants, decide if it's basically wet or dry, whether it gets quite a bit of sun or not much then, armed with that information, take a wander round a garden centre, look at the plants you like, read the label which will tell you the sort of conditions they prefer and if you can match what you like to the sort of location the plant wants - go for it.