When Jamie and Fred bought their Phoenix, Md., home almost eight years ago, it had an in-ground pool. But when they got the bill for repairs two years ago - $30,000 - they decided to it was time to give up the pool.

Jamie works at Ladew Gardens, and though not a gardener herself, she decided to create one where the pool had been.

A lot of fill, fencing and almost $10,000 later, this is the result. Fred did the heavy work and Jamie did the planting. Go to the end of the photos and read what Jamie has to say about her garden.

"Fred and I had never gardened before this, so if we can do it anyone can. There is such a level of satisfaction, not to mention perky flavor, when you sit down to a summertime meal that has grown from the bounty of your own backyard. Many nights last summer we enjoyed stuff like fried green tomatoes, steamed bush green beans, great salads with deep greens and red leafy lettuce, homemade salsa, snow peas, tomato sandwiches...all from just our little garden. PLUS a constant live flower arrangement on our table throughout late spring and summer that came from our perennials. And the wildlife!...butterflies, bees buzzing around, birds spashing in the fountain...it's a garden that makes you not want to leave home."