Gardening is all about love and smarts to Arbor Gate owner Beverly Welch. That is why she wants to teach people how to garden year-round and to overcome drought conditions, Welch said

"Most people overlook the fall and winter months and miss out on a prime time to plant. People should think about fall here as a second spring," Welch said. "This season is one of the best times to garden. It is cool and there are fewer insects, but most people let this season pass due to lack of knowledge."

Welch said people tend to overwater during a drought when proper use of soil and planting techniques can make a garden heartier. She and her staff know what flowers, plants and vegetables are hardiest and can guide individual customers regarding their goals and what to purchase, she said.

To teach people how to better garden, The Arbor Gate offers more than 40 classes throughout the year, most of which are free. The classes cover a variety of topics ranging from composting to pruning to home wine making, grilling and even beekeeping.

"We have a very knowledgeable staff [who] really want people to enjoy their gardens," she said.

The Arbor Gate offers a wide variety of perennials, natives, herbs, vegetables, flowers and heirloom plants suited to the Gulf Coast. They also make their own organic fertilizer.

Welch said her love for plants and flowers grew from time spent gardening with her mother.

"I loved it when it was her turn to host the neighborhood garden club's annual flower show," she said. "She filled room after room in our house with arrangements from her own garden."