My First Yard, My First Garden!

Last weekend started Friday night when I was giddy with excitement....about yard work! I highly doubt that this feeling will continue as the years go on, but having someplace that is *my* yard and garden is really exciting to me. I took a few before pictures.

It took all weekend and several trips to Home Depot, but I feel like I got a lot accomplished. Cleaning out the garden...I didn't finish that, but it was my biggest time sink. It obviously hasn't been used in at least a couple years..seeing as there are three small trees growing in it. I got a little less than half of it cleared out.

I also planted my first plant, a raspberry bush!

It was a lot of work, but I was really proud of myself and it felt good to be outside again. I still need to plot out my garden, but I do have a little bit more time to do that, seeing as I am now in Zone 4. I realized when picking out what I wanted to plant that most of my planting/gardening knowledge is about NC and NC soil/native plants/times to plant/etc. I've been researching a lot trying to make sure I do it right for MN so I don't end up with a flop of a first year.
Here are a few pictures from the yard...much more clear from leaves.

It took 20 bags to clear up what I did...and I still have more to do! Anyone have any advice on how to get those trees out of the garden? I dug a hold about 3 feet down and still am hitting roots...just keep digging? Until next time! ~Kith