Does anyone have advice on how to plan a back yard into a garden?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. First, do a light map.

Beginning in the spring, draw a map of your yard showing the location of your house, garage, sidewalks, driveway, etc. Make 6 copies of the map. Then, draw on a copy of the map the location of sunlight and shadows every few hours - say, 8:00 am, 10:00, noon, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Keeping in mind that in the summer the sun will be higher in the sky so the shadows on the north sides of things will be shorter, you will have a good idea what species of plants should be planted in the different areas. If you go to a garden center the tags on the plants will show whether they prefer full sun, partial sun, or shade.

Then, contact the Master Gardeners for your location - since you are considering a peach tree I assume you're somewhere in the South. The MGs will be affiliated with your state university and you can probably find them on their extension division web site. Master Gardeners (I'm one) are volunteers who help people grow gardens, including vegetable gardens and trees. Or, you can hire a landscaper, but the MGs are cheaper (free). They will also help you figure out what you need to do to amend your soil and what to do about garden pests.

Good luck!