We are all still just budding gardeners. Nobody will ever know even half of it! I suggest you get a copy of the Sunset Western Garden book and look at the photos to identify the flowers and plants you see most often in your neighborhood. Also ask questions and let the boss know you are a beginner and want to learn. Look your boss in the eye and nod like you want to remember what is said to you and keep a small notebook in your pocket if you need to write down specific instructions on watering or feeding. In general shade plants (fuchsias, rhododendrons, azaleas) like more water than sun plants (geraniums, marigolds, roses) and here's the big one everyone gets mixed up about: perennials are plants that come back year after year such as peonies, iris and daylilies. Annuals are plants that die at the end of the summer like petunias, impatiens and lobelia. You can remember it this way - every year in high school you need to get a new school Annual. Last year's annual will not be good for two years in a row. Every spring gardeners buy new Annual bedding plants. Last year's annuals are not good two years in a row so they are replaced annually. Good Luck! Marianne Binetti