You didn't ask a question, exactly, but in the name of offering feedback, I'll offer a couple of observations. Previous benign neglect is actually a pretty good way to get into organic gardening. Will you get back into the same things, roses and flowers, or are you branching out now?
What kinds of conditions exist where you are? (It's a pretty part of the country, and New Jersey isn't called "The Garden State" for nothing!). What kind of soil, trees, etc.?
Fall is a good time to start staging things for next year's garden. Though you may have more rainfall than Texas, xeriscape to some degree is always a good idea. Have you driven around your town to look at gardens and get an idea of what grows well? Do you have model gardens or an arboretum to give you ideas?
A good first step in a new organic program would be to have the soil tested, and when you know what you need to add, look at Howard's recommendations for soil amendments. If there are any rude surprises as far as negative chemicals in the soil, the Dirt Doctor has recommendations for those also. You can start composting now so you'll have something ready for spring, and you have the fall and winter to read through the Dirt Doctor site and make your plans.
Good luck!
_________________ Northwesterner
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