The ice and snow is gone, the weather is turning better, and the plants are blooming again. Spring is in the air. Now is the time to prepare your garden for the planting season ahead. And if last year's garden was more frustration than reward, now is the time to perfect your plans and try again. In this spirit, we asked our readers to share pictures and descriptions of their "theme" gardens and patios. We hope our picks inspire your passion!

Butterflies are remarkable creatures. They are attracted to bright colors and sweet scents, and they like to eat bugs that annoy people. A butterfly garden, designed by Rosemary Willis, is full of life and bursting with beautiful plants and aromatic, sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies - and people! The colors, the flowers, the aromas, and the fluttering wings of butterflies all combine in this gem of a garden.

2. English Garden: when Joshua Rakham decided to plan his first backyard gardens, he wanted something in the classic tradition of the half-wild, half-cultivated English garden. This garden theme allows plants to sprawl in their natural splendor, while using short hedgerows and other devices to keep them from taking over pathways. Rakham has also added some touches of whimsy in his garden globes, gnomes, and fairies.

When building a garden, pet owners must take particular care that they do not plant any poisonous plants where their pets can get at them. A cat garden takes into account plants that are safe for cats to be around, and also contain plants that cats can climb on, sit on, or play with. Even birdhouses (installed safely out of reach, of course!) can be entertaining for your cat.

Among the new specialty types of backyard gardens is the black and white garden designed by Pilar Sota. The contrast between dark and light plants is obvious during the day. Even at night they are beautiful as the white plants pick up the light from the moon.

Love cuddling up in bed every night with a warm cup of tea? The aroma, the warmth, the flavor. Imagine this same experience every time you walk out to your backyard patio. Create a tea garden right in your own backyard and incorporate some of the ideas Janice LaRoux used when she created her aromatic tea garden with over 50 plants. And for a decorative twist, she added some teapots to continue the Tea Garden theme.

The snow has melted, the air is starting to warm up, and the smell of springtime is in the air. It might be time to start getting your garden ready for the glorious spring and summer that are to come. And if you're sick of your backyard gardens, it also might be the perfect time for a clean start. Here are our top tips - maybe they will inspire you! Love cuddling up in bed every night with a warm cup of tea? The aroma, the warmth, the flavor. Imagine this same experience every time you walk out to your backyard patio.