| Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. | | | | Seek Out Indoor Gardening Events |
| Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding | | | | In March there are countless indoor garden, flower |
| and the robins are returning. The big thaw has begun. | | | | and landscaping expos. If you can't find anything in |
| There's no denying the signs. Spring is right around | | | | your local area, a day or weekend trip to a flower |
| the corner. | | | | show might be just what you need. Look for a |
| If you're like me, you can't wait to get your hands | | | | botanical garden or arboretum with indoor facilities. In |
| into the soil. While you're holding out for higher | | | | my area we have Longwood Gardens. It has year |
| temperatures, there's plenty you can do today to | | | | round indoor gardens and the displays are fantastic. |
| jumpstart the spring gardening season. | | | | Clean Out Your Beds |
| Sow Seeds Indoors | | | | As soon as the snow has melted and the weather |
| Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and | | | | permits, you can clean out your beds. It's a good |
| buy seeds to start indoors. In March I like to start | | | | time to rake and clear your planting areas of dead |
| annual flowers for my pots and containers. Currently, | | | | branches, leaves and debris. I like to mulch as soon |
| I have Coleus, Zinnias, Impatiens, Petunias and | | | | as possible in the spring, while there's still plenty of |
| Marigolds germinating. Follow the seed packet | | | | space between the emerging bedding plants. |
| instructions and you'll get excellent results. Some | | | | Learn A Landscape Design Software Program |
| plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear | | | | There are so many inexpensive landscaping software |
| fruit, so plan accordingly. This is also a great time for | | | | programs available today, many of them under |
| starting culinary herbs and vegetables. If you're | | | | $50.00US. During the winter months you'll have plenty |
| looking for something new this year, try moonflower | | | | of time to learn how to operate the system. |
| vine or cathedral bells to climb your fence or trellis. | | | | Create and sample new designs before digging. Take |
| Both can be started from seed. If you have children, | | | | advantage of the overhead and 360 degree views. |
| get them involved. Many children have a natural | | | | Many of the programs now offer a 3D walk through |
| affinity for gardening. It's a great quality to | | | | feature. It simulates the experience of walking |
| encourage and nurture in them. | | | | through an actual garden. You can also advance the |
| Dust Off The Birdhouses | | | | garden timeline into the future to see what it will look |
| I put my birdhouses out in early March. Small birds like | | | | like when the plants and trees mature. It's a |
| chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate | | | | wonderful creative tool to beat the winter blues! |
| homes to raise their families. Mine were up for less | | | | Call Your Landscaper Now |
| than 24 hours before the home tours began. | | | | If you're planning to use a professional landscaper this |
| Give Your Garden Tools A Checkup | | | | year, make sure to schedule your work as far in |
| Take your pruning shears and other cutting tools to | | | | advance as possible. When the ground is soft enough |
| your local hardware store for cleaning, oiling and a | | | | for digging, landscapers will be working overtime to |
| good sharpening. On a warm day you may want to | | | | keep up with the volume. |
| assess your lawnmower. Take it in for servicing or a | | | | Book Your Garden Tours Now |
| tune up now-while you can. Many lawnmower repair | | | | Scour the internet for local and regional garden tours. |
| centers are swamped shortly after the season starts. | | | | Find out when tickets go on sale and plan ahead. I've |
| It's one tool you don't want to be without. | | | | often read announcement lists in the newspaper |
| Get Inspired | | | | after I've already made other plans. There's nothing |
| Order your garden catalogs. Purchase your favorite | | | | like visiting other people's gardens for encouragement |
| garden magazines. Here in the northeast, there's | | | | and inspiration. |
| nothing like winter time to remind me how valuable | | | | I hope these suggestions get you motivated to take |
| my summer garden space is. Create a wish list of | | | | action. The sooner you get started on your garden |
| new plants, design features and outdoor furniture. | | | | plans-the more time you'll have to enjoy the rest of |
| With a little planning, you won't be overwhelmed | | | | the season. Happy Gardening! |
| when May rolls around. | | | | |