spring to-do's

Now that we've had that first 60 degree day, spring is on the horizon. Before spring officially arrives there are some outside jobs you can take care of in the meantime.

• It's never too soon to get a head start on weeding. The early spring ground is usually moist and weeds come out easily.
• You'll be tempted, but leave the dried up foliage by your perennials alone, at least for the time being. I like to wait until early May to remove foliage, just to be safe.
  
• Get your garden shed or cabinet in order and replenish any supplies you are missing.
  
• Trim ornamental grasses back before new growth appears, leaving about 4-6" of height.
  
• Check on each plant so you can stomp down any mole holes, add dirt where rabbits made burrows, and fill in areas where the deer have left sunken-in footprints.

I've been on the lookout for the return of the robins (no luck yet), but I will hopefully see them any day now.

Pictured: Pansies that will often bloom in the snow