Sure Feels Like Spring

close-pansyAfter unusually warm temperatures in March and colder than normal weather the first half of April, we are enjoying warmer than normal temps right now!   Sure feels like spring!

A bit of caution is advisable.  Even though the 30 day forecast looks favorable, without any deeply below normal temps expected, it would still be a good idea to stick to a conservative strategy when it comes to placing plants into your landscape.  Go ahead with planting trees and shrubs and cool season annuals, but I do recommend holding off until May on planting most perennials and certainly the warm season annuals.

The last two weeks of April should be an excellent time to rake the lawn, clean up gardens, fertilize, do weed control and prune trees and shrubs.  This is also a great time to cut, split and stack firewood so it can dry well from April to October.  Be sure to stack firewood in a sunny windy area so it dries well.

Conditions are also very good to do landscaping projects that involve dirt work and construction of walls, patios, walkways and boulder gardens.

Don’t forget to take some time to get out for a walk to enjoy spring wildflowers and take in the natural world as it comes back to life after being dormant for several months.  It’s a breath of fresh air, and sure feels like Spring!