Many of us are eagerly anticipating shedding scarves and layers, the beguiling scent of Hyacinths, Forsythia in bloom and produce fresh from the garden. Springtime is one of the most beautiful garden seasons as we get to watch Mother Nature work her magic, transforming our winter landscapes into a colorful panorama.

 Spring is a critical time of year as many tasks should be undertaken to prepare the garden for growth.

Spring To Do List

1. Survey Your Garden: For winter damage. Be it fallen limbs, damaged shrubs, hold overs from last season that despite your best efforts did not thrive, or the remnants of weeds that ruined your lawn last season, now is the time to assess and plan for replacements and improvements. Before the heat strikes.

2. Do a Spring Cleanup: Cutback foliage of spent annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses so healthy new growth can come in.

3. Apply Compost: "Black Magic" is the secret of lush, healthy gardens. Encourages microbial activity and minimizes the need for chemical fertilization.

4. Test Your Soil: Being informed is your best defense. Many clients struggle in vain to get great looking lawns. Don't fall for clever advertising, without knowing what nutritional deficiencies your lawn has, you may be wasting valuable time and money. Soil testing should be done every 3 years.

5. Love Your Lawn: Core Aeration alleviates soil compaction which blocks water and nutrients from reaching the root zone. Dethatching removes dead grass which can also create a barrier that blocks seeds and nutrients from reaching the soil. The best lawns get these services annually.

6. Lawn Overseeding: Apply to keep your lawn lush and fill in bare spots. Do this Fall and Spring for a thick, lush lawn. Never apply seed without coverage, Penn Mulch is best for bird deterrance.

7. Apply Mulch: A 3" layer to minimizes weeds, retains moisture, provides nutrients and keeps the soil cool. Your plants dig that!

8. Shrub Pruning & Fertilization: Encourages new, denser growth & controls shrub size.

9. Annual plantings: Provide affordable, season long colorful displays.

10. Perennial division: Divide overgrown plants & expand your garden areas. Much more affordable than buying new plants and it improves your plant's vigor.