Spring doesn’t officially come until March 20^th, but have you been outside lately!  Gardeners of northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan are itching to get their hands dirty.  Enough of the catalogues that come throughout the winter, it’s time to start active planning and soon planting! Why?  Many will answer that they love flowers, gardens and beautiful landscaping, but there are other benefits beyond the enjoyment that gardening gives us.  It can truly increase the value of your property.  Drive down any residential street in your community and I’m sure you’ll agree – the “curb appeal” of some homes is greatly enhanced simply because of their manicured lawn and gardens.

So how do you proceed?  I like to talk to local professionals, like the ones you’ll find in the garden centers at The Andersons and many local nurseries.  If you like to shop from your home, either online or catalogues, there are many things to keep in mind.  First of all, do you know what plant hardiness zone you live in?  The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recently updated their “Plant Hardiness Zone Map”, the first time that was done in a couple decades. Check it out, because all your hard work in the yard shouldn’t be lost by planting something that is not suited to your zone.  I see that my hometown of Maumee is in Zone 6a.  Check yours out at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120125.htm.

P.S.  Keep in mind this lesson that I learned the hard way.  The deer and rabbit population has exploded in many areas, and they look at garden catalogues as menus, featuring many of their favorite delicacies!  That’s why the tulips in my yard have now been replaced by daffodils.