Cold Weather Blues

If you're like me, this snap of cold weather is definitely killing the "spring" in your step. But let's look on the bright side, we all have a little more time to finish our spring lawn and garden maintenance plan.

First things first, take a long hard look at your property and pinpoint areas that are really going to need your attention right off the bat. See those brown spots in your lawn, notice the crab grass peaking through, or have you spotted clusters of weeds that are just waiting to take over your lawn? Better get a move on and head to your local lawn and garden supply store for some pest control, weed killer, grass seed, and fertilizer or if you prefer to go the organic route check out a few sites that I found on the Internet:
Natural Lawn Care
Extremely Green Gardening
The Green Guide

Once your lawn is on the right track to proper growth, start diving into the planting beds around your home. Now is the perfect time to clean out debris that has collected over the winter months and eliminate any weeds that are pushing through, but be careful - what you think is a weed could actually be one of your perennials pushing up. Examine your plants and shrubs for winter damage and prune back the dead and damaged limbs. Now that your beds are cleaned up, you can put together a list of new plants that you would like to add to the mix.

For those of you that are staring blankly at a yard devoid of any color other than your green grass, perhaps it is time to plan out a few new beds. Not only will you add color and curb appeal to your home, but you also increase your home's value and selling potential. While you are making your list of the annuals and perennials that you would like to include in your new bed, keep these things in mind:

• Color - decide if you are going to stay in one color palate, choose two corresponding colors, or go for the gusto with a mix of colorful plantings.
• Year round appeal - remember that you can maintain color and curb appeal year round with the right plants. There are several varieties of shrubs available to change or hold their color in the winter months adding visual appeal during the dark and dreary winter months.
• Wildlife appeal - if you are looking to bring birds and butterflies closer to your front door, be sure to add their favorites into your plan.

Hopefully I have given you enough lawn and garden food for thought to get you moving and help you pass away the time during these weather unreliable weeks.