It's warm.... it's cold...it's warmer...it's freezing. Typical for this time of year. We can usually count on a last cold snap in March that produces a good frost before we can count on warmer days and nights of spring.

Pansies can offer a spike of color and can hold their own against those chills of the season. Azaleas should be getting ready for their colorful displays that brings a smile to our winter weary souls.

Daffodils are already poking up out of the ground and in bloom in some areas. Crocus are following too. It's a great time to assess your needs for spring planting, mulching and shaping shrubs. Azaleas should not be trimmed back until they have bloomed, but don't dally into early summer or you'll trim off the next season's blooms. March is the time to cut back several varieties of clematis in order to assure abundant flowers in summer and fall. Days are getting a bit longer.... spring showers are getting our plants ready to smile. Spring. What a wonderful time in the garden. Hope you enjoy it!