Winter Weeding

We've had a uniquely mild winter thus far in Virginia. An inch of snow twice. No ice storms. It's got me thinking about preventative gardening on the surprise warm days before spring.

Did you rake leaves last fall? If not, you'd better do it soon or the hibernating grass underneath will die. And that means weeds will take root.

Did you pull up your dead annuals after the frost? If not, clean up your beds now. It won't take long. Really.

Did you do a final weeding last fall? Me too. But my mister has pointed out the miserable little minions are emerging again. Already! I need to get on top of this before I have a big job to put off.

Did you prune last fall? Trim the shrubs? If not do it soon. Except on the flowering bushes, like Rhododendrons, lest you cut off all the potential spring blooms inadvertantly.

A little effort here and there now and you yard will be beautiful soon.