What a surprise this winter was. To cover, or not to cover? Spring is finally here and there's lots of preparation before the beautiful blooms ahead. By now all of that ugly dead stuff should be trimmed away to force the new buds to start at the base of your plant, giving you a fuller and well-shaped specimen. Next comes the real laborious job of attacking that well packed winter soil. Drag those pitchforks and shovels out and dig, dig, dig. When it's all turned over throw in some peat, some sand, a little compost (we have some great stuff) and mix it in. Your plants will thank you by blooming their heads off. Remember, the bedding plants you buy cannot stay in those little pots too long. They dry out quickly or stay too wet and melt. Don't waste all that money by not getting them in the ground as soon as you can.

This year add something new to your garden. A fountain, trellis or an arbor! Maybe lanterns for an evening party. There are so many wonderful choices that can give you a new look and won't hurt the pocketbook. Another idea is to gather up all of the terra cotta pots that are scattered everywhere around the garden and with fresh potting soil, replant with new color and make clusters at different levels. What a lift that gives even if you can't get to the beds.

Lot's of new varieties are being grown this year for the consumer. People are demanding something different and some growers are responding. We try everything new that comes along and new old ones too. We've had some great surprises. Lot's of beautiful salvias, yellow pear tomatoes, Jacob's Ladder, money trees, acanthus, artichokes, and that's only the beginning. Try something you've never grown before. We have a little sign to hang in the garden bed that says, "I don't remember planting this". As well as "Martha doesn't live here". So many of you have told us you've been afraid to tackle roses. Well you're really missing out on a plant that blooms almost all year round in our hot Houston sun and is cold hardy to boot. What more could you ask for! Come in and find out just how easy they are to grow and sign up for a class on roses. We will have ongoing herb classes all year. Healing as well as culinary herbs. We'll also be cooking with fresh herbs in a few months. We are fortunate to have Linda Swaitek as a permanent member of our staff. Linda is an herbalist of long standing with a great knowledge of self-healing remedies. Sign up for all the classes to come. I also see in our future classes on carnivorous plants. Of which we have a great stock.

The Backyard Gardener is looking forward to our first spring season at the new location. We are already busting out at the seams and the season is just starting. Every shipment creates a new challenge. We've started carrying lot's of fruit trees and will have them throughout the year. If we don't have what you want we will try our best to find it. Personal service has been our goal since we began. It doesn't matter if you want a plant for one pot or you need your whole house landscaped. We want you to be successful in your planting experiences. Then you'll come back for more and more. You'll be hooked on plants forever. What a way to go!

Thanks, April and Jim
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