OK, so it's almost March and the ground is still frozen, if you're anything like me you're starting to get itchy for the Spring, To get out there and start digging!

If not... I hope your still enjoying the snow.

But before it snowed the other day I saw my poor daffodils peaking out of the dirt and it just made me crave that smell of Hyacinth and magnolia that surrounds my house in the early spring. I also had a flock of robins in my crabapple the other day, but they don't excite me like they used to, I think their job-description must have over the years, they used to indicate spring was on it's way, but we all know that march can be the snowiest month. They're always frustratingly early. In fact they're back right now. Crazy little birds.

So what can you be doing now to start the gardening season off right?? Well it's in the seeds. Yes seeds, your selection is at it's best nowin stores. I'm even checking out other store for specific annuals and perennials that will work in my garden.
My mission this year is to have Verbena bonariensis. This gorgeous plant fits perfectly in any wild-flower-filled butterfly or bird garden. You need to give it space (some varieties are shorter however they usually get to be 5-6' tall and 4' wide.) It's a wonderful butterfly attractor, and a non-stop 'flower-er'! Unfortunately it's only and annual here and starting it early dramatically extend the season, but man! is it a show-stopper!! And it might also reseed!!
I highly recommend this plant if you can afford the space in a sunny well drained spot. Start the seeds indoors or sow the seed in loose rich soil late March/early May in this area. However if you have a very sunny window I recommend staring them now! Curing you winter blues!

Another project you can start working on now is research plants you want and make a garden center shopping list!!
It's often hard or impossible to find the variety of specialty perennials that your looking for (because there are sooooooo many!) however if you have a list of plants that you want, you can approach a KNOWLEDGEABLE Garden center employee and ask them if they have the plant and if not what varieties they do carry, and best yet, if they don't carry it in stock they might be able to get it from one of their suppliers!!! The key is to get them early in the season so you get it before it blooms. Make sure they have healthy- FROST TOLERANT (notgreenhouse grown but hardened off or not forced at all). So that when you put it in you garden the frost won't be an issue.

I'm the biggest 'plant nerd' and I know what I want but even I can't find every plant I want and I own a garden center for goodness sake!! So being organized, prepared, and most of all flexible you'll get what your looking for. Happy planning!!

Let me know if you have any questions I'd love to get interactive! :)
So gardeners in the Northeast (NY area is best!) Bring on the questions!