Getting ready for a

spring garden can be

a pleasant activity.

Spring brings about

seed-sowing,

growing, and

nurturing your garden

as it comes to life.

Plan to get your

garden prepared early

to make the spring

less hectic.

A written garden plan

will help you stay

focused. Draw in

the flowers, the

outdoor furniture, and

anything else you

want, in their exact

places. Planning in this

manner will guide you

on buying just what

you need and keep

your design cohesive.

Plant seeds from a previous season in seedling trays to keep

indoors near a window that gets a lot of sunshine. Water and tend to

them regularly to get a head start on the new season's plantings.

To test soil, pick some up and

squeeze it into a ball. If the

ball shatters by pressing with

your fingers or by dropping it

from about 3 feet, it is dry

enough to dig. If the ball

keeps its shape or only

breaks into solid sections

rather than loose soil, it still

contains too much water and

is not ready to be worked.

Prep the beds by removing

winter mulch. If they’re well

composted, work into the

top layer of the soil. Utilize

leaf mold or well-rotted

manure.

Prune fruit trees before

buds begin to bloom to

prevent stressing the tree.

Note: an overstressed tree

will yield a tiny crop.

If you like plants you

see growing in

someone else's

garden, ask if you can

take cuttings from

them. In addition to

asking fellow

neighborhood

gardeners for cuttings,

botanical gardens

often have mid-winter

or early spring pruning

clear outs.

Customize your garden with fun accents like a garden bridge or classic

wooden bench. Water features create a serene atmosphere, while bird baths

add cheer and energy. Be imaginative, and design your space to be a place

to get away from the rest of the world. Add an outdoor structure, such as a

gazebo, to create a relaxing, shaded area where you can enjoy your garden.

Your garden should

reflect your taste and

aesthetic preferences.

There is nothing more

beautiful than a well-

tended garden. Get

inspired early by visiting

local gardens and

shopping online for the

best deals on garden

structures and decor.

Fifthroom.com is an online marketplace offering indoor and

outdoor furniture, as well as structures for your garden. You

can shop the entire website to see all available selections or

narrow your focus to just one specialty. Customizable options

are also offered to meet individual design tastes.

Visit www.fifthroom.com or call 1-888-293-2339.