Spring is coming, I can feel it. The recent rain and warmer temps greened up my lawn, the birds are not frequenting my feeder as much as a month ago, and getting out of bed is getting easier.

Don't ask me about this new daylight savings schedule, though.

Last week I was poking around my flowerbeds looking to see who was peeping their heads up. Snowdrops are blooming, irises are starting to emerge and daffodils are showing some green. I found my first blooming crocus, but tulips have a way to go. Hellebores are shooting new leaves and will bloom shortly. If their foliage is looking tattered, they would benefit from a haircut.

As much as my fingers are itching, I'll leave the dead tops on my perennials a little longer, until I see the new green shoots emerging. We still may get a cold snap, and those tops offer protection to the crown and roots.

Now is a good time to thin some of your deciduous trees or non-flowering shrubs while they are still dormant. Pruning on apple trees, grapes, blueberries and cherries should be about done. Wait a little longer for the more tender peaches and nectarines, though.

Pruning your spring bloomers now will remove flower buds, but I have some old wood in my lilacs that's going to see my loppers this weekend. I'm too busy after they bloom.

This is one of my favorite times of year. I love the crisp brightness of the air, and the promise of warm weather coming. Go for a walk in the woods, or around your neighborhood. See what is starting to come up in your garden or neighbor's yard. Start some seeds indoors and plan your vegetable garden or flowerbeds.

Or just curl up with a good book and enjoy the last vestiges of winter.