So Old Man Winter has put his frosty breath down our necks, sending our gardens into a long winters nap.

Now we too can set aside our garden chores and wait for the beckoning call of spring to resume our gardens, right? Well, maybe.

Of course, those in Washington County may giggle at our snow covered exile inside, but in the rest of the state, there is still plenty we can do to keep green thoughts, at least in a part of our minds.

Winter is an excellent time for some tasks, including pruning deciduous trees, raking the remainder of leaves when the snow blanket melts away during dry periods, turning in exposed beds that may have got skipped in the fall, starting new plants indoors for earlier blooms, putting down a little slow release fertilizer to pop that lawn come spring, attending some classes or catching a trade show featuring all the newest must have gear and plants. You can even plant new trees if the ground is not solid and you handle the trees properly.

How about just enjoying the snow on your evergreens, the birds going about their business, or watching for signs of the crocus that you put in last fall. The point is, spring will be upon us in a blink, but it’s never too early to be thinking green or to be outside and enjoy the space. We’ll know those of you who are spending their time outside by the smiles on your faces!