Bridgehampton - It's Spring! The season you have patiently waited for. You can't wait to get back into your gardens. Chances are though that your gardens are a little too wet and cold to work just now. If you haven't started your seeds indoors and are about to; you should work back about six weeks from the last frost date in your area. That will give you a close enough timeline to plan on planting those little darlings outside.

The "Blue And Pink" Garden in Sagaponack. Photo by Frank Roccanova.

Here are some things to consider in preparation for gardening, and this goes for gardens large and small:

 • Check all woody plants and shrubs. Most will need pruning. You restore the beauty of your garden by pruning any visible winter damage, but be sure to leave your early spring Forsythia to finish its glorious spring herald before you do any pruning back.

 • Make sure all of your favorite garden tools are clean, sharp and good to go. And if necessary treat yourself to some new tools or gardening gloves. I found that I prefer working with fine leather gloves. These are the gloves where I have lost the other matching glove. It takes a little ingenuity, but somehow I manage to match them up with other solo gloves. They are very resilient and definitely are more sensitive to the touch.

 • Ask yourself - Do you want more beds? There is a fairly effortless process where one can lay out the shape of the future bed. And then cut newspaper six to 10 sheets thick to cover the area laid out. Top it off with compost heavy enough to hold the shape in place. This will kill existing vegetation, then when you are ready to plant you dig up the newspaper and work the compost into the soil.

 • Prepare for pests. Slugs need to be dealt with as they are found. Use only organic pest control whenever possible.

Herb Garden in East Hampton. Photo by Linda Ardigo

 • Fertilize trees, shrubs and top dress your lawn. Perennials should be fertilized in spring and once again in early summer.

 • For your lawn - First, herbicide your lawn for crab grass; at this point the sooner the better. Then afterwards, an inch or so of compost will help to fortify the new season's growth.

 • If you are planning to plant or transplant any trees and shrubs; do so soon and be sure to water generously. It is always best to give them time to get established.

Now is also a great time to divide your perennials, perhaps this month. Chrysanthemums, anemone, fall asters, day lilies and Shasta daisies. Move them around to varied spots on your landscape where they can flourish again, and continue to grow. By spreading some of the existing color and textures around you begin to get the satisfaction of design landscaping.

Now for the planning of your garden: Take a look around your landscape and begin to visualize where you would like to see more color, height, and statement. It is always best to buy perennials that have at least one growing season behind them? They always hold up better. Try to bundle the colors voluminuosly. Whether by color or species grouping creates a great impact in your garden. The same goes for most ornamental grasses.

All these of these tips are equally as important if you are planning to rent or sell your home this coming season. After all - we all know about curb appeal. Having a lush cutting garden, or a plentiful herb garden all add to the seduction. Adding a meditation space with a possible water element is just what the doctor ordered in these challenging times.

Sagaponack lawn after spring treatments. Shrubs were all pruned and cared for during the spring clean-up. Shrubs are Tardiva, Spirea, Viburnum and decorative grass, and Myscanthus. Photo by Linda Ardigo

Here are some suggestions and recommendations based on questions have recently asked:

Q: What is the name of your favorite plant source open to the public?

Here on the East End we are very fortunate to have some of the most extraordinary nurseries. Driving past Eastland Farms right on Route 27 in Bridgehampton always lifts my spirits. Their wide selection of perennials and annuals on display just makes a gardener jump for joy. At Eastland Farms you have a tendency to take a cart and load up your car/van right there with gorgeous plants and materials for your gardens. They deliver of course.

East Hampton Gardens on Gingerbread Lane in East Hampton offers a unique and exquisite hybrid rose selection and a wonderful choice of perennials and annuals. This is another terrific nursery where I always find exactly what I need to put the finishing touches on my designs - they deliver also.

If you are planning to plant or transplant any trees and shrubs; do so soon and be sure to water generously. It is always best to give them time to get established.

Q: Where can I buy bulk quantities of potting soil, Perlite, sphagnum moss?

There is one company that comes to mind, Long Island Compost. Their distribution warehouse is located right in Yaphank. According to their sales department - potting soil which includes the perfect Perlite mix, is available for individual sales at a minimum order of 20 cubic yards at $59 per yard, plus tax. The delivery is included.

If you are so inclined check the internet as there are several sites that offer "buy bulk." There are also auctions happening all the time online - the only potential problem is that you have to be ready to act and receive the delivery at the time you purchase.

Q: Are ther classes offered anywhere?

The New York Botanical Gardens offer classes in Gardening, Botany, Floral Design, Landscape Design, and Botany. Check out their site at www.nybg.org/edu. The classes are offered in Long Island as well. As far as local potting classes, try the Bridgehampton Horticultural Society at 631-537-2223.