March 6, 2010, with spring just around the corner this is a great time to get the garden and yard cleaned up. On your "to do" list should be things like: cutting back grasses and other perennials before new growth starts up; pruning any shrubs that were damaged either by animal browsing, snow load or shubs missed last fall. Be sure you know the variety and/or flowering time of the shrubs before you prune....you could be removing a spring display of flowers. This is a great time to apply hardwood mulch if needed because it is alot easier to spread while the plants are leafless. Pre-emerge chemicals, if you choose, should be applied now to your landscape beds. Here in Central Illinois, my spring bulbs are about 2-3" up now....looking forward to the color. I am busy assisting the"early birds" with landscape plans, if you have a project in mind for this year, you better get a call into your landscaper to start the planning. I am already booked with jobs through the end of May so far. Take care.