Early spring is a great time to prepare annual and perennial flower beds. Although it may be too early to actually plant some tender annuals, you can be ready by tilling the bed and adding rich compost or top soil. Be sure to check that the bed drains well for plants' root development. Shrubs can be safely added to your landscape now, too. Remember, it's important to provide ample space to allow for the size of the shrub or flower at maturity.
Weed control is also important in the spring.
As the ground begins to warm, many weeds are just waiting to germinate. Applying a registered preemergence herbicide or adding landscape fabric or mulch will go a long way toward keeping weeds out of flower gardens. When temperatures top 50 degrees, bring houseplants back outside. It's a good idea to bring plants back in, however, if the nights get much cooler than 45 to 50 degrees. Clean up ferns by removing old, crumpled foliage, and repot any houseplants that are root-bound.