Spring is Here: The Best Ways to Enjoy the Season While You Can

If you're lucky enough to live in a place where there are four seasons, it is evident in many of them that spring has come at last-at least until a late snowfall comes! The temperature is getting warmer, the birds are coming back, the soil is just itching to be dug in, and the tulips and crocuses are poking their little stems out of the ground. There is that indescribable feeling in the air and we all get a little antsy after a long winter of cold and brown. Spring is such a wonderful time of year, and in many climates, it is very fleeting, so enjoy it while it lasts. Here are some suggestions for making the most of spring time.

Take a walk

Get outside and enjoy the display! This is one of the best ways to enjoy nature's show of rebirth. See the tulips coming out, the trees starting to leaf (look at the tops of trees; that's where they leaf first), and the kids outside on their bikes. You might even be able to go out without a coat. If you're really lucky, you will be comfortable in a short sleeve shirt. Best of all, taking a walk is a great way to get some fresh air after the stuffy winter indoors, and you're getting a bit of exercise to boot.

Do some early yard work

Get out and inspect your yard. After all the snow and/or cold temperatures, there may be some repairs needed, and the warm but not hot temperatures are perfect for working in the yard. You can begin to prepare planting areas-but in many climates, do not plant for some time yet. There are many spring gardening tasks can be completed as soon as the soil is thawed in your area. As you look at your yard, start thinking about projects for later-are you going to plant a garden? Flowers? Other landscaping projects? They all require thought ahead of time, and right now is the perfect time to think about it and have it all mapped out in your mind.

Think ahead to next fall

Are you jealous of the neighbors' flowers? Do they have crocuses, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other flowers beginning to show? If your yard looks dull in comparison, you can always change it for next year. Don't go looking for tulip bulbs in the stores, though. They need to be purchased and planted in the fall in most areas. Check out your local garden store and they can give you more information on fall bulbs and what you can do right now in your yard. Plan to make your yard a springtime showcase next spring.

Enjoy spring indoors

Many of us have limited time to cavort and play outside even when the temperatures and weather are optimal. We have work and school, and things we have to do inside. So do what you can to bring spring indoors. Open windows and let the breezes and bird noise filter in to your home, car, and even work if you have a window. While you generally can't plant spring flowering bulbs in the spring, most flower shops and even grocery stores sell potted flowering bulb plants. Put one at your desk at work and keep some inside in your home. Hyacinths are particularly 'springy' indoors due to their fragrance.

Enjoy the season while you can-and don't be disheartened if there is more cold temperatures. There almost always are, but that's part of the beauty of spring!