Late March is an exciting time in the garden. While our plants are slow to wake up, the anticipation of what's to come is enough to get me excited about early spring. Our chilly spring weather is the perfect time to tackle some important garden chores. Whether you're maintaining your rose bushes or preparing your hydrangeas for future blooms, here's a look at the tasks to focus on this time of year.

While it's too early for your rose bushes to start blooming, now is the time to give them what they need for an incredible show starting in May.

Pruning encourages blooms! Look for early signs of growth and budding to guide your pruning efforts. Any dead branches or damaged stems should be removed to promote healthier growth. A good rule of thumb is to prune no more than one-third of the plant to avoid stressing it out.

For those growing roses in containers, like my parents' rose, pruning is especially important to ensure the plant stays a manageable size. Container roses need a bit of extra attention, as you want to make sure they don't outgrow their space.

To encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms, early spring is the best time to apply slow-release fertilizer to your plants. Fertilizer in granular form is particularly beneficial for potted plants like roses and hydrangeas. This type of fertilizer will gradually release nutrients, giving your plants the steady boost they need to thrive throughout the growing season. When applying, be sure to follow the recommended amounts to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your plants. I typically apply right before a nice light rain

Hydrangeas are one plant you generally want to avoid pruning too much, especially in late winter or early spring. Instead of cutting them back aggressively, simply trim away the spent blooms from last season. Follow the stems up to where you notice new shoots emerging, and snip the old blooms just above that point. By doing this, you'll allow the new growth to flourish without disturbing the plant's natural development.

Spring weather changes fast & is too chaotic for most followers early in the season. Luckily, pansies are a hardy flower that can survive chilly temperatures and add a pop of color to your garden. These flowers are perfect for brightening up your yard during the early spring months, giving your garden a cheerful start while you wait for the warmer weather to settle in. Primrose are another great alternative. These plants will stop blooming in warm weather but may start up again in autumn

If you're looking for a stunning shrub that will add elegance and beauty to your garden, consider planting camellias. These shrubs bloom in April and provide a burst of color during the early spring months. While camellias will eventually be planted in the landscape, they can also make an attractive addition to your garden in containers. Their vibrant flowers are a joy to admire up close, and they provide a lovely preview of the blooms to come later in the season.

Late March is an important time for gardeners to prepare for the growing season ahead. By pruning your rose bushes, fertilizing potted plants, and adding color with hardy pansies, you'll set your garden up for success. Hydrangeas, camellias, and other spring plants will benefit from these early efforts, giving you a vibrant and healthy garden to enjoy through the warmer months.