We are lucky here in California that there's no long, hard winter we must first endure before stumbling out, wonder-eyed at the awakening springtime rustling our gardens awake. But despite our lack of weather hardships (lack of weather for that matter) we can still recognize the unique Spring sweetness in the air. And when this time rolls around, there is nothing more exciting than having a new plan for our gardens' New Year.

One great idea, especially if you are a gardening procrastinator, are the newly arrived Bulbings. This horticultural innovation will redeem many of you Spring tulip or daffodil-lovers who didn't get their act together. If you forgot to plant your favorite bulbs in fall, ingenious minds have provided you with a second chance... these bulbs can actually be planted in the Spring and they will bloom in a few weeks. They have been fooled into thinking they spent the winter underground through a green house cooling system. They cost more than double, but are ready to plant when they are shipped to you, many of them already sending up green shoots... Utterly ideal for those of us in need of instant gratification.

When Spring draws to an end, help to usher in summer by welcoming the hummingbirds, always a wonderful harbinger of warm days ahead. There are a few tricks to ensure your garden will be one of their favorites. They are especially attracted to red, orange and pink tubular flowers, less to yellow and white.

Choose species that will flower at different times of the year so they will have a source of nectar throughout the growing season. They are also attracted to water, like all our feathered friends. Consider introducing a birdbath or a little pond. Finally, be sure to provide them with a little privacy, and a place to perch protected, with some larger shrubs and trees.
Trees, especially flowering ones, (as opposed to more common ornamental trees), are a genuine treat to behold when spring rolls around. Have you considered one for your yard? Few additions create the look of such a successful, healthy garden as a nicely shaped, mature tree. Perhaps this is the year to look into it.

When the foliage of the red buckeye appears, for example, you have 8"- 12" upright, cone-like clusters of deep, burgundy-red flowers. A selection of the American redbud, "Forest Pansy" will dazzle you with pink, pea-like flowers up and down the stems and heart-shaped leaves will unfurl to show off their intense purple insides. If white flowers remain your favorite, the Chinese fringe tree, Chionanthus retusus, is covered in lacy, fine-textured flowers.

The summer selection of flowering trees is a little more slim, but the Japanese stewartia is a true beauty. From its silk-laden buds come camellia-like flowers in July. In the fall, when the striking purple leaves begin to tumble down, the sinuous, smooth ornamental bark is revealed, a stunning melange of green, plum and terracotta tones. The Franklin tree is another unique choice. Four-inch wide flowers with yellow centers abound in August, the linear leaves turning an attractive burgundy and the trunks a swirl of gray and white bark on mature specimens.

Whatever your pleasure, there is much fun to be had. So don your gardening gloves, be creative, and by all means, welcome in the hummingbirds!