Some days you have to look at the calendar to be sure that Spring's almost near. I just checked, and yep, in spite of this crazy weather even today, we're getting close. We've loaded this issue of e-gardens with timely tips, big events and important information to make you more successful in all your gardening endeavors. All we ask is that you share us with other gardeners you know. And so, here we go!

Neil's new book has been a huge success in its first year -- enough so that we're preparing for a second printing very soon. If you'd like a signed copy of the first printing, order immediately. Remember: this book is not in stores or on Amazon. It is available for only $28.95 from Neil's office (800-752-4769) or his website.

This is the spot where Neil and your questions come together in each issue of e-gardens. He chooses six or eight questions of the most general reader interest here each issue. If you'd like to send him your question (photo is required), click here. Neil's answers to this month's questions are here.

Things are starting to move in fast forward now as spring approaches. Crops need to be planted. Plants need to be pruned. Transplanting is almost a thing of the past. Weeding. Feeding. Watering, if you're allowed to do so. They're all part of the change of the seasons. Here are your most critical tasks for the next several weeks.

Winter didn't skip our Native Son's neck of the woods this week. In fact, it brought a guest named Murphy. Read Steven Chamblee's account of the craziness here.

Who doesn't love candytuft?! Jenny Wegley tells readers this month about a variety called Iberis sempervirens 'Purity'. Read her article here.

I told my wife this past Monday, "It's cold weather like this that makes me love my greenhouse." I posted several photos of my greenhouse as it looks this week (before everything goes out for the summer), and we put it on Facebook. While there's a chance you saw it there, in case you didn't, I'm going to include it here, too. Click to open the door.

When tree roots cause problems with a driveway, sidewalk or home foundation, the solution may be excavation of the area and installation of a root barrier. Our tree expert, Steve Houser of Arborilogical Services, takes time this month to help readers understand the process.

Texas is ready to leap into spring. This month marks the start of a season of festivals, plant sales and much more across the state. Click to see the March calendar.

Neil's Facebook community grew past 34,000 this past weekend. It's a great group of plant people helping one another. Neil posts Garden Tips almost daily, and it's where you'll meet the "behind-the-scenes" Neil and his family as well. Even if you're not a Facebook fanatic, you'll enjoy Neil's page. Join the excitement!

The March/April 2015 issue of Neil Sperry's GARDENS magazine features helpful articles about everything from big tomatoes to heirloom crinums. For our e-gardens readers we offer a recent article about wallflowers by Mary Wilhite.

This month Mike Shoup of the Antique Rose Emporium takes a look at 'Climbing Souvenir de la Malmaison', a beautiful old rose with a story that goes back to Empress Josephine of France and her famed country estate. Click here to read his article.

This month's special pets are Buddy, Lilly, Rocko and Emmie! They are deserving animals waiting patiently at DFW Metroplex SPCA shelters for loving new families. Read their stories here, then pay them a visit!

If you enjoy e-gardens, it's highly likely that someone you know will, too. Please click on forward at the bottom of this e-mail to send us along to as many people as you'd like. Referrals are our most critical means of gaining new subscribers. You'll be their newest hero, and you'll win our undying gratitude, all at the same time.

That's it for this issue of e-gardens, but we'll be back at this same time next month. I hope you've found our work useful, and I also hope that you'll pass us along to several of your friends.

Until next month, thanks for reading and happy gardening!

Neil Sperry