It`s not that I don`t like groundhogs; rather I just don`t trust their ability to forecast the onset of spring. So, whom do I trust, you ask?

CROCUSES.

That`s right, Crocuses. That would be those little green shoots that soon yield the first bursts of spring color. There is a row of the buggers along the east edge of our house and another along the west edge of my neighbor`s. About the first of March I keep a close eye on those areas for the first sign of green nudging through the ground. When I see them, I know spring can`t be far behind. That means it`s time to sharpen your mower blade and dig out your rakes and shovels because lawn and garden season is close at hand.

With that in mind, a couple of seasonal reminders for cleaning up your lawn . . .

First, if you`re raking up leaves and other lawn debris, please place it in plastic bags and set if beside your trash dumpster. The Town tries to keep the dumpsters available for "regular" garbage. Also, if you`re pruning shrubs or trees, trim the length of the branches to no more than four feet, tie them together into amanageable bundle and also set them beside the dumpster. Our Public Works Department generally runs the "Brush Truck" on Thursdays and Fridays to pick up material setting beside the dumpsters. Depending upon the volume, it may take a week or so until we get around to collecting the stuff you have put there.

And, if the warm weather has you thinking of watering your grass, please hold off. Experts agree that waiting until May to water your lawn is best. It`s okay though to hand water trees and shrubs.

If you have any questions, please call or stop by Town Hall.

Happy Spring!