Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is one of our most beautiful native plants. Flowers can be red, yellow, or tangerine, and their bright petals are a favorite of hummingbirds. Good selections include ‘Major Wheeler’ (shown at right), ‘John Clayton,’ and ‘Leo.’ Vines offer great solutions for color, fragrance, and shade in tight spots in the garden. Other good choices for your yard include Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), with sweetly scented, yellow flowers, and crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), which offers blooms in red, tangerine, or yellow. Common trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) has flowers in those same colors. Good choices include ‘Judy’ and ‘Tifton.’ American wisteria (Wisteria frutscens) has purple or white blossoms. Look for these vines at garden centers, or you can purchase them by mail from Woodlanders nursery, www.woodlanders.net or (803) 648-7522, and Niche Gardens, www.nichegardens.com or (919) 967-0078. -GENE B. BUSSELLHERBS

Plant pots of thyme, rosemary, and oregano now so they can get a good start on the season. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed before planting or seeding dill and basil.

EQUINOX

Spring arrives on March 20, but, depending on where you live, that does not necessarily coincide with your last frost date. After a cold winter, a warm day and gentle breeze is all it takes to make you want to plant something. The blooms of petunias, snapdragons, violas, marigolds, nasturtiums, and sweet Williams can handle the cool weather. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, potatoes, and onions will do fine as well. Just wait a little longer for warm days for favorites such as impatiens, caladiums, peppers, and tomatoes. It’s almost time. To learn about the average last frost date in your area, visit www.victoryseeds.com/frost.
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EASY BLOOMS

For long-lasting color indoors-six weeks or more-try moth orchids (Phalaenopsis sp.). When selecting plants, choose those that have just one or two flowers open with lots of buds. Place in bright indirect light. Avoid cold drafts and areas around heating vents. Water once a week, and let plants thoroughly drain.

FERTILIZING

Feed cool-season lawns, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass selections, now while they are still growing rapidly. Use a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 29-3-4.

PRUNING

Shrubs such as quinces, forsythias, spiraeas, and azaleas can be trimmed once they have completed blooming. If you wait until summer to cut back, you will remove next year’s flowers.