Spring Spruce Up

Spring is a great time to get out in the yard, and get things spruced up for summer. Here are a few things I like to do in our Bay Area yard.

Get out the pruning shears, and cut back some unruly growth. These sharp shears are especially useful on the small maples and rhododendron bushes. They are light weight and easy to use.

Pruning unruly growth

Go on “oak patrol.” The uneaten acorns stashed by squirrels in the fall start to sprout, and some of sprouts I’ve missed in previous years really start to take hold. I love the mighty oak tree in our front yard, but multiple oaks are just not sustainable in our tiny yard.

Oak patrol to remove acorn sprouts

Add organic material to the soil, replenish the raised bed with organic material, and maintain the drip system. Every year I am optimistic about planting a small vegetable garden, even though the neighborhood deer are the ones to benefit.

Add organic material and check the drip irrigation system

With the yard spruced up, it is time to fire up the charcoal grill. I have a few new grilled vegetables recipes to try, and might even try using the pizza stone (although I hear it is difficult to keep the heat up using charcoal).