Despite an April 1 dumping of heavy, wet snow, we hardy Mainers know that spring is here. No matter what the calendar says, the first sign of spring for me is hearing the peepers. Not long after I hear the first serenade, I notice the pussy willows in the front yard and the crocuses popping up everywhere. As wonderful as all this is, the reality of spring in Maine – for me at least – is a backyard that looks more like a war zone than the inviting oasis described in Linda Hersey’s outdoor story on page 10.

We had 22 trees taken down last fall. The vanishing snow has revealed a mass of stumps of all shapes and sizes, a huge ash pile from burning most of the brush, and huge trenches of mud where the heavy equipment drove through. For many, the site of my backyard would cause either panic or major depression. However, for me, it’s a blank page, just waiting to be painted. I can’t wait to get out there and start from nothing to build new gardens and walkways, turning the yucky muddy ground into an inviting and beautiful place to be.

I thought John Balentine’s story on Curb Appeal (page 4) offered some great suggestions for sprucing up the outside. It really doesn’t cost much in dollars to spread some mulch and liven up your yard. It does take some time, but it can be time spent outside with your family, dogs, and friends, listening to music, maybe chatting with neighbors – it’s all good.

If you are the type of person who has already started their seedlings inside, then you will really love Taryn Plumb’s story in this issue, “Getting started in the garden” (page 7). Taryn has some great advice from Roger Doiron (who happened to be the guy who advised the Obamas when they were digging their new garden), and Tom Estabrook of Estabrook’s Farm & Greenhouse. Both Roger and Tom offer some great advice for getting your garden started.

I think we’ve covered a lot in this issue, but I’m sure we’ve missed some of your favorite ideas. Don’t hesitate to send them to [email protected]. As you read through the stories in these 20 pages, please take some time to look at all the great ads for products and services that will help make your transition from winter to spring a lot easier. These local businesses are gearing up and getting ready for you, please shop locally and support your neighbors in their business. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the season.

–Lee Hews, Publisher

Lee Hews, The Publisher