When I woke up Monday morning, a huge maple branch had fallen into one of our largest rhododendrons.

The damage isn't too bad, but I haven't had a chance to check it out too closely as yet. I have to get outside soon and look for more storm damage. It has been a rough winter on the landscape with at least three bad ice/heavy snow storms breaking branches.

In addition to checking the landscape, I need to get out and cut fallen branches into firewood before the real gardening season gets going.

And I am really itching to get into gardening. So much so that in this coming Sunday's column I warn readers (which is really just a way of warning myself) not to rush in too start your seedlings. Except for onions, leeks and celery, it is still way too early to start anything.

Last Sunday's column was a rundown on some of Allan Armitage's favorite perennials in the landscape.

I won't be blogging for awhile because I am taking a little vacation. I will be back in time for the Portland Flower Show, which runs March 11 through 15.
The plans are to have me report on the show March 12 after attending the preview party March 11 and blogging from the show March 11-13. Nancy and I are scheduled to be at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden booth from 2-5 p.m. March 15, so if you are at the show at that time, drop by and say hi.

I am really looking forward to the show, It's the only one this side of Providence, R.I., and should be great.

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