• Before planting a backyard orchard, map out the site, giving particular attention to air and water drainage. Avoid frost pockets, areas where cold air gathers, or you may be disappointed year after year when flower buds freeze and drop. Good water drainage is also important for good tree growth. If drainage is questionable, drainage tiles or land reformation may be required for productive fruit trees.

• Rejuvenate your liriope by using a lawn mower to cut back the old foliage to a height of 2-3 inches. Avoid mowing too close and damaging the crown of the plant.

• Divide and transplant summer- and fall-blooming perennials, such as astilbe, aster, coral bells, daylilies, phlox and shasta daisies. Perennials perform best in well-drained soil with plenty of humus. Astilbe and hosta will bloom in the shade.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs such as azalea, hydrangea, forsythia, and beauty bush after flowering is completed.

• Boxwood should be pruned by thinning the outer foliage of the plant and cutting back the branches to retain the desired height.

• Nandina is a frequently used shrub. Consider opting for a unique variety such as ‘Harbour Dwarf’ with foliage ranging in height from 18 to 24 inches. It spreads by underground rhizomes, and with its red, winter color and interesting texture, makes an excellent, low-maintenance, ground cover.

• When pruning forsythia, do not shear as you would a hedge. It is best to thin out the old branches as close to the ground as possible. This should be done immediately after blooming.

• Fertilize bulbs upon emergence of foliage with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, using a rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet. Repeat the application after the bulbs have bloomed.