Advice February wasn't too early to begin thinking "Spring" and "gardening," particularly with the mild winter we had experienced. Some things that could be done were given by Sandra Saunders in the February 2012 issue of The Pioneer Post. 1. Prune fruit and shade trees and shrubs; avoid sensitive woody plants. 2. Cut perennials down, but avoid cold sensitive plants such as Lavender and perennial grasses. 3. Start on the south of your home, move to the east, then west. The north may still be wet and frozen. 4. Do some general clean-up around plants and trees, such as removal of grass that has crept in. 5. For planting new trees/shrubs, make sure soil is workable. Obtain a soil sample kit from the Extension Office on the Fair Grounds. 6 If soil is dry enough and an area is prepared, pansies and some perennials can be planted. 7. When choosing plants, note size, soil and light requirements. The April issue of The Pioneer Post gave more pertinent gardening tips: 1. Clean weeds from flower beds and trim perennials. 2. Trim ornamental grasses as short as possible. 3. Prune roses back to 24 inches, unless leafed out, then prune less aggressively. 4. Prune out dead wood and crossing branches from roses and shrubs. 5. Remove excess mulch from around the base of perennials and shrubs, and work some into the surrounding soil. 6. Fertilize as needed. From the August Pioneer Post. In Weber County, waterways and storm drains flow directly to local streams and rivers with no treatment, and most of these streams flow through our city. Storm water pollution is a serious problem. Some of the most common forms of contamination result from oil and fuel spills, vehicle fluid spills, construction debris, landscape debris, chemicals, solvents, pesticides, herbicides and paint products. Our water is used for irrigation and recreation and these things don't belong there. Some suggestions to help keep our water clean are: 1. Never use the gutter or storm drain to dispose of hazardous waste of any kind. 2. Store toxic products indoors, in a secure shed, or in a storage cabinet. 3. Dispose of household or hazardous material for free at the Weber County Solid Waste Facility. Call 801-399-880 for more information. 4. Do not wash tools and equipment in the street. Wash on grass or areas where the wash water cannot reach the storm drain. 5. Maintain vehicles so that they do not leak fluids. 6. Clean up spills using kitty litter or absorbent material without washing into any drain. 7. Recycle oils at an approved facility. October gardening tips: Prepare your gardens for winter: 1. Cut perennials, except grasses, Lavender and roses. 2. Pull spent annuals. 3. Weed and clean up flower beds and garden areas. 4. Apply new mulch now or in early spring. 5. Apply pre-emergent to edges and perennial beds. 6. Till garden, cut lawn short, compost and fall fertilize. The November issue of The Pioneer Post reminded us that we must start thinking of "Snow Time." Most of us want to have lots of snow in our mountains (we want water next summer), but many do not want too much here on the Wasatch Front. When it does come-and it will-we need to remember how to drive safely in snowy 11