You may not have said those exact words, but I’m pretty sure all of us in Alabama are sick of this cold weather. Fear not. Spring is on the way, however unlikely that seems when it was 37 degrees last night. But spring is on the way. I promise.

My husband and I went for a drive around Pell City and were amazed at the flowers already in bloom. You and I may think it’s still winter, but the perennials from last year would argue with you. My lilies are blooming in the garden area out back, and the beautiful knockout rose bushes are beginning to show a bloom here and there.

If you weren’t willing to brave the cold temperatures and take a chance on losing your flowers, take heart. It looks like the winter weather is gone for good (and it’s about time!). Since the temperatures have warmed up a bit, you might want to check out the plants that are available. And you don’t have to go any farther than our own Pell City.

The Wal-Mart Super Center has a large variety of both annuals and perennials. They all looked beautiful and healthy when we went by there, and the prices were reasonable. Wal-Mart also has gardening soil with Miracle-Gro, various kinds of mulch, and fertilizer.

Our second stop was at Home Depot, where we also found some flowers and plants in great condition and reasonably priced. Although they didn’t have quite as many plants as Wal-Mart, they had every tool you could possibly need and then some.  

While you’re out shopping, don’t forget to go by our “small town” businesses, like Hazelwood’s Nursery. While I love saving money at the chain stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, I also love the down-home welcome I always receive from the knowledgeable staff at Hazelwood Nursery.

My mother could plant and grow anything. I’m half convinced she could have planted cotton balls and grown cotton. Unfortunately, she didn’t pass that gene on to me. I’m “all thumbs” when it comes to gardening, and not one of those thumbs is green. So, I especially appreciate the time Mr. Hazelwood has spent patiently explaining simple things to me (and without laughing).

Another place you’ll want to stop is the Pink Store. No, that’s not a mistake. Not only do they have a wide variety of gardening tools, but they will also custom make a swing or bench. And the cost of the swing they made for us was half of what we found anywhere else.

So, gas up the car and go shopping. If you need inspiration, drive through the back streets of our wonderful Pell City. You’ll find plenty of ideas in the beautiful yards you pass. When you have your trunk full of plants, break out the tools and gloves and get busy. You’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget the sunscreen!