- Fertilize cutback shrubs (hydrangeas, butterfly bush, smoke tree, etc) with a slow-release organic fertilizer to jump-start growth and later bloom
- Stake peonies early
- Scratch in Pro Holly around broadleaf evergreens that are young or have off-color after winter
- Fertilize blueberries and raspberries to encourage fruit production
- Divide fall blooming perennials
- Transplant perennials before they get too tall to handle easily; if this point has passed, cut them back as they will regenerate quickly
- Edit spreading perennials that tend to run into other plants, such as bee balm, mountain mint, and coreopsis
- Edit out non-blooming bulbs and make notes about fall ordering and replanting
- Plant almost anything now, waiting to plant annuals and heat-loving vegetables after threat of frost abates in mid-month
- Hold off on planting tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, beans, cucumbers, and squashes until the last week of May or first week of June when night temperatures will be warmer
- Edge beds to keep grass from creeping in and to create broad, smooth curves
- Mulch garden beds with a natural mulch (no dyed products, please) to retain moisture and suppress weeds