Despite the relative mildness of this past winter, warm breezes and rising temperatures bring up a little Spring fever in all of us. You can’t help but smile when you see fresh green shoots pushing up through the soil; the greening holds such promise of bright flowers nodding in the summer sun.

Since everyone is itching to be outside anyway, why not make this month’s Field Trip a gardening experience? Head over to your local nursery and pick up some inexpensive bulbs: lilies are crowd pleasers. There are many varieties that are easy to plant and require no special tools other than an old digging spoon or hand shovel. The Asian varieties come in many fanciful colors and sizes; day lilies are traditional favorites. Find a sheltered spot near your front door or a place where you can mark the growth process to make a flower bed. Divide the tasks so everyone is involved and plant the bulbs.

Even if you live an apartment or condo, you can still plant some warm weather cheer. Ask the landlord for permission or purchase a window box and plant your bulbs in it.

Gardening holds many learning opportunities about nature, the growth cycle, the seasons, and the necessities for raising a plant. Moreover, your family will be contributing to the beautification of your neighborhood. This is a perfect opportunity to spread a little good cheer with everyone who will see the bright heads of the lilies nodding in the sun. The bonus is that if left undisturbed, the bulbs will continue to bloom year after year!

As a really nice gesture, plant some bulbs outside the window of a homebound or elderly neighbor (with their permission of course). That way, they too can enjoy the bounty of Spring…and caring neighbors.