Winter Coverings

• As temperatures move above freezing, remove mulches, pine boughs and any other materials that have been laid in the garden to protect the perennials from the harsh winter. The perennials will start growing beneath the coverings and need sunlight and exposure to cool temperatures.
  
  

Timing

• Allow the garden soil to dry before starting to work the garden to prevent soil compaction that will impede root growth.
  
  

Debris

• Remove any dead plant matter and garden debris from the area as it could contain insect pests and debris.
  
  

Plants

• Cut back the perennials to the ground to expose the new growth to the sunlight.
  
  

Weeds

• Pull the weeds from the garden so that they don't compete with the perennials for space and nutrients.