Q: Now that we are supposed to stay at home because of coronavirus concerns, what can dedicated (or occasional) gardeners do to fill the time?

A:  Well, the obvious starters are to go outside and attack the weeds that are now emerging with enthusiasm after the rain, trim the ground covers back from the paths, do a spot of pruning, and order seeds and plants online, but it's also an opportunity to reassess your garden. There's time to make a scale drawing of your lot and think about how you would like to change it: a new patio? a storage shed? some raised beds? a run for the dogs? a grape arbor? a native plant/pollinator area? a compost heap? the possibilities are many. After you have decided on your wish list and where you would like the items to be, you now have the time to go around the garden several times a day and make a record of where sun and shade fall at different times, where the wetter and drier spots are, where it's windy, what neigboring eyesores you would like to screen, and so on. This information will be key to making good choices about what and where to build and plant. For some help in creating the garden of your dreams, take a look at the links we have included under "Resources" above.