Hibernation seems to be over. I say "seems" because you never know. The calendar may say that March is here, but some winter may still be lurking. This was an extremely mild winter here. We had one very cold night where the temperature neared zero, but that was about it.

Without snow cover and with the above average warm days, our perennials and bulbs have been tricked into emerging earlier than normal. I've had primroses blooming for weeks.

If the weather people predict a sudden cold spell, be sure to go out and cover those plants showing lots of new growth. Anything will help ... old flowerpots upended, etc. If those new buds get frozen, there will be none to replace them on most plants.

Try not to walk on the lawns if possible. They are so wet right now and any traffic on them will compact the soil. They will dry out eventually so try to be patient.

Most of us are getting itchy fingers to get out there and start digging and planting. My favorite way to combat this urge is to give my house plants some special attention.

Many houseplants spend the winter in a semi-dormant state. They pretty much just sit there, no new growth or buds. The stronger sunlight wakes them up and you can give them a much needed boost with a bit of fertilizer. Always mix these at about half the strength recommended on the bottle. Less is always better.

Most houseplants can benefit by being transplanted right now. After removing the plant from its pot, gently take off some of the old soil. If there are lots of roots, the plant is ready for a slightly larger pot. Be sure to use new potting soil to fill in at the bottom and around the edges. Water well and your plant is off and running.

African violets like to be "potbound" so you may not need to repot those. They will, however, appreciate being watered with some fertilizer mixed into the watering can. Be sure to use one with a higher middle number. Keep in a bright window and soon those buds should start forming. Never fertilize a dry plant.

If you've been running a humidifier all winter, continue to do so. Your plants will love it and so will your skin. It's even good for your wood furniture. I run mine until the weather warms to the point where we can turn the furnace off.

The birds appreciate your feeders and will continue to come back for more as long as you keep them full. Remember to take them down and wash them occasionally as they can easily develop mold, especially during rainy weather. This can make for some very sick birds, and may even lead to their deaths.

Lots of people received a miniature rose bush for Valentine's Day. There is only one problem with this ... these are NOT houseplants. Try to keep them going by putting them in front of your sunniest window. Don't let them dry out. In May, go ahead and plant them outdoors where they will live for years.

Primrose plants need the same treatment, with the addition of a cool location if at all possible. Most other gift plants need to be trashed when they stop looking good. Hydrangeas and azaleas from flower shops are not hardy here, so don't waste your time trying to plant them in your yard.

Blooming pots of tulips and daffodils can also be planted outdoors later. Just don't look for bloom next year. These have been "forced" and will need an extra year to build back enough energy to bloom again.

That's about it for this time. Spring is well on its way ... and so is all the work (and enjoyment) that goes with it.

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October.