Punxsutawney Phil, prognosticator of spring.

Punxsutawney Phil, harbinger of spring in cold climates, saw his shadow on Groundhog Day. Ugh. I'm ready for spring but guess it will come again this year on March 21, like always. Of course, that doesn't imply warm weather, but I can sure start in the flower beds ridding them of winter debris.

My hellebores have been blooming for three weeks! Right now they are under four inches of snow that fell overnight.

So what's an impatient gardener to do if you live in a cold climate? Browse those catalogs. Tool around the Internet and search out sites featuring enticing plants. Draw plans to revamp a garden. Find those must have plants for that revamped garden. Then order.

Proven Winners has launched a new buddleia for spring 2009, Lo and Behold Blue Chip Buddleia. Lo and Behold promises continuous blooming, a true dwarf with an attractive habit, drought tolerance, deer resistance, and fragrance. What more could a gardener ask for?