SForsythia, magnolia, plums, Japanese rose (Kerria japonica) and many other shrubs and trees have joined the trillium, bulbs and ferns in celebrating spring. Bees are buzzing and Anna’s hummerbirds are fattening up after a cold, wet winter.

Observant gardeners notice the march of spring and the various plants and critters that follow increasing sunlight and warming temperatures.

Of course, not-so-welcome plants and critters are part of the scene, too. Slugs are the most notorious bad guys in spring gardens.

With hostas already expanding in favorable locations don’t waste time getting your slug program underway. Whether using baits (poisonous and not as poisonous), beer traps or nightly perimeter patrols, baby slugs are hatching and adults that survived the big freezes are everywhere - and they’re ravenously hungry.

Unwelcome plants in the area include one that grows so fast you can practically see it take over the garden. The white trumpet flowers are quickly identifiable as a member of the morning glory family.

Not so sweet as those much loved decorative annuals, field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a perennial and one of the most difficult invaders to control. Winding around the stems of shrubs and trees, it will bury them if left alone.

Successful control of field bindweed requires a long-term management program. A herbicide applied once will never eliminate established stands. Several treatments over the growing season are required to control and keep it suppressed.

Because of long seed viability and tremendous food reserves stored in the roots, repeated chemical and/or mechanical control measures must be used.

This is one of those times when chemical control is the preferred method. Constant pulling will eventually weaken established plants, but you may not live long enough!

For best control, herbicides should be applied when field bindweed is actively growing and stems are at least 12 inches long. Apply full strength RoundUp with a small brush or pinpoint applicator, like those squeeze-bottles from a hair color kit.

Apply directly to leaves and broken stems and roots - DO NOT get the chemical on desirable plants. Schedule this regiment monthly and keep at it.

It’s a good time to shop for early spring blooming trees and shrubs while in bloom. One of the oldest of the flowering plants, magnolias now come in range of colors from crystal white through luscious pinks into deep purple, plus breakthrough yellows.

The seven different magnolias in the Lazy Garden demonstrate a variety of growth habits - some are large shrubs, others small trees.

The widely grown saucer magnolia tends to grow too broad for the typical urban garden. Fortunately, there are a number of good choices available for the smaller lot.

‘Leonard Messel’ is a mid pink star-flowered variety, growing as a small tree to more than 15 feet. For true magnolia fragrance, choose a white star magnolia like ‘Royal Star.’

Blooming like a flock of mini-snow geese, Magnolia stellata varieties are twiggy and slow growing to 10 feet or so.

‘Galaxy,’ with deep pink flowers up to 10 inches wide, is tall but narrow in shape making it a good focal point for smaller spaces.

For the deepest purple color found in magnolias, check out M. liliflora. A unique species blooming later than the saucer types, the flowers are more tulip-shaped and have the distinct scent of citrus.

The dark flowers tend to burn in the sun, so afternoon shade is a good location.

Take the opportunity to check out public gardens around town to see how plants grow and perform in a variety of settings.

We all know the Washington Park Arboretum near the UW is a great classroom, as well as a relaxing day trip.

Nearby, but less expected, places to study mature plantings include the Carl English Jr. Botanical Garden at the Ballard Locks, the Seattle Center grounds, Parsons Garden (a former family garden located at Seventh Avenue West and West Highland on Queen Anne’s south slope), and the Woodland Park Zoo.

After checking plants out for FREE, free up a bank card and make a trip to a great local nursery, like Swanson’s. They carry only the best and that’s what’s needed in a smaller space. Every item is viewed up close and personal so they each have to be the best.

Choose carefully, locate with vision, plant in the right location, and give them the proper care. Then invite folks over to share - invite the Lazy Gardener!

E-mail inquiries and suggestions to lazy.gardener@comcast.net