At our house, the start of spring is a Big Deal.

It's that magical season when on one particular day, you open to door to find the air infused with a deliciously fresh, sweet scent. The garden's potential seems boundless, and anything and everything seems possible.

Readers seem equally eager to jump back into their gardens. Today's question shows a desire to maximize space, remain ecologically thoughtful and make the most use of both time and money. All are worthy goals worth celebrating. Happy spring, everyone!

March Q&A

Question: "I don't really consider myself gardener, but I'm starting to understand that the benefits of a nice landscape are about more than good looks. How do people create outdoor spaces that are not just visually appealing, but are faithful to the tenants of good stewardship?"

Answer: Kudos to you for thinking more globally. Raising awareness starts at home, and all of us benefit when even one individual starts to reconsider how best to enhance the green spaces around their home, office or favorite wild area.

The folks at the nonprofit group Project EverGreen (www.projectevergreen.com) are hoping to connect with folks just like you. Their mission - "to preserve and enhance green space in our communities for today and future generations" - is all about inspiring people to get passionate about the positive effects of thoughtfully maintained green spaces. The association partners with Habitat for Humanity, and also started a program called GreenCare for Troops, which provides lawn and landscape maintenance for families of armed forces personnel whose major breadwinner is serving in the Middle East.

Taking care of your landscape doesn't need to be hard, and the rewards are numerous on both a personal and community level. Here are some tips, courtesy of Project EverGreen, to maximize your green space:

n If you have a lawn, take care of it: This may seem an obvious piece of advice, but lawns are often overlooked. Sod plays a major role in protecting groundwater by reducing runoff which, in turn, prevents soil erosion, helps to maintain soil permeability and conserves water. From an esthetic viewpoint, lawns extend overall outdoor living space and, for many families, become an enjoyable private oasis.

n Choose flowers and plants that suit your area's climate: It's that familiar refrain: "right plant, right place." Look for species and cultivars that thrive in our modified Mediterranean climate. Local nurseries, extension service brochures, regional services like Great Plant Picks (www.great

plantpicks.org), native plant societies, books and magazines geared to our west-of-the-Cascades geography are all terrific sources of information. Successful plant choices ensure a healthy garden that is both lovely and easier to maintain as time passes.

n Prune, prune, prune: Done correctly, pruning can extend the live and beauty of just about every tree, shrub and perennial in your garden. A properly pruned plant produces more blooms, while judicious pruning can rejuvenate older shrubs, perennials and vines. Of course, properly pruned shrubs, flowers and trees not only make your green space more attractive, but also provide critter habitat that can enhance your site's natural beauty.

n Create a compost pile: Who knew those old coffee grounds, filters and dryer lint could be the golden ticket to creating a beautiful green space?! Such materials, when combined with yard clippings, wood chips and leaves, can regenerate even hard clay soil. As compost breaks down, it creates a nutrient-filled material called humus that helps all soil types effectively filter moisture. Compost enriches the soil, helps guard against many pests and plant diseases, and helps the environment by cutting back on landfill waste.

n Plant a tree: Perhaps the most simply and effective way to improve any green space. In new-construction areas, trees immediately help to lower cooling costs and filter pollutants. There can be a double-digit difference between a rooftop baking under the summer sun, and a similar roof next door that's shaded by a tree.

By using trees to modify temperatures, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced.

* Use least-toxic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers: This final recommendation is mine - we need to protect ourselves, our landscapes and our planet from the environmental hazards associated with over-exposure to, and overuse of, chemical toxins. I'm not saying all chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are necessarily evil. But it's certainly worthwhile to consider alternatives whenever possible. Check out the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) for a wealth of information and links to other useful sites (www.pesticide.org).