As March slips into April, Long Beach Island Garden Club members begin planting on earnest. The club has ideas for local gardeners to get a jump on the project.

First, the key is start slowly. Brush and long grasses are still providing homes for birds and wildlife. And soil needs to be warm to the touch.

“It’s exciting to try collecting dry pods and flower heads,” said Norma Parfitt, club member from Barnegat Light. “If they sprout and grow you will be smitten.