Spring is such an exciting season. We can spend more time outdoors without having to bundle up, and we can see our gardens and lawns coming back to life

While you would never describe me as an avid gardener, I enjoy spending time in my backyard. This year, I want to go out there, take a good look around and start planning some projects. I know just where to look for ideas and advice, too — I’ll come to the library.

Cumberland County Public Library’s collection features many books on the topic of gardening.

“The Beginner’s Illustrated Guide to Gardening,” by Katie Elzer-Peters, covers everything from navigating a garden center to pruning trees to caring for your lawnmower. The many photos in Jane Simmons and Megan Douglass’ “Beginner Gardening Step by Step: A Visual Guide to Yard and Garden Basics” will help you stay on track and confident while working on your projects.

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“The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden: 326 Fast, Easy, Affordable Ways to Transform Your Yard One Project at a Time,” by Sally Roth, divides your yard into unique areas and gives you bite-size projects to help you see the big picture without feeling overwhelmed. Roth explains how to select the best plants for different areas of the garden and how to save money while creating a beautiful yard.

If you’re thinking of reducing your grocery bill by growing your own vegetables, check out “Growveg: The Beginner’s Guide to Easy Vegetable Gardening,” by Benedict Vanheems. (Are you noticing a pattern in the titles of these books?) It has loads of pictures and easy-to-follow instructions for inexperienced gardeners. Marie Ianotti’s “The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Heirloom Vegetables: The 100 Easiest-to-Grow, Tastiest Vegetables for Your Garden” covers garden crops from artichokes to winter squash.

As its name implies, “North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook” was written specifically for our state. Produced by N.C. State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, this book has loads of information to help both beginning and advanced gardeners make the most of their gardens. By the way, you can get in-person advice for your gardening at the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension office. Call 910-321-6860 or visit an extension agent at 301 E. Mountain Drive, Fayetteville. Extension also offers a wide variety of seminars and classes for residents.

Cumberland County Public Library has lots more titles, so if you want some help discovering just how green your thumb can be, visit any of our eight locations, call us at 910-483-7727 or visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/library.

Nora Armstrong is the division manager for community engagement with the Cumberland County Public Library.