Aww Sandy you were well underway to being able to do gardening before the storm but at least all that snow has disappeared now. My yard was not anywhere near the bare stage before we got the storm but it shouldn't be too long (even though we are supposed to have 2 cm on Saturday) b/c it was 17 Celsius today and really sunny. My sump pump is running non stop so I know the snow is melting. I like the way the trees are situated behind your flowerbed/lawn. Those evergreens should cut down on some of the wicked winds. My place, not many trees and it is a good thing that I do not wear wigs b/c they would surely be blown away. I live in a wind tunnel.