With the recent onset of spring-like weather, gardening enthusiasts across North Georgia cannot wait to get started pruning, planting, fertilizing and simply soaking up some warm sunshine. The phones have been hopping at the Extension office - spring fever is officially here!

If you fall into this category, numerous gardening and landscaping classes, events and sales are happening in the coming weeks and month. Today's column highlights a number of activities.

Build a rain barrel

If you're looking for ways to save water in the landscape and garden this spring and summer, consider attending one of two upcoming rain barrel workshops. Gainesville Public Utilities and Hall County Extension are offering the workshops on April 7 and May 7.

The cost to attend is $25, which includes a ready-to-use rain barrel that you will assemble at the workshop. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit the Hall County Extension.

Check out the expo

One last gardening event to put on your calendar is the Spring Garden Expo brought to you by the Hall County Master Gardeners and Hall County Extension on April 10 and 11 at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center. The Garden Expo has grown exponentially since it was first held at the Hall County Farmers Market in 2005.

The Garden Expo features nursery and greenhouse growers from across the Southeast, as well as a great lineup of education seminars.

Billy Skaggs is an agricultural agent and Hall County extension coordinator. Phone: 770-531-6988. Fax: 770-531-3994.