As far away as our spring really is, the days rapidly lengthening and our ground is warming.  When we had the florist and nursery together in Old Gateway I would annually plant up the planter-box at the front of the shop for Valentine's Day. (We will have cut flowers and be open the 13th and 14th for V-Day).  It is the beginning of the beginning of spring.  Viola, Primrose, Pansy, Dianthus and Calendula would take the next couple of months of cold and would be huge flourishing masses by May.  

Regarding the lack of moisture, just be aware of the fact that we have had very little and you may need to water much sooner than normal.  Of course we are all hoping for a substantial change in the weather and a great mass of snow for what remains of the ski season and for the essential water reserves.  I really, really, really, hope that we don't have another cold, snowy May-June.

We'll see what comes from the next few days of storms but in all likelihood, we'll be watering the south-facing portions of our demonstration gardens next week.