The appearance of seed catalogs, tax forms and robins are sure signs of spring. Another sign that spring is around the corner can be found in the new arrival section of the library: namely new garden and landscape books, home improvement manuals and income tax guides.

Flowers, shrubs, pruning, hardscape and lawns are just a few of the topics covered in these new full-color books: “The Homeowner’s Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook” by Penelope O’Sullivan, “The Wisconsin Lawn Guide” by Melinda Myers, “The Pocket Guide to Hostas” by Diana Grenfell and “The Plant Finder” by Tony Rodd and Geoff Bryant.

“Designing and Renovating Larger Gardens” by Douglas Coltart is full of suggestions for curving a pathway, a garden bed layout according to the positions of the sun and the focal point of a garden space.

Did you know a path with shorter, more frequent curves encourages walkers to move faster along the path than if the curves were longer and shallower? Taking a “short cut” off the path is a sign that the path was laid out incorrectly.

Reed Construction Data has published a fascinating book titled “How Your House Works.” Do-it-yourselfers will love the simple diagrams of what may be perceived as the more complicated devices in your home such as the water softener, a jet pump, traps and vents, a gas warm air furnace or even a dimmer switch. Included with each of the 100-plus devices or systems, author Charlie Wing tells the reader what the trouble signs are and when to call for professional help.

Remember to utilize your library for tax help including forms and instructions, free access to Web sites with a library card as well as book publications to check out from H&R Block, Ernst & Young, the Dummies series and Nolo.

Deen Layland is a La Crosse County Library System staff member at the Holmen Area Library.