Things to do this week:

* Prune fuchsias. Time to cut back those fuchsias. If you are growing them in hanging baskets, trim branches back to the sides of the pot. With upright kinds planted in the ground, cut back last year’s growth so only two “eyes” (where leaves were attached) remain, to give plants a nearly fresh start.

* Plant perennials. This is one of the best times to plant perennials of all kinds. Many will already be in bloom or will flower almost immediately, and some will flower in summer and fall. Spring flowering kinds include armeria, ajuga, bergenia, campanula, columbine, convolvulus, coral bells, delphinium, dianthus, geranium, geum, lavender, pelargonium and verbena. Summer and fall bloomers include agapanthus, aster, coneflower, coreopsis, daylily, dusty miller, gaillardia, gayfeather, gazania, gerbera, lion’s tail, nicotiana, penstemon, Shasta daisy, thulbaghia and yarrow.

* Turn hydrangeas blue. While most hydrangea start out pink, many can be turned blue by applying aluminum sulfate now, before flowers form. Aluminum sulfate can be found at nurseries.