The birds are rambunctiously gathering up materials for their nests. This is the time to enjoy the garden. Lets leave the pruning for later when the birds are done breeding for the year. In fire zones brush should be cut by the end of May, but there is no reason to do it earlier when the shrubs are leafing out and blooming. Oh, be sure and check the mulch.  Now is the time to get a good layer of mulch around your plants to protect their roots from the blazing sun which is coming soon.