For many gardeners, the garden actually begins in January when the first seed catalog arrives in the mailbox. While the cold wind howls outside, we retire to a cozy chair and leaf through the catalog, carefully notating which varieties of lettuce and tomatoes to try and wishing we had the space to plant each and every flower so artfully displayed on its pages. But have you ever wondered where your great-grandparents acquired...

To those of you who have read my whining in these pages about the endless rain, good news! This past week we have had an abundance of sunshine. There have been a few t-storms late in the day, but the bright, warm sun has seemed miraculous. I’m sure than anyone who lives near the northeast appreciates what I am saying. The end of the deluge meant that I could finally get out and play in the dirt a little. And that’s...