State of the garden

Spring really is here; suddenly there are tiny leaves showing right at soil level that weren't there just a couple of days ago. The daphne is blooming; the crocus seem to have suffered gopher depredation but are blooming. The new hyacinths have their noses poked up but for some reason the older ones are not. Every few days I plant some more sees; so far, the Brilliant Oriental poppies are up, as are the Firefly heucheras but they do not have true leaves yet. Two artichokes are up and each have one true leaf. One vining asparagus is up. But nothing else is germinating. I'm really eager to do more, but Tim doesn't want millions of plants going in and out every morning and evening. I'm not sure what the problem is since I'm the one who normally deals with that.

There are finally tiny buds on the Amur maple that I figured only had a 50% chance; it was growing in the rocks at a client's house, with it's roots hopelessly entangled in the weed fabric. I did a lot of damage to the roots getting it out and really didn't cut it back. But at least part of it survived... the variegated meadowsweet is showing life to day, too. Still nothing from the agastaches or some others; a couple of really hardy salvias have vanished! We seem to have bought about 8 new primroses; gorgeous colors. They live out on the porch and are thriving there.

Did some raking of leaves and cutting back of dead stuff today; my back is telling me about it now. I am *so* not ready to start working! It's going to be a painful couple of weeks getting into the rhythm of gardening again.

The Plant Lover's Guide to Primulas, by Jodie Mitchell and Lynn Lawson. Timber Press, 2016

This book is pure eye candy for gardeners. It contains a huge number of photographs of both primulas close up and garden and wild settings. It lists a huge number of both species and varieties of primula, in every color you can imagine, including true blue. They include what type of growing conditions the plants want (some can be in very moist areas; others need well draining soil) and what plant companions they do well with. The only  problem with a lot of these plants is that they are only available from the author's nursery in France; they do ship to the USA but of course you have to pay for a phytosan certificate.

The authors have been growing primulas from both seed and divisions for years; they are the caretakers of the famous Barnhaven strains that include doubles, hose in hose, laced,  and other delights. So they know what they are doing with primulas and can give the best advice. This would make a great gift for the gardener on your list.

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Taste of Beirut, by Joumana Accad. Health Communications, Inc., 2014

This cookbook is incredibly thorough. Lebanese cooking uses a number of ingredients and techniques that are not commonly used in American kitchens, but Accad demystifies

them all, making them do-able fast enough to suit today’s busy life style.

After introducing all the new ingredients, the author starts by showing how to make ahead many of the staples of the Lebanese kitchen: garlic paste, citrus-tahini sauce, bread doughs, meat stuffings, and other sauces. These things can be frozen and pulled from the fridge as needed. From there she launches into regular cookbook format; breads, soups, salads, dips, main courses, sides, and desserts. While I have not yet had a chance to make any of the recipes, I have read through many of them and found them easy to follow and delicious sounding. I really can’t wait to try some of them!




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