Tasha Tudor's Garden

I especially like reading about the early thaw in April when the roads are to muddy for even the UPS to get to her house to deliver the vast amounts of seeds and bulbs she has ordered. And it was so nice to see that Ms Tutor loves bulbs to the excess like the rest of us.

The pieces on her vegetables and fruits harvested and either cooked or canned made me smile as well as reminded me of what I loved about my childhood and why as old fashioned as it sounds still love to do. Cooking, baking, canning are things I find fun and not at all boring or a chore.

Reading about her chicks and chickens and the decades she has kept birds was wonderful and another reminder of the joys of being self sufficient. And reading of her green house which in winter keeps her vase full of blooms (page 32) reminded me of why it is worth the expense of having even a small warm spot to grow flowers in the winter.

But it is the writings and art of the crocuses that I keep coming back to see and read about. Unless you have awoken on a chilly spring day and seen the first crocus peaking out of the earth, you just cant image the joy and the sense of hopefulness this is. And I appreciated her suggestions on what type primroses to buy. And the photo on page 42 of the many stacked clay pots reminded me of how simple items can become art within our environments. And on page 62 I was happy to see that Forget Me Nots go well with the pale Johhny Jump Ups. Had never seen the combination before but will now try it.

Oh and the sweet peas, which were my Dads favorite and always planted in February during Presidents week. And her wood burning cook stove looks just like my neighbors, and what we want in the future, with a gas supply backup.

This is simply one of those books that if you love cottage or homestead gardening must own. It wont sit on your shelf but will be on you bedside table, computer desk or next to your favorite reading area, since you cant resist picking it up to enjoy over and over.