I gave into a seed catalogue yesterday. It was about time, really, with all the spring-like weather we’ve been facing. I’d been scanning catalogues bit by bit, but the bad graphics usually turn me off, and ones with stock images don’t get a second glance. If they seemingly can’t grow it and photograph it themselves, it is not for me. The catalogues with the by-line disclaimer that says their plants arrive smaller than the competition’s but grow much more quickly go instantly in the recycling. I fell for that one time; fool me once and all.

Plus, I’m only 3 weeks out for starting seeds, not that I’m, ummmm, anxious or anything. Here is the start of what my garden will become:

Heirloom Tomato Garden (a great variety of heirloom seeds), Big Rainbow Striped Tomatoes, German Red Rocambole Garlic, Imperial Star Artichoke, Jade Green and Vernandon Filet Bush Beans, Christmas Lima Pole Beans, Avorio Cardoons, Atomic Red and Yellowstone Carrots, Cheddar Cauliflower, Black Opal Eggplant, Lincoln Leeks, and Brown Mustard Seed

Some might say I went overboard with the tomatoes, but I’m up for my own tomato tasting. Last year I had so much fun with the ‘maters (and I tried something like 12 varieties) that I figured I could out-do myself this year. I have no problem putting up canned veggies for the winter, and love the idea that I know what goes into the making of my sauce.

I’m relishing the idea of making my own mustard, growing leeks to roast with fennel and (hopefully) a little of the garlic that is happily nestled in my winter bed I daydream of limas to savor with a little salt, fresh carrots, steamed carrots, and the harvest of my quite-happy fava beans. Just give me a few months, though, and I’ll be dreaming of the winter’s down time again.