Seed Catalogs Promise Hope

The weather outside may be cold and snowy but nothing gives a gardener more of a sense of hope and anticipation in the middle of winter like those beautiful,  glossy seed catalogs arriving in the mailbox. I have received my first seed catalog from Burpee. Looking through the catalog,  I am reminded that spring can’t be too far off. What a wonderful way to escape the winter doldrums and  plan for this season’s garden!

Last year I ordered a package of basil seeds from the seed catalog along with lavender and lupines. I grew them inside in peat pots and then later transplanted them to larger pots outside on my deck and then up to the garden at the mountain house. I had really good luck growing basil. Its highly fragrant leaves are used as a seasoning herb for a variety of foods but  but I love to make tomato basil pie.