by  Emily Cates

As I type this article, the first real snowfall of the season gently and gracefully descends from the sky to my yard. I look out the window, captivated. It’s hard to be inspired to work in the garden when it’s snowing. However, there is a different – and some say as exciting – way to get your green thumb fix, all in the comfort and convenience of a cozy armchair. If snuggling up to a seed catalog comes to mind, then we’re on the same page. What other publications evoke such passion and nostalgia?

Our mailboxes and the cyber world are filled with all kinds of catalogs this time of year, begging for our attention. The glossies have their impossibly perfect pictures of flawless specimens, raising our hopes sky high that our gardens will likewise produce such beauties. One catalog offers what seems an unbelievable deal and another has a coupon for a specified amount of “free” merchandise (or shipping) if the cost of your order reaches a certain total. Another catalog claims unmatched quality and another has varieties that are “exclusive.” And yet another catalog is brimming with full-color photos of rare and endangered varieties that are so unusual you would wonder what planet they were from.

So many choices! So much hype! How can a practical-minded gardener keep it simple and affordable, yet remarkable and pleasant? Here are some hints, I hope they help:

First, I should mention that the best seeds are likely the ones you or your friends and neighbors lovingly saved from last year and thoughtfully maintained. However, when purchased seeds from a catalog are desirable, check the reviews for the seed company. Dave’s Garden and other online forums are oftentimes helpful to sift out the “bad seeds.” Also, make sure their offerings will grow in our cold northern climate. (Some companies actually grow their crops in warmer locations, yet market those varieties as being suitable for northern growers.) Usually it is possible to tell if they are a “seedy” enterprise or not, especially when their catalog is honest in its descriptions as opposed to inflated hyperbole. Be realistic! A good rule of thumb is to order from a catalog where the seeds were grown in Maine or another location similar to ours. I have always had good results doing business with Maine companies such as Fedco, Johnny?s and Pinetree. Give these guys a try; each is a unique, high-quality seed company that has never disappointed me. All of them offer valuable heirlooms for small gardens as well as worthy commercial varieties for markets. Look for early bird specials, consider group ordering possibilities, and save on shipping by picking up your order whenever practical.

If you are looking for something truly unique that cannot be found anywhere else, read the descriptions carefully. Pay attention to the days to maturity and growing zones. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company in the Ozarks and Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa are both seed companies I would highly recommend for rare and heirloom varieties. Also check out the Seed Savers Exchange and Territorial Seed Co. if you are interested in something different.

Happy seed-searching!

by Debbie Walker

Here we are again folks! Happy New Year! Now you must do your resolutions and make some unrealistic promises to yourself. I read the column Roland [The Town Line’s managing editor] wrote for New Year’s; I was very pleased. I enjoy his writing anyway but I found his suggestions for resolutions to be of the helpful kind! They aren’t the typical ones of losing weight, quit smoking, quit drinking, etc.

I don’t tend to take this custom seriously. By now you have noticed that I don’t think in terms of “politically correct” anything.

Last year I read somewhere that a man had chosen a New Year’s Resolution he thought he had a good chance of keeping. His resolution was to break any resolutions he chose.

Yup, he figured it was better than a good chance he could break his resolutions. I loved it! But let’s stay with this subject a little bit.

Today I heard the first of what will be many to come; the commercials telling us we must improve ourselves. This one was a weight loss program. So I am sure you have heard that we are all supposed to be walking around skinny, oh and don’t forget the exercise programs we need to keep our body in shape! Sounds like you are supposed to work a full time job, an take care of your home and family. Oh yeah, make sure the kids all have extra curricular activities to bring them up well rounded mentally, physically and emotionally. And what else they might learn is who they are is never enough.

I have a new word for you. It is “Stressolutions.” Those are what become of the well-advertised resolutions. I love some of the ones Roland had in his column the issue before Christmas. My favorites were: 1. Be proud of your age. We earned those lines and wrinkles! 2. Get messy. I love that one; remember I work with first graders, not sure who has more fun, them or me! 3. Walk to the beat of your own tuba.

The “Stressolutions” are the ones you feel bad, sad, guilty or angry because you “failed.” I really don’t like the word ‘failed,” if you tried, you did not fail. Often the timing you began the “Stressolutions” with wasn’t workable.

I would like to see a year where we would each feel like we were good enough just the way we are. It would be year where if you have tried you don’t feel that you failed. I am not saying to never learn anything new or change anything. This week I am going to have a tutor to help me with my new phone, tablet and new computer. I need to understand “APPS,” my little niece keeps mentioning APPS. So between the tutor and my niece I am hoping to be able to add to my understanding of these gadgets. It’s really not a pass or fail deal for me.

I would like to see a year when folks could be comfortable with who they are without all the “Stressolutions.”

I’m just curious what you will decide to do about stressolutions. Contact me with questions or comments at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading. Have a healthy and happy New Year.