A STACK OF GARDEN BOOKS

Now that winter is here, we have time to slow down and for me that means pulling out old books and magazines to glean some inspiration.

  I have gone through all the old January Victoria Magazines. I am looking 24/7 for garden tips and ideas and new recipes.  I found a book in my own library on English Gardens produced in l990 by Victoria's Secret (yes, who can believe it???)  The pictures are incredible - like a dream really.

The pictures in this book are dreamy!

I also have a recipe to share for "FIRESIDE COFFEE" from the 1987 addition of Southern Living Recipes:

 FIRESIDE COFFEE

2 Cups of non dairy coffee creamer, 1 1/2 cups of hot cocoa mix, 1 1/2 cups instant coffee granules, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.  Combine all and mix well.  Store in  airtight container - makes 6 1/2 cups     Spoon 2 Tbs and 1 Tsp in a mug - add 1 cup boiling water

Much inspiration can be gleaned from the books about the late gardener, Tasha Tudor

and yes I want foxgloves like this but I have

no goat to make the manure tea she is pouring

on these.

My favorite photo of Tasha is in the book above from 1994.  Tovah Martin wrote the text and said: "The secret garden will one day be dominated by the roses, no doubt.  But for now the foxgloves reign supreme, with a little help from frequent and generous applications of manure tea."

Happy dreaming!