THE VILLAGE VOICE

"In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them." ~ Aldo Leopold WAVE PETUNIAS ROCK GARDEN WONDERS STREPTOCARPUS BLUE WONDERS GERBERA DAISY IN THE ROSE GARDEN CHOCOLATE COSMOS JOHNSON'S BLUE GERANIUM EVENING PRIMROSE ( Oenothera) - ASTILBE HYDRANGEA (ANNABELLA - MACROPHYLLA) ASTILBE KOUSA DOGWOOD JAPANESE PAINTED FERN - HOSTA

"Garden making is creative work, just as much as painting or writing a poem. It is a personal expression of self, and individual conception of beauty. I should as soon think of asking a secretary to write my book, or the cook to assist in a water color painting, as to permit a gardener to plant or dig among my flowers." ~ Hannah Rion (The Greatest Gift of a Garden) "Gardener's work with an ever-receding ideal of perfection: no sooner is something growing well than they see how to place it better or give it a better neighbour. To other's eyes, all may look as well as could be expected, but a good gardener's eye sees more to be improved." ~ Robin Lane Fox

Note: Since orchid seeds are like specks of dust taking years before roots or shoots develop, all orchids are protected by conservation laws in Michigan. ~ Trillium, coleus, fern, sweet woodruff , Solomon's seal, astilbe , lungwart , wood anemone, bloodroot , wild geranium, Jack in the pulpit, celandine poppy, turtlehead , bleeding heart, lady's slipper _______________________ SAVORY BREAD PUDDING with SPRING HERBS ~ This delicious luncheon or light supper dish is perfect with a fresh green salad (adapted recipe compliments of Popovers to Panache ) __________________ 12-16 slices dry French or Italian bread 2 1/2 -3 cups milk 1 pound trimmed and diagonally cut asparagus 5 organic eggs 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup chopped mixed herbs (chives, rosemary, parsley, marjoram, thyme or sage) 4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese 4 oz. shredded fontina cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese 2 Tbsp. butter (cut in very small pieces) Place bread in single...