THE VILLAGE VOICE

"The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth fruit." ~ Sir Thomas Malory ~ Sweet Woodruff ________ Gardener's note : Fragrant sweet woodruff , a low-growing perennial herb, is an ideal woodland or shade tolerant ground cover. Its sweet smell intensifies as the plant dries ... perfect for strewing throughout the house as a room freshener. When in bloom, like the Germans, greet the season and rejoice ... it's time for May wine! ________ MAY WINE ~ Once tasted, this simple pleasure will surely become a haunting spring ritual 2 bottles good Rhine or Moselle wine (Riesling) a handful of sweet woodruff sprigs fresh strawberries & sweet woodruff flowers for garnish _ Rinse woodruff sprigs, and stuff into uncorked wine. Allow to steep several hours in refrigerator. Strain into wine glass & garnish with a fresh strawberry and pinched top of blooming sweet woodruff . ________________________ MAY WINE CHAMPAGNE PUNCH 1 ...

Gardener's note: Fragrant sweet woodruff , a low-growing perennial herb, is an ideal woodland or shade tolerant ground cover. Its sweet smell intensifies as the plant dries ... perfect for strewing throughout the house as a room freshener. When in bloom, like the Germans, greet the season and rejoice ... it's time for May wine! ~ Sweet woodruff ( Galium odoratum ) _____________________________ MAY WINE ~ Once tasted, this simple pleasure will surely become a haunting spring ritual * 2 bottles Rhine or Moselle wine * a handful of sweet woodruff sprigs fresh strawberries & sweet woodruff flowers for garnish Rinse woodruff sprigs, and stuff into uncorked wine. Allow to steep several hours in refrigerator. Strain into wine glass & garnish with a fresh strawberry and pinched top of blooming sweet woodruff . ________________________ MAY WINE CHAMPAGNE PUNCH 1 gallon good German wine * handful of sweet woodruff sprigs 1-2 pints fresh strawberries 4 Tbsp. sugar champ...