It's that time of year, and I'm already thinking about seeds. I treat my seed catalogue like the best little magazine you'll ever find on the rack.
The whole process of gardening is a labour of love. From purchasing the seeds to preparation of the soil, to nurturing tiny shoots and grappling with beatles, slugs, or pesky rodents, does not deter the heart of a gardener as we triumphantly emerge with our bouquet of salad greens or bowl of fresh strawberries.
Similarily, I've watched our Chef prepare a soup or gravy with the care and attention that only a gardener would comprehend. He hoards vegetable skins and tops as though they were precious jewels. When it's time to put it all together, there's a flurry of activity and the creation is coddled, tasted and reviewed for approval. Making things from scratch does remind me of gardening. It's that same loving process, not to be hurried or rushed, or treated like a drive through window. The end result is the same. It's REAL, and it does taste different.
