The Seasons of the Garden

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Spring has arrived, resplendent in all of its verdant fullness, and the seasonal cornucopia of flower and fragrance overflows. Fat, proud peonies perfume the lambent air, the year's first fresh-picked peas delight the palate, and—as soft night surrenders to day in the battle of the hourswinter's desolate chill is forgotten in the joy of life renewed.

GARDENER'S BOOKSHELF

With the apple trees already past blossoming in many parts of North America, it's time to think ahead to that most refreshing of beverages: cider. And Lew Nichols and E.A. Proulx (the authors of "Tame Wild Apples and Berries" in MOTHER NO. 68, page 110) have just published an exhaustive study of the subject: Sweet and Hard Cider: Making It, Using It, and Enjoying It (available for $9.95—plus $1.00 shipping and handling—from Garden Way, Dept. TMEN, 528 Ferry Road, Charlotte, Vermont 05445). The book covers ev erything from home orchard care to the making of six dif ferent ciders .

POP TO IT!

There's still time (again, in most parts of the country) to tuck some popcorn seeds in an unused corner of the garden . . . and MOTHER has found a merchant who's offering ten different kinds of the explosive kernels! The Crockett Seed Company—which has purchased a mail order seed business formerly owned by that old-time supplier of organic necessities, the Natural Development Company—has varieties ranging from the relatively early Strawberry corn (90 days) and White Hulless type (95 days) to the long-season Tiny Tender Black (120 days). Send $1.00 (postpaid) for each packet (the firm's catalog is free) to Crockett Send Company, Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 237, Metamora, Ohio 43540 . . . and get the popper ready!

INSTANT COMPOST

Though instantaneous decomposition may be a bit down the road yet, we've come across some news (reported by R.M. Carleton in the journal of the American Horticultural Society, Dept. TMEN, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 . . . membership $20) that's pretty exciting. It seems that a new composting system has—in teststransformed shredded matter comprising weeds, citrus peels, tomatoes, mangoes, melons, a slightly decayed whole chicken, several corrugated cartons, and (!) a pair of woolen trousers into garden—ready compost with the consistency of ground. up, moist tobacco in only eight days! The technique, which was invented by a Canadian, Jack Warrington, employs a "bin" made of felted plastic material that provides excellent control of heat, moisture, and air. The required containers, and a special shredding blade for use on rotary mowers, will be marketed some time this year . . . and MOTHER will do her darnedest to rush test results to you.

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