I know I usually restrain myself to one newsletter a week, but I can't resist telling you that the back room has sprouted today. Besides the abundance of local rhubarb and asparagus, we have plantable garlic (the pungent fresh leaves can be used now in cooking or salads), red raspberry plants, and heritage gooseberry plants from a local 18th century farm. While they last, there are also jerusalem artichokes for your garden. Also known as sunchokes, these grow as tall as me with a small sunflower, and the tasty root can be used much like a potato but without the sugar-spiking effect of potatoes. We have a few for eating too.

And if you're thirsty from all the planting, come sample Trudy's latest creation that just arrived today - rhubarb punch. Mixed with water, soda or gingerale it makes a delicious, refreshing summer drink. It comes in concentrate made from fresh Chatsworth rhubarb and we'll be sampling it all weekend at Around the Sound.

Anne