I am especially indebted to J. L. Hudson, Seedsman, whose annual ethnobotanical catalogue sows a wealth of inspiration, as well as to Michael Pollan, whose article “Playing God in the Garden” in the
New York Times
planted the particular idea that germinated into these pages.
Thanks to Molly Friedrich for her sustaining faith in the seed of this book. Thanks to Susan Petersen Kennedy for casting her light upon it and causing it to grow. Thanks to Karen Murphy for her careful weeding and pruning. And special, heartfelt thanks to Carole DeSanti. A few words at the back of a book can never express how deeply I appreciate her skill as an editor, her insight as a colleague, and her generosity as a friend. Without her, there would be far less joy in these acts of cultivation.
Thanks to all my friends who read early drafts and offered invaluable critique, and in particular to Marina Zurkow for being near and dear. Thanks to my parents for loving and supporting me and for being in every way different from the parents I invented for this story. And finally, thanks to Oliver Kellhammer for exemplifying the extreme patience and love required of a gardener and a husband.
Thanks to all who save and plant. May your gardens grow.