Read by Matilda Longbottom

 

April is the month when the garden finally begins to feel alive again. After months of watching snow fall, wind howl, and bare branches quietly stand against gray skies, April arrives with a sense of motion. The ground softens. Rain replaces snow. The air smells different—earthy, damp, and full of promise. For gardeners, April feels like the true beginning of the season.

At GreenPrints, we are embracing the welcome of Spring, saying hello to morning robins, and working on our garden beds. If you are interested in food gardening, check out How to Be a Happy Food Gardener by Don Nicholas. He shares some of the lessons he has learned as a food gardener. Amanda MacArthur has us Sprouting Herb Garden Smiles. Have you ever planted herbs without labeling them and then had to start a gardening guessing game? It can’t just be me!

Diana Wells graces us with the touching story Hummingbirds and Teatime. I cannot wait to sit at my window and watch the hummingbirds flit from flower to flower. Breaking Ground by Pat Stone is all about the struggle and humor of getting ready for the planting season. Don’t forget that we still get some cool nights. Mike McGrath shares a hilarious story of one of his attempts to stave off frost in Grilled Peaches. And Becky Rupp is so sweet and insightful in Volume E. What would you have in your volume?

Our Stories from the Garden this month are a wonderful tribute to Spring and the gardening season ahead of us. Scott Russell Sanders touches on the joy and benefits of composting in Wandering in Place. See the joy of gardening through a child’s eyes in Dandelion Wishes by Faiza Api. After all, there can be joy in anything in life—including dandelions. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Icky in the Garden by David Hull. Have you ever adopted random animals? I have a bunny who has taken up residence under my deck and really enjoys lettuce.

If you’re anything like me, you’re a proud foodie who finds peace in the garden, excitement in the harvest, and real joy in bringing fresh food to the table for family and friends. That’s exactly why I was so eager to explore our guidebook, Vegetable Gardening in America. It’s far more than a simple how-to manual—it’s a rich and engaging look at how vegetable gardening has taken root across the country. From the agricultural wisdom of Native American traditions to the creativity of today’s urban and community gardening movements, the book celebrates the people, stories, and innovations that continue to shape how Americans grow their food.

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with Germany’s rich food traditions—from cozy taverns and bustling markets to charming villages where time-honored recipes are still prepared with care. Along the way, I’ve discovered unforgettable dishes that celebrate both comfort and craftsmanship: crisp pork schnitzel, tangy German potato salad, tender white asparagus, savory sauerkraut, and even the occasional slice of indulgent German chocolate cake. In this collection, I’m excited to share some of my favorite recipes and the stories behind them—dishes that capture the warmth, heritage, and vibrant flavors of Germany. Whether you’re an experienced cook or simply curious about trying something new, I hope these recipes bring a little taste of Germany to your kitchen and inspire you to gather around the table, raise a glass, and celebrate the joy of good food and good company.

While the garden may still look a little bare compared to the abundance of Summer, April holds a special kind of magic. It’s the moment when possibility feels endless. Every seed packet is a promise. Every empty bed is an opportunity. The growing season has begun.

Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
GreenPrints

P.S. Please email Christy Page with your feedback. We look forward to hearing from you. Or just post your comments about this issue below, to share with the entire GreenPrints community.