Cyberfolk Friendly Guided Web Site Tours

---

My name is Maryann Woodruff. I live in what I fondly call "the wilderness" of really, really Northern California. When I don't have to do other things, (I'm a Transcriber by profession), most of my time is spent in the garden or the kitchen. For gardeners who love to cook, few things are more satisfying than returning to the house with a basket full of fresh herbs to enhance dinner or amass a wonderful bouquet in the kitchen.

Are we surprised? Sunset's site is terrific. The AOL site seems more comprehensive than the Web site, which has the last three issues, but both are great. No more piles of magazines under the coffee table. No more, "Gee, I saw that in there somewhere sometime." It's like having a library of their magazines at your fingertips. The monthly checklists are there, too, which I love, because sometimes I forget to plant bulbs, seeds, etc., when I should.

This is a wonderful little article on growing herbs and vegetables in a small garden. There are nice tips on companion planting and a how-to suggestion for growing potatoes in barrels

This is a very busy place. Much info about many things but especially about roses. Good tips on pruning and softwood cuttings. The Table of Contents at the end is a quick way to get where you're going. The tour of the yard is fun and very informative. Links, too.

This site is being updated as I write. There are comprehensive lists of annuals and perennials in the planting guide and it looks like it will be a well-tended "garden" of information.

This is a 1996 directory of 900 mail order sources. They say 800 of them are free if you have the Gardener's Source Guide ($5.95.) by mail. Seems a fair price for a useful tool.

This is not a pretty site but it is a quick read and a concise article on how to start a small (or even large) herb garden. It's so direct and simple that it takes the prospect of planting an herb garden from a seemingly overwhelming project to doable and maybe even fun.

Now, this is a beautiful site. It has a wonderful list of flowers and their meanings. (You could have an entire relationship by communicating only with flowers!) There are recipes, craft ideas, a section on edible flowers, and even herbs to bathe by. Be sure to check the prior month's ideas, too.

Algy's page is full of good information. Growing, harvesting, drying, dying, eating, decorating, and on and on. The section on Mixes, Marinades and Mustards is great for what to put together with what and then what to put it on. Even garam masala! (This list will now permanently reside in my kitchen.) Lots of good links, too.

The pot of gold! Because this site is so extensive, here are directions to the "herb department:" Click on "Epicurious Food Text-Only." Wander through wine, travel, the restaurant guide, etc., or just scroll to "Recipe File." At "Request" type in the herb you want to use and, vo’la, beautiful recipes from Gourmet and Bon Appˇtit. What could be better when your garden is overflowing with basil or dill or fennel or ... or ... or ... ? Enjoy!