Sunday, March 14, 2010

A Sudden Blast of Winter and Signs of Spring



   Europe has had an insane winter. The weekend before last, the snow began falling and didn't stop until about 20 cm had settled. Forget any thoughts of gardening. It was time to close the shutters and light our wood-burning stove which throws off an astonishing amount of heat. 
    Until the past few days, temperatures have been too frigid for all that snow to melt. Small white patches still dot ditches and shady areas. 
    But despite this recent wintry weather, we've been able to buy bunches of screamingly yellow mimosa at Lavelanet and Mirepoix markets and locally-grown roquette too (with walnuts and a walnut-oil-based dressing, yum). Our own garden has already produced enough tiny roquette leaves, mâche, dandelion leaves and bittercress for several salads. 
    And temperatures are forecast to be in the high teens by the end of the week.

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