HIS OFFERING of traditional crafts, historical essays, and kitchen-tested seasonal recipes comes to you from the archives of The Old Farmer's Almanac.

The glittering leaves of the rhododendrons
Balance and vibrate in the cool air;
While in the sky above them
White clouds chase each other.

-- John Gould Fletcher (1886-1950)

HE ARRIVAL of May brings with it many springtime traditions and celebrations to honor the phenomenal growth in the garden and the warming of the sun.

May is May baskets and May poles, all flowers and ribbons and the traditions of May Day.

May means the sure taste of asparagus and the tang of rhubarb, the first fruits of the spring garden. Turn the asparagus you've gathered into Asparagus Salad. If your taste runs more toward dessert, how about Apple-Rhubarb Crunch?

Nibble your dessert while reading The First Fruit of Spring, an essay in which you'll learn that rhubarb is not a fruit, but a vegetable.

Maybe you want to dress up your kitchen window this spring or add some flowers or herbs to your porch. Window Boxes will show you how to make your own container gardens.

And be sure to check out our special Spring Section with plenty of recipes, folklore, and fun to help you celebrate the end of winter.

Order our All-Seasons Garden Guide and get gardening!