Rachel Siegfried created a flower farm in 2008. She grows seasonal flowers and arranges them for weddings and special events. In her book “The Flower Box” she shares 60 beautiful photos of flowers, along with useful information and tips.

Arranging flowers for the home or an event can be a most joyous activity, from seed to bloom to vase. Just feast on the photos if your garden is not yet planted for the year. Remember in small spaces, even one pot can produce beautiful blooms.

Perhaps Mary Lennox can inspire you in “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, to turn your soil and plant your seeds.

She asks her reticent uncle for just “a bit of soil, please” and through the mysteries inside and out of Misselthwaite Manor, Mary and her garden grow.

Did you know that in 1957, Ray Bradbury of science fiction fame, wrote a book titled “Dandelion Wine?” A 12-year-old boy (a young Ray perhaps) spends time enjoying life in simpler times, where dandelion wine is made to capture the essence of summer in a bottle.

As you might have noticed around your own town, spring rain has sprouted a huge crop of dandelions. You can check out and choose a dandelion wine recipe online if you are game enough. Yes, it is a real thing! Quick, start harvesting!

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” by Deborah Moggach is my last choice in this week’s review. A group of seniors, from varied backgrounds, find themselves in India, searching for an affordable place to wind down their senior years.

Just as blooms lose their first blush, seniors find themselves on a plateau wondering if life has any more to offer. The marigold happens to be a very sturdy and long lasting bloom, the hotel a wonderful mess in progress and their new lives bind them together in unexpected ways as they find new selves within and a vibrant world without.

I suggest, now that we have had our share of winter weather and spring rains, gather yourself some flower and garden related books (along with a lovely bouquet of colorful blooms), steep an aromatic pot of tea and enjoy the fruits of your spring. Because spring showers bring May flowers in varied and wonderful ways. Enjoy!

Good books.

Good reading.

*Midge Lyn’dee is a fictional character used for the purpose of entertainment though the reviews are real and sincere.