Anni Kelsey

This book is definitely UK-centric, quite forgivable in a British author, but talk about --for example--the ability of Sea Kale to survive extreme winter cold are puzzling without knowing whether that means ten below zero Celsius, or twenty-five below. (We lost about half our plants in a -25 winter, but are very pleased with the remaining few.) Another issue is the difference in indigenous plant species. Some of those mentioned in the book as wildflowers to be welcomed need careful consideration if they are to earn a place on a different continent. Wild Chenopodium album *has* earned garden space worldwide (Best. Weed. Vegetable. Ever), but perhaps doesn't get book space here because they're annuals.

The author presents many, many edible perennials for our consideration. This section is really valuable. I've never seen so much attention to the issue that keeps tubers and roots in the ground: how to harvest from your root perennials without losing your stand of plants? Occasionally judgements are presented which I hope readers will take with a grain of salt: Good King Henry (another Chenopodium) the author "really did not like the flavour", Salad Burnet "grew it but did not like the flavour". These are an outstanding spinach-like vegetable and a salad green with beautiful leaves tasting like mild cucumber, respectively; I don't what Anni Kelsey is on about. Why not get a second opinion instead of simply discouraging readers from trying it? It might be terroir or poor preparation -- fearing the latter, I have limited confidence in the very short recipe section.

With all its minor faults, still an excellent reference on the subject of edible perennials. Especially for British gardeners.… (més)