On one of those particularly cold and blustery wintry days, I like to gather up all the seed catalogs that have arrived in my mailbox and settle down for a good read.
Most catalogs offer a lot more than just an order list for seeds and plants.
Some are packed with useful information on culture and care, planting locations, landscaping with plants, and full descriptions of new varieties, including the All-America Selections. Many give recommendations on plant hardiness, disease and pest resistance, and soil requirements of the plants and seeds they offer. A few even provide recipes. If you decide to place an order, exercise a bit of caution and restraint. It's easy to order more than you need.