The Garden Post

May arrived like a whisper on the wind—soft, sweet, and smelling faintly of soil, blossoms, and something freshly scribbled in Éloïse’s notebook. She and Diana spent the better part of the month knees-deep in the garden beds behind the cottage, sleeves rolled, cheeks sun-kissed, and hearts full.

This spring, they decided to try something new: a bed of heirloom pink celery (“for the crunch and the color,” Diana insisted) alongside delicate rows of wild arugula (Foglia D’Ulivo), rainbow Chard and Tuscan kale. The usual favorites have already begun to sprout—sun-warmed cherry tomatoes, golden zucchini blossoms, and a particularly stubborn patch of French breakfast radishes that Éloïse swore she hasn’t over watered.

Such fun it’s been to watch Diana tucking seeds into the earth while Éloïse fusses with her journal, and her ever faithful companion, Meringue, her beloved cat, curled up in the warm soil like she owns the whole world (because of course she does). It certainly has felt like a storybook spring.

As Meringue trailed alongside them from bed to bed, tucking herself into the sun-drenched soil and occasionally swatting at wayward butterflies, Diana’s gentle garden dog, Basil, was never far behind. She of course, was more interested in sniffing bumblebees than catching them, and always ready to sit politely for any dropped snack. Fresh cucumbers are always a favorite for her.

Near the back garden gate, they have planted snapdragons, violas, and a few old-world climbing roses Diana found at the spring market. The herbs—lemon thyme, purple basil, sorrel, tarragon, and Éloïse’s beloved chervil—seem to be thriving in the warm corners of the fence line, while their fragrances mingle with the breeze

Lately they’ve been reminiscing over our recent May Day garden picnic, where friends and family gathered under blossoming trees with tables full of seasonal delights. Diana is certain her Golden Moon Olive Oil Cake was a recipe worth writing to the editor about, while Éloïse hasn’t stopped thinking about her heirloom tomato galette or the boy who had to have a second slice….

And so, with a few ink stains, flower petals pressed between recipe pages, and seeds planted with intention, Diana and Éloïse send you this note from the garden—where the strawberries are almost ripe, the cat is almost awake, and the kettle is absolutely on.

And what are they planning to make from this abundance? Fresh strawberry compote spooned over lemon cream?… or perhaps a chilled Peach White Tea with Thyme for their favorite time of the day…. hammock hour.

🌿From our garden with love,
— Bianca, Éloïse, and Diana