Spring takes a little longer to come here in the Ogden Valley, near Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, so it was nice to take a trip to Salt Lake City today to feel the sun shine and see bulbs in bloom. It was a wonderful day! I met my daughter, Katie, for a delightful, late breakfast at Park Avenue Cafe, measured and evaluated a yard for a new garden project, and then headed over to discover Traces at 1432 South 1100 East. I had seen their ad in Catalyst Magazine, and was intrigued by their advertisment of heirloom, organic and exchanged seeds for sale. What an amazing place! Traces is an urban working garden and funky little shop located in a early 1900's bungalow. They sell seeds, plants, soil amendment, amazing recycled garden ornaments, flowers, home decor and gifts. Friendly cats perched on antique iron plant racks, beautiful old pots tumbled in groups among just sprouting perennials, and one of a kind birdbaths, trellises and arbors dotted the gardens. Vegetable patches in the back of the garden are just waiting to be planted with yummy, organic vegetables and herbs. Inside, cute spring ornaments, potted plants and racks of herb, vegetable and flower seeds crowd the rooms. I love this place and I'll be bringing my clients to come shop for unique items for their own gardens. Black Krim and Blondkopfchen tomatoes, Rosa Bianca Heirloom eggplant, Hopi Pink Flour Corn and Tangerine Pimiento Sweet Pepper are among some of the intriguing seed packets I picked up today. While I was there, Tanya, the owner, suggested I pick up a free copy of edible Wasatch, another amazing, educational publication. edible Wasatch encourages its readers to explore regional food systems, support local producers and find inspiration in the garden. This spring issue has articles by Dr. Fred Montague from the University of Utah and Red Butte Garden's Fritz Kollmann, recipes and a calendar of spring events. A perfect day in a perfectly wonderful city. Get ready for spring: educate yourself, grow your own, go organic, recycle, shop local.
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