READ
Spring is in the air. April is a great month to read about gardening, knowing that planting is but a few weeks away. One needn’t be a Master Gardener to enjoy Robin Lane Fox’s Thoughtful Gardening. An Englishman and a gardening columnist for the Financial Times, Fox explains useful ways for calming bothersome badgers (with Prozac left by houseguests), along with the story behind the Texas yellow rose. The Potting-Shed Papers: On Gardens, Gardeners, and Garden History is by Charles Elliott, an American who lives in garden-obsessed Great Britain. Elliott plants his American roots in British soil, bringing out the best in both in his delightful essays.
--Maureen Millea Smith, librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
--Available at Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Sq.; 952.847.5425
DRINK
As the tiny white flowers of the blossoming spring trees erupt from their winter dormancy, the senses ignite. Tempted by the fresh floral and the lightly perfumed aromas of the early spring buds, we trade our heavy winter layers for a much lighter sense of being. Feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, the palate yearns for a wine that reminds us of the season. A bright, sunny white is the perfect remedy for curing this insatiable thirst. Oregon’s A to Z Winery creates a pinot gris ($13.99) for just this craving. Zesty aromas of kaffir lime, white peach and honeysuckle invite the senses to indulge in the succulent, juicy mouth-feel of this wine. Lined with austere notes of gripping acidity and minerality, the wine finishes refreshingly clean with springy white flowers and tempting apple.
-Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier, owner of Twin Cities-based wine consulting firm Amusée, and everyone’s favorite “go to” wine gal.
--Available at Edina Liquor Grandview, 5013 Vernon Ave.; 952.903.5742
LISTEN
I have been a fan of Gavin DeGraw since his self-titled album came out a few years back. He’s got a great blue-eyed soul/rock voice that sounds a little bit like a young Billy Joel. An accomplished writer on his own, DeGraw chose to co-write this new record, Sweeter, with producer Andrew Frampton. Frampton’s production brought in a nice mix, including a throwback Beatles’ feel on the title track “Sweeter,” to the straight pop accessibility of “Not Over You.” DeGraw’s piano playing is featured heavily, and helps drive this record. The lyrics and melody seem to penetrate more upon the second or third listen, but it’s well worth the patience. It’s a perfect record to welcome in spring!
--Paul Peterson is a local musician, producer and composer.
--Available at Best Buy, 3200 Southdale Circle; 952.925.4425
