Lacey, one of America’s most prolific garden writers, issued this potpourri nearly 25 years ago, and while many of the essays are charming and a few are informative, the writing is a bit tired and dated at this time.  My favorite section is the one in which he holds forth on individual species and plants—informed, witty, useful information is imparted. The sections on authors was also interesting, reintroducing me to Louise Beebe Wilder (color) and Celia Thaxter (fragrance) and introducing me for the first time to J.C. Raulston of the North Carolina State University arboretum and Elizabeth Lawrence, a N.C. garden writer of some note.  Fun to dip into on a winter’s night, but not worth a third reading.