“Sally,” Diane said into the phone receiver, “do you remember mentioning a book that had something to do with gardening efficiently in small places?” asked Diane.  “Something about square foot.”

            Sally thought for a second or two.  “Oh, yes.  It’s Square Foot Gardening, by Mel Bartholomew.  It’s well known around the world nowadays.  If you follow the book’s simple instructions and advice, you can grow twice as many of those lush green veggies in the same space as conventional gardeners.  Square foot gardening is less work, too.”

            “What does the book cover?” asked Diane.

            “Let me get my copy.  Hold on a second.”  There was silence on the line, then a little rustling in the background.  Soon Sally picked up her phone again while thumbing through the book.  “Let’s see…Planning and laying out beds, seed starting, companion

planting, weed and pest control, extending the season, and transplanting..  I like the charts that show how many of each kind of seed you can plant in a square foot.  Four, nine, sixteen, or whatever, depending on the crop.  You can get more carrots in a square foot than beans, for example.  It’s really surprising.  Plus, this way you don’t waste a lot of seeds.  Does that whet your appetite, dear?”

            “Very much,” Diane said.  “How can I get my own copy?”

            “Lehman’s has it,” Sally said.  “It’s a best seller.  Just click on their logo on John’s blog page.  When the home page comes up, type Square Foot Gardening in the search box, and you’ll get to a page with the book’s picture.  Click that to go to a page where you can order the book.”

            “That’s simple enough.”

            “You know, I’m really glad you’re taking such an interest in this, Diane, but what are you doing on the phone?  Hurry up and get Square Foot Gardening so you can start using it right away for your gardening this year.””

            The both laughed.  “Good advice,” Diane said.  “Thanks, I’ll get Square Foot Gardening from Lehman’s right now.”