Lively Chives

Day 120: Such a simple thing, the rising of the chives, but their lively green poking up through the brown litter of winter speaks to the arrival of the gardening season. Oh, to be sure, we are still a long way from setting out tomatoes or even planting lettuce, but even if my horticultural efforts produce nothing else, the faithful, humble chive does not neglect its duty. Although they're not quite tall enough for their first haircut yet, the promise of aromatic omelets and tangy cottage-cheese crepes is undeniable here. We should be more grateful for their loyalty. Like most gardeners, however, I take chives for granted. Plant once, and you've installed the vegetative equivalent of a BFF: they'll always be there when you need them. Let's hear it for the lowly chive, people!