Garden Spells Part 23

Chive B Blossom - Ensures you will win an argument. Conveniently, also an antidote for hurt feelings.

Dandelion - A stimulant encouraging faithfulness. Frequent side effects are blindness to flaws and spontaneous apologies.

Honeysuckle - For seeing in the dark, but only if you use honeysuckle from a brush of vines at least two feet thick. A clarifying flower.

Hyacinth B Bulb - Causes melancholy and thoughts of past regrets. Use only dried bulbs. A time-travel flower.

Lavender - Raises spirits. Prevents bad decisions resulting from fatigue or depression.

Lemon B Balm - Upon consumption, for a brief period of time the eater will think and feel as he did in his youth. Please note if you have any former h.e.l.lions at your table before serving. A time-travel flower.

Lemon V Verbena - Produces a lull in conversation with a mysterious lack of awkwardness. Helpful when you have nervous, overly talkative guests.

Lilac - When a certain amount of humility is in order. Gives confidence that humbling yourself to another will not be used against you.

Marigold - Causes affection, but sometimes accompanied by jealousy.

Nasturtium - Promotes appet.i.te in men. Makes women secretive. Secret s.e.xual liaisons sometimes occur in mixed company. Do not let your guests out of your sight.

Pansy - Encourages the eater to give compliments and surprise gifts.

Peppermint - A clever method of concealment. When used with other edible flowers, it confuses the eater, thus concealing the true nature of what you are doing. A cloaking flower.

Rose G Geranium - Produces memories of past good times. Opposite of Hyacinth Bulb. A time-travel flower.

Rose P Petal - Encourages love.

Snapdragon - Wards off the undue influences of others, particularly those with magical sensibilities.

Squash and Z Zucchini B Blossoms - Serve when you need to be understood. Clarifying flowers.

Tulip - Gives the eater a sense of s.e.xual perfection. A possible side effect is being susceptible to the opinions of others.

Violet - A wonderful finish to a meal. Induces calm, brings on happiness, and always a.s.sures a good night's sleep.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR.

SARAH ADDISON ALLEN was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, where she is currently at work on her next novel, which Bantam will publish in 2008. was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, where she is currently at work on her next novel, which Bantam will publish in 2008.

GARDEN SPELLS.

A Bantam Book / September 2007