Garlic is truly nice. But I melt for basil. Especially Thai basil.

re: birds -- I've been hearing a cardinal in the trees on the edge of the yard. And right after the last snowstorm, we saw a pair of mourning doves on the road looking very confused. And the red squirrel in the trees behind the porch has been acting even more territorial lately. Ah, spring! It's out there somewhere (as the winds keen around the corner of the house....)