Welcome sign of spring

Nettles are a welcome sign of spring in my gardens and woods. Do those who curse their sting know all the wondrous uses of this vegetal gift?

I don't profess to know all they offer - as with most topics I am continually learning. I have been eating nettles for years (they make a great pesto) and prefer them to most greens for their taste and nutrition, and only in reading for this column did I find that yarn is made from certain nettle species' fibers.

That's not surprising, considering the storied military canvas known as "salt and pepper." This midcentury heavy duck was made in Switzerland f...