Book excerpt: Everyone knows that the famously unpredictable New England weather poses a variety of challenges, but no ones this better than a gardener. That's why award-winning Boston Globe writer Carol Stocker has spent the last several decades guiding amateur growers through every season with her dependable, straightfoward, step-by-step advice. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a proven green thumb, The Boston Globe Illustrated New England Gardening Almanac provides an invaluable year-ground resource. Its pages offer topical stories and profiles delivered without pretension, plus weekly planners that address everything from seedlings and bulbs to weed control and lawnmower manitenance. Both detailed and comprehensive, the book transcends regions, with many photographs so beautiful that should come in a vase. Carol Stocker is a rare combination of hands-on gardener, gifted writer and trusted name. This almanac is sure to become a favorite companion to anyone who dreams of creating backy