1720, Stephen Switzer, A Compendious, but more Particular Method, than has ever yet been publish’d, for the Raising Italian Brocoli, Spanish Cardoon, Celeriac, Fenochi, and other foreign Kitchen Vegetables (1st edition, printed by S.A. and sold by T. Astley), main title
Source: wiktionary
January is generally cold for sitting out, and February wet; and before the end of March the vegetation is often so far advanced that the Alban Hills, which have retained glorious sapphire and amethyst tints all winter, change into commonplace green English downs; while the Campagna, from the crimson and gold of its dying thistles and fenochii, becomes a lovely green plain waving with flowers.
Source: wiktionary