Rhubarb is a completely understated and under-appreciated vegetable. Consumed raw, it’s pretty horrifying. But rhubarb stems, prepared correctly, are absolutely deliciously tart; particularly when paired with a complementary fruit. Apples and strawberries are both fantastic and sweet counterparts.
I had something totally different in mind to write about this week and then my grandson Aaron came to spend the night. I saw the other day on Facebook a quote that says it all: “Something magical happens when parents turn into grandparents.” No truer words were ever said.
The Mourning Doves have returned to my yard and I now know it is time to get in the swing of the warmer months. The Cherry Blossom Festival has come and gone, as have many early spring flowers (with more blooms, and chores, to come) but for me, it’s only when the Mourning Doves return that I know it’s time to adjust to the rhythm of life for summer to approach.
The seedlings in my greenhouse have started to take off. Some haven’t emerged yet; still mostly less than patiently waiting on the tomatoes and peppers to germinate. But the winter veggies, leeks, tomatillos and onions, sunflowers, marigolds and zinnias are all growing quickly with a little bit of heat and sunshine.
Most of us love having fresh flowers in our homes. They are beautiful, often fragrant, and help us feel connected to nature. They are something we might splurge on because they really aren’t necessary…but we want them….and wish they would last forever!
While walking around the garden center each morning, I see the outside area filling up with all the new arrivals. Among my very favorites are the roses. Of course right now they are not much to look at but you just know that, before long, their beautiful blooms will bring color to the area–and, walking past, we will smell the sweet fragrances.
What a gorgeous week it’s been to work outside. While it’s certainly been on the windy side, the temperature has been ideal for comfortably working around the garden. And even the rain has been beneficial.
One of my coworkers recently bought a home with a shady yard, and she was looking for advice on what to plant. I thought it might be time to review what has been successful in my shady garden.
Spring is so much more enjoyable when there is a mix of warm and cool days, because you get this burst of bloom, and then with the cool temperatures, the flowers last longer and the colors seem to be more vivid.
Not only has this week’s gorgeous Spring weather been more than welcome, it has also been wonderful and beneficial for everything around our budding homestead. The chickens are much more content with the fresh new grass to snack on and the lack of snow and wet mud.
A DIY approach to flowers for a wedding will save you money and can be fun! Don’t be surprised or overwhelmed if the process has a few nerve-wracking bumps. Even an experienced florist hits a few bumps now and then has to remain flexible.
30 years ago I asked my grandfather, Albert Behnke, if he would give me a Pin Oak tree as a housewarming gift. It was the middle of August, and we had just finished building our new home. There I was, with my 3 year old son, pregnant a second time, and wanting a tree. And what does he do?