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Participating in seed swaps here on Dave's Garden sure has wonderful rewards. In a swap last season I received seeds for a plant called Job's Tears, Coix lacryma-jobi. A member of the Poaceae (grass) family, it is quite a fascinating plant.
Rosemary is a tender herb with edible, aromatic, evergreen, needle-like leaves, resembling pine needles. This easy-to-grow, woody perennial herb is available in both cascading and upright forms. Rosemary's unique flavor remains potent when dried, making it renowned by chefs and cooks across the country. My favorite recipe using dried Rosemary is Rosemary Roasted Potato ‘Fries’, a healthy alternative to fast-food french fries.
Umeboshi and Ume plum products are a rich part of Asian culture. You will be introduced to an aromatic herb, Perilla frutescens, along with the historic and breathtaking Prunus mume plum tree, which boasts gorgeous, fragrant blossoms and can be grown in the United States.
BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) is derived from the Greek word 'basileus', which means King. Is basil the best herb (i.e., King) or was basil fit for Kings, since it is supposed to offer protection from the mythological half-lizard/half-dragon of death? I cannot tell you those answers; maybe you can tell me. What I can share with you is my love for the many varieties of basil, along with the nutrition profile and popular culinary uses for sweet basil.
Homemade jams and jellies make appreciated gifts from friends and family who have learned basic skills in the art of canning and food preservation. Last season, in our first attempt at jelly making, my husband and I used over seven pounds of our prized homegrown red grapes... and guess what? It didn't gel! Here are a few tips from our lessons learned and a step-by-step beginner's recipe for a simple, fun process that will work like a charm.
Thoughts of New Orleans and its famous Mardi Gras Carnival bring to mind images of a party, masks, fun, drinks and food. I’d like to add to your vision… gorgeous trees and gardens! This article brings you a snapshot of some of the gardens and plants located among the great restaurants and attractions of New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA).
Back in the days of commuting to and from culinary school in South Jersey, I would drive past the world's largest blueberry farm --Atlantic Blueberry Company. My eyes would scan across hundreds of acres to catch a glimpse of the beautiful landscape. I recently revisited the fields, renewing my culinary excitement for eating and cooking with Jersey Blues.
There are many reasons to create a hummingbird habitat in your yard and gardens, besides the enjoyment gained from watching the antics of these special little birds. Hummingbirds also spread flowering plant pollen necessary to produce vital greens, fruits, vegetables and grains.
Today’s hybridizing techniques are taking watermelon to a new high for nutrition and health. Fresh watermelon is still available, so don’t miss out on its summertime flavor and nutritional benefits. Learn from watermelon growers on how to grow the many varieties of this super fruit in your own garden.
Appreciated since Victorian times, Coleus (now Solenostemon) lights up gardens and window boxes like precious gems. Some species are edible herbs and root vegetables too, with medicinal health claims. I consulted with representatives from Gaia Herbs in North Carolina, and with Coleus expert Ray Rogers in search of health and nutrition information about the Ayurvedic herb, Coleus forskohlii.
It's time for part 2 of the fictional short story Tango, the Garden Cat. The adventure is written for all ages to enjoy, based on a true story of a cat that just arrived in our backyard garden. Tango is a feral, outdoor cat that may never rest in the comfort of a cozy, safe, indoor bed. A brief article inspired by a no-kill, cat shelter's garden, designed by a Master Gardener, precedes the story.
My inspiration to write about lichens came from a lichen-covered, dying red maple in our front yard. For lichens, every day is Earth Day. Like people, lichens need a clean environment to thrive. Celebrate Earth Day by doing something good for the environment. Baked goods always enhance a celebration; I hope you enjoy the recipe at the end of the article.
For an irresistible garden, try planting a few 'dark' or 'chocolate' plants alongside plants of contrasting foliage and bloom color; the combinations are endless. And for a special treat, add a chocolate garden kiss and watch the butterflies come!
Computers and cell phones often keep us distracted from fitness and glued to our couches. Celebrate National Nutrition Month ® by getting up and out in your garden for physical activity, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables from your healthy nutritional harvest. Included in this article is a nutrition word find puzzle.
Last October the National Restaurant Association surveyed over one thousand chefs asking them to predict ‘what’s hot in 2009’. More than half (73%) predicted superfruits would be a hot trend. Goji (pronounced go-gee) and Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) and their related products are indeed hot sellers this year. Can we grow these Superfruits in our gardens?
Of all the common fruits, figs are the highest in overall mineral content and are an excellent source of fiber. Growing fig trees is both easy and rewarding. The common fig, Ficus carica, is a nutritious snack right off the tree and delicious when used in such foods as stuffed figs, fig tarts, and fig cookies.
Last October the National Restaurant Association surveyed over one thousand chefs asking them to predict ‘what’s hot in 2009’. More than half (73%) predicted superfruits would be a hot trend. Goji (pronounced go-gee) and Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) and their related products are indeed hot sellers this year. Can we grow these superfruits in our gardens?
Now is a great time to dream up new garden ideas. Allow yourself the time and pleasure to dream, imagine and design a sensational Chocolate Garden to savor with all your senses.
This is part 1 of a 3-part fictional short story that is written for all ages to enjoy. It is based on a true story of a cat that just arrived in our garden. "Tango, the Garden Cat" is about a feral outdoor cat that may never rest in the comfort of a cozy, safe, indoor bed.
"Garden Photography ~ Part 1" asserted that photography is a treasured art that touches our lives and hearts, and it presented garden photographs from some of Dave's Garden members. "Garden Photography ~ Part 2" includes a brief discussion of how far digital camera technology has come, and it features more inspiring garden photographs by Dave's Garden members, along with tips by professional photographers Ian Adams and Claire Takacs.
Whether you grow your own pumpkin or buy it at the market, fresh roasted pumpkin is rewarding to make and enhances homemade breads, cookies, cheesecake, ravioli, pancakes, soups and of course, the ever-popular custard for PUMPKIN PIE. Here is a step-by-step recipe for roasting your own pumpkin and making a pie that is guaranteed to give you rave reviews!
Photography is a treasured art that captures the moment, stimulates memories, conveys a message, educates, overcomes cultural and language barriers, evokes emotion and touches our lives and hearts. Enjoy these inspiring garden photographs from amazing amateurs, and after that...grab your camera and start taking pictures!
Biscotti can be made in a variety of ways, using almonds, pistachios or dried fruits. Our family's favorite recipe for Sicilian anise toast cookies, Biscotti all'Anice, uses fresh fennel or anise seeds from our garden, which add a special flavor to these low-fat cookies. Mama's favorite way to enjoy anise biscotti is to dunk them in her coffee!
Are your children picky eaters? As gardeners you hold the key to opening their doors to new and exciting foods grown right in your home, school or community gardens! Come with me on a 100-mile journey from my home to a gardener’s dream called HealthBarn USA. Located in North Jersey in a charming town called Wyckoff, where children (and adults) learn about health and nutrition by participating in a healthy-lifestyle educational program offered by Stacey Antine. Stacey is a registered dietitian who recently appeared on the Rachel Ray show and has been on CNN, CBS and FOX-TV.
