Steal of the Week

I love herbs & really love to share them because 

they make such  purposeful gifts- even for brown thumbs!

Found this unbelieveable deal at Home Depot this weekend. 

Twenty bucks.

 Run in and snap one up for a aroma-licious teacher gift.

rosemary

humongous basil

jalapeno

oregano 

cilantro

see you

ML

Herb Week: Mint

Sweet smelling Boutonniere

One usually thinks "invasive" when talking about mint. 

Well, yes, but mint can be grown in containers and perform exceptionally.

 However, if, like me, you don't mind mint rambling all over your garden & popping up here and there, 

keep it in the ground!

 These days, brides are looking for more organic bouquets & requesting unique "flavors" of mint.

 So, while sipping your mint tea, go out and pluck a mint bouquet for the kitchen table!

see you 

ML

Herb Week: Basil

If Rosemary is Queen, then Basil is King of Herbs!

Roasted tomatoes with basil & mozzerella

Basil is the hallmark of summer in the South, begging to be plucked and tucked into a sandwich or blended with olive oil for a creamy pesto. Easy to grow and just as easy to root, Basil serves floral & culinary duties.








Placing long stems of Basil into floral arrangements one curious of the delightfully sweet aroma. Basil has many culinary powers, too. Pick fresh leaves/stems early in the morning or late evening for peak essential oil & flavor.

Fresh Basil on sandwiches & pasta, combined with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella---divine! You must try making your own pesto this year--read Pesto Presto! for a good starter recipe...


Plant your Basil soon & enjoy the King of Herbs all summer!
see you
ML

Herb Week: Bay

Bay in large container

We know bay because of the leaf used in spaghetti sauce that my mother always told me I would die from if I swallowed it! Bay is a delightful evergreen herb used in soups, stews, and seasoning roasts.  Remember Old Bay seafood seasoning? Yes, it's there, too!

Bay is an impressive filler for bouquets & looks quite distinctive in Christmas wreaths. French chefs gather bay, parsley & thyme into a small bouquet known as bouquet garni.






This grand herb can be trimmed to appear shrub-like or coiffed in to topiary form for a more stately appearance. Remember that most herbs like moderately dry soil, direct sunlight, and adequate drainage.

We will definitely use Bay in our upcoming Herbal Wreath Workshop as a nice dark green filler!

See you
ML

Herb Week: Rosemary

Rosemary roots easily in the kitchen window!

Rosemary is the Queen of Herbs

This evergreen herb provides years of delight in floral arrangements and creative cuisine. 

Always forgiving, rosemary is the perfect starter plant for "brown thumbs" & busy gardeners.  

Abide by the 3 D's

 drainage, direct sunlight, and dry(rather than soaking wet), 

you'll have no problems with this distinctive smelling herb. 

We will be using Rosemary in the Herbal Wreath Workshop next Saturday & the following Monday.

 I can't wait to see your herbal creations!

see you 

ML

Herb Week

David Austin Rose in Courtyard

Did you know that the rose is an herb? Organic roses are used in many different ways. 

Here are just a few:

• Rose flavored water
• Medicinal purposes, clearing bronchial tubes & toxins from the body
• Used for centuries in Middle Eastern & Indian dishes
• Pastry chefs use roses for sweets & cakes

It's advisable to use roses that are pesticide free.

We'll be using sweet roses in our Herb Wreath Workshop next week. There are still a few spots for Monday, May 2nd from 10am to noon...

Email me at mlchgarden@comcast.net for details. 

See you 

ML

The Beginning

I love our growing season.In the beginning there are herbs, radishes, chard & broccoli.




Growing Herbs for Beginners on Facebook asked me to post tonite's supper recipe.
However, most of our suppers are so simple, they don't require a recipe...












Here it is:

Salad
Lettuce of choice...tonite it was Iceberg, my garden lettuce is wilting & I admittedly love the crunch of Iceberg
Pitted Kalamata olives, chopped tomato, carrot, drizzled with WHITE Balsamic vinegar...much more pleasing to the eye!

Shrimp
Large pink Publix shrimp, smothered in EVOO, and freshly chopped garlic, roast in oven at 500 til all pink

Ground Beef Patties...
Put in large zippy bag, add seasonings, garlic powder, onion, teriaki sauce tonite.
Place on stovetop or grill and let em cook til done...
I add large slices of onion & the swiss chard when burgers almost done



Potatoes(my favorite, but don't eat too many!)
Gourmet(small) new potatoes...from garden. Cut into 1/4's, drizzle with EVOO,
add freshly cut thyme leaves, rosemary leaves, and flat leaf parsley...
Watch the carb cravers come!!!

Thyme co-habitating with perennial sage

A few goodies from the Home Garden

Appetizers

Sometimes when I traipse off to speak to a group, I take a little goodie with me.




It's most important to take some "show & tell" as herbs
are so sensual! Often I'll make little tussie mussies to give as door prizes or create an herbal
appetizer for sampling by the group...

Robert ripped this recipe out of an old June 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine, and asked me to try it.
I usually have a small nibble tray ready when he comes home. This adds to our repertoire of bites...It's a gourmet cheese spread that is supposed to taste like goat cheese. I love both!






Definitely a keeper & hope you'll try with your spring herb collection...

8 ounce softened low fat cream cheese
8 ounces crumbled feta cheese (can be plain or flavored)
Combine by beating with a mixer or with a spoon.  Shape cheese mix into 2 logs, roll one 
log into coarsely ground pepper (about 2 tsp), and the other in 2 tsp of chopped dill (my favorite!). 


Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 4 hours.  Serve with crackers or crusty French bread. 
Use your imagination here. Mix the herbs in with the cream cheese mixture, roll the cheese in finely chopped nuts, use multicolored pepper, dried fruit, etc...

Enjoy!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Nasturtiums

I've soaked 3 packets of nasturtium seeds and they are ready for planting.

Nasturtiums are my favorite flowering herb. Not sure if you can eat the roots, but for the most part, you can consume the entire plant. The large round wrinkly seeds are similar in taste to that of the herb Capers (also my maiden name!).

In Augusta and similar planting zones, you can plant nasturtiums in late summer and very early spring. Now is a great time for planting. I have one group peeking out of the ground after planting about a week ago. A bit of water and sun will drive the nasturtiums up quickly.

Order seeds online for a variety of color choices or pick up a couple of packets at your garden center. There are vine types too.

Before planting in containers or the ground, I prefer to soak the seeds in water over night. This speeds up the germination process. I plant nasturtiums in part sun. Last spring's planting lasted through the summer. Like most herbs, water when dry, provide adequate drainage, and give them some sun. Harvest the flowers and leaves in the morning or late evening when moisture content is at its peak.

The flowers have a delicate sweet scent, but definitely not over powering. I've not developed a "taste" for them. I suppose my appreciation for the lovely flower is too great.

Good Luck with your nasturtiums.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Spring Herb Planting

We are getting so close to planting time here in Augusta!  Veggies, herbs and flower plants are starting to make their way out of greenhouses and into the garden stores. 

While planning your purposeful garden this season, consider including a variety of herbs. I always tell people, particularly those with "brown thumbs", to grow herbs.

This week starts with a few hints about choosing and growing these delightful 
culinary treats. 









First, think of what herbs you enjoy in your food...
here are a few of my favorites:
   

•  Rosemary

• Basil
• Chives
• Oregano
• Lovage
• Bay
• Dill

This will give you a great start when shopping for herbs you'll really use from the garden.

Next we'll look at the 3 D's for growing herbs!


Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Straight Up: Lavender Linen Spray

This week I took my Herbs for the Holidays presentation to 2 local prestigious garden clubs. I shared several ways to incorporate home-grown herbs in thier holiday cooking, gift giving and decorating...

As I was about to describe how to make "Lavender Linen Spray", one young woman (also ML) exclaimed that she "loves to iron" and enjoys using linen sprays while ironing her sheets! Now that is some kind of woman --ironing her sheets...Do you? Not me. I've sent them to be pressed a couple of times!

A great "home made" Christmas gift is "Lavender Linen Spray" , particularly when given to those of us with a 4 legged sleeping companion! Lavender is an indulgence that helps some feel a bit tired, thus bringing on restful sleep!

Here is the recipe and some ideas for containers:

Lavender Linen Spray

• 
  
  1 tsp. lavender essential oil


• 
  
  1/4 cup unflavored vodka


• 
  
  3 1/2 cups filtered/distilled water

Pour the distilled water into a fine mist spray bottle. Add drops of essential oil, then vodka, shake well. You're probably wondering why the vodka? It helps to disperse the oil and water together & speeds up the drying process on your sheets so they aren't stained or sour!

The Container Store sells all sorts of BPA free plastic containers and fine mist sprayers. I would suggest going with a 8oz. or 16 oz. bottle.

I've ordered some containers, and will report...

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?

The answer is no, just older!

First, don't forget to vote for your favorite porch setup as posted on November 3rd

"Porches on Parade"

You may vote until November 12th, but why wait? All 3 styles reflect the unique personalities of the designers.

I was invited to speak to a group of 120 Third Graders at Lake Forest Hills elementary school this week. Though flattered, I was so nervous! They are studying herbs, so I gave an overview of gardening & herbs...

Sharing some of thier questions:

• What is your favorite flower? Nasturtium



• Your favorite tool? The Claw



• Do you use fertilizer? Yes, mostly organic and Llama poop (big laugh)!



• How much would you charge to make a garden? Hmmmm. depends on how big it is!

The teacher came by that afternoon bearing a gift certificate and 3 packs of nasturtium seeds! Great time with these kids, but I need more practice...my confidence level is much higher with adults...strange.

Well, to turn that around I am working on a Spring Garden Camp for Kids.

Not sure about details, but open to suggestions...

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Purposeful Gardening: Herbs

Spoke to Spade & Trowel Garden Club this week about Herb Gardening. An excellent question from the audience:

"If fall is the best time to plant herbs, why aren't they in the garden stores?"

Well, if you are talking herbs used mainly for flowers, they are in the stores...however, the herbs for cooking? SCARCE...I ask that question every year about larkspur, poppies, cornflower,etc...and I see Christmas trees everywhere!








I called Bedford Greenhouses here in Augusta, and they DO have perennial herbs for you...A report from Joanne...


Three different types of parsley - flat leaf Italian, triple curl and Rialto ( a new variety with a really nice flavor). We also have cilantro which does much better in our cooler months than in the summer. Great sages - normal garden sage and also three other varieties that have variegated leaves and pretty colors during the winter. Two types of thyme - lemon and English.
And of course rosemary and chives. We have a little bronze fennel and basil left as well.

Lots of fall/winter veggies too.

So, go shop!
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Herbs: Answer for Brown Thumbs

Brown Thumb?

I guess when you've educated groups for over 10 years

on a topic, you become an "expert"...Columbia County

News-Times has GREAT info on local gardening.

The garden reporter, Deborah Steele draws from local life

long gardeners and Master Gardeners for pertinent

gardening info...

Sharing the article in today's Columbia County News Times.

Herbs: Answer for Brown Thumb

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Garden to Grill...and somewhere in between!

Summer Herbs by June

Some of my friends have dubbed me June,

as in "Cleaver". Although I am much too young

to remember the show, I produce the

full meal deal for breakfast and dinner

every week day unless I am dying. My brother in law

once asked if he could come over for breakfast because

he knows hot coffee, bacon, eggs and grits

would most likely be the morning special!

I've been experimenting with the garden harvest

on the grill this week. Here was tonight's menu:

* grilled marinated shrimp on rosemary skewers

* tomatoes slices topped with jalapeno, basil,

Vidalia onion, and mozzarella cheese then

drizzled with white balsamic vinegar

* grilled tenderloin tails and fingerling toms

in olive oil

Keep cutting your garden herbs! No need to pay

3 bucks for a moldy package of wilted leaves!

Blessings from the Garden.

June...I mean ML

Cooking with Herbs

Herbal Harvest

It's good to have herbs in the garden, and better to

actually make use of them!

Last night I snipped a handful of flat leaf parsley,

rosemary & chives, chopped them and placed in a zip lock bag with

quartered new potatoes.

Added a bit of olive oil, distributed onto

Pampered Chef large bar pan (LOVE IT)

and roasted on almost HIGH broil for about 15 min.

Even my kids love the potatoes...

please pass the ketchup!

Blessings from the Garden...

ML

Bruschetta

Pronounced Brus Ketta, this tasty little treat is

great served as an appetizer or add a bit more cheese,

some beans and you've got a tasty

small meal!

Marianna and Emma were caught experimenting in the kitchen this weekend then presented the parents

with this...

By now you should have plenty of basil planted in

the garden, tomatoes will be ripening soon, maybe you have some fresh garlic, too? The girls had a not so fresh sliced baguette, some olive oil, basil, toms, and

mozzarella cheese.

I must say, the parents were impressed.

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Garden Seminars!

Garden Seminars

A super opportunity to learn more about gardening with no tests, no commitment, no pressure, no prerequisites! Sponsored by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, you may pick the topic(s) of interest, register and learn from the most sought after speakers in Augusta! All sessions include a "hands on " garden tour component...here is the scoop...

Blessings from the Garden

ML

The Augusta Council of Garden Clubs will hold a monthly series of gardening seminars

starting June 19 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road.

Sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch included.

Cost is $25 per session.

For information call Judy Kirkland at (706) 556-3417,

or e-mail jukirkland@charter.net.

Here are the topics:

June 19 Soil Prep & Composting, vegetable gardening

and companion planting

July 24 Herbs: Floral and Culinary

August 21 Perennials, Bulbs & Annuals

September 25 New Cultivars

October 16 Native Plants

Novemer 13 Indoor Plants

January 15 Trees & Shrubs

Herbs for the Holidays

Herbs are a necessity for decorating, cooking and gift giving.

Here are some ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Gifts...

Create an Italian Herb Pot for that hard to buy for person on your list.

This heavy pot is filled with 3 large Swiss Chard plants,

thyme, and violas. You could add: parsley, rosemary, chives,

oregano, and nasturtiums...

Decorating...

Cut bunches of Rosemary, fill vases in your kitchen window,

it will root! Mix Rosemary with other herbs and add to your

floral designs for Thanksgiving/Christmas.

Herb Wreath

Incorporate herbs into a small kitchen wreath like this one.

Camellia, magnolia, holly berries, choke berries make the base

of this wreath. Rosemary and bay are the dominant herbs here, but

you could add Artemesia(wormwood), lavender, thyme, oregano,

just about any herb in your garden will do!

Cooking...

Take advantage of whatever you have growing.

Use rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, parsley, and chives for stuffing

under the skin of your bird/chicken. The kitchen aroma is divine.

Herb Biscuits

Buy a frozen package of biscuit dough, let thaw(be careful, it grows!)

pull small pieces out to roll in olive oil, chopped herbs and parmesean

cheese. Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes...

Blessings from the Garden

ML