Category: Outdoor Living

A true indicator of spring is our featured flower of the month, the Viola.  Viola is a perennial favorite that suddenly appears in the shaded areas of other summer flowers. It is also known as Johnny – Jump Up and is capable of blooming in all four seasons due to its hardiness and ability to self- sow.  Lovely tri-colored blooms in white, purple and yellow sparkle in the low level areas of your garden’s floor. I start seeding  in spring using rich soil.  The flowers produce a surprise along with a smile for seasons to come.  Cheers

One of the first flowers I start indoors during the early part of the growing season is Impatiens.  Impatiens (Walleriana) will dazzle in the shaded areas of your gardens landscape, they are compact vibrant plants that are great for borders, performing magnificently in containers and hanging baskets.  Impatiens are capable of reaching heights of 14 inches while producing 1 to 2 inch blooms of exotic florets. They resemble miniature roses and literally sparkle in the shade.  Because Impatiens are slow to develope, I plant seeds in late January for plants that should began to bloom from early summer until first frost.  Cheers

Our featured flower of the month has proven to be one of the most successful annuals I have planted.  The Gomphrena yields one inch blooms on tall sturdy stems that bring joy from late spring until late fall.  Gomphrena is full sun and makes a great addition to any cut floral arrangement. Start seeds in rich, well draining soil for blooms that should reach heights of 18 to 20 inches.  The Gomphrena pictured below remind me of fuchsia colored raspberries.  Cheers

A winter blast in early fall in zone 4 has forced an abrupt end to the growing season and has triggered an early fall harvest.  I will utilize some of my garden vegetables to make one of my favorite recipes, Red Salsa.  It is easy and simple to prepare for any occasion.

 

2 15 – ounce cans of fire-roasted tomatoes, drained

1 limed, juiced

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 cup cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno, diced

½ cup red or white onion, diced

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp sea salt

2 – 4 Tbsp green chilies, diced

Simply blend all ingredients in a bowl, chill and serve.  Enjoy

The Painted Lady, also known as the Thistle Butterfly is the most prolific of all butterflies due to the native Burdock, Thistle and Sunflowers their larvae consume.

There has been no shortage of Painted Ladies in zone 4 as we have witnessed an explosion of these migrating insects heading south to warmer conditions, reminding us that fall is on the horizon.  Cheers