February 2015

Salvia lyrata – also known as lyreleaf sage, wild sage, cancerweed

February 20, 2015 // 2 Comments

If you live on the U.S. mainland, especially the eastern half, you’ve probably seen this prolific plant growing along roadsides or in vacant lots. It is also planted in gardens. It prefers full sun, and loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plants are beautiful when in bloom, producing pale, blue [ ...click to read more ]

Your Best Garden Ever- Part 3

February 19, 2015 // 0 Comments

Cucumbers: Considered a tropical vegetable. they thrive and seem to grow overnight when the temperature is above 80 degrees. Plants and vines are frost tender and should not be planted until the middle of May. Start seeds indoors in a warm, sunny window after the 15th of April. Transplant them outdoors only after the [ ...click to read more ]

Your Best Garden Ever- Part 2

February 17, 2015 // 0 Comments

Planting season for spring crops begin 6 weeks before the last spring frost, but tomatoes and peppers and other warm season vegetables are planted later. Usually May 10th is considered “frost free” by then. Wait until the days are warm, and night time temperatures are above 50 degrees. Potatoes: [ ...click to read more ]

Your Best Garden Ever

February 17, 2015 // 2 Comments

Growing your own vegetables this spring and summer will provide you and your family with delicious vegetables and healthy exercise. By combining a little planning and some labor, you’ll reap a bountiful harvest all summer long. From lush, green vegetables for salads, fragrant herbs for cooking, to juicy and [ ...click to read more ]

Saving the Monarchs

February 12, 2015 // 4 Comments

Growing up as a child in Virginia, one of my fondest memories was watching the spring and autumn migrations of the orange and black butterflies we call monarchs. It’s with great sorrow that I recently learned they are on the brink of extinction, due in large part to the eradication of milkweed, the plant they [ ...click to read more ]

From the Herb Basket – 20

February 10, 2015 // 0 Comments

For a stronger immune system: eat garlic, onions, ginger and lots of spices such as oregano, turmeric, cinnamon and sage. Add spices and herbs to soups, stews, casseroles, meats and vegetables, as well as bean dips and sauces. Garlic and onions offer wide-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Exactly 54 years after [ ...click to read more ]

February Recipes- Salads, Desserts, Main Dishes

February 6, 2015 // 1 Comment

Miami Fruit Salad 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon grated lime 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped mint 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup white grapes 1 cup peeled and sliced kiwi Combine all ingredients in a bowl, toss gently, chill an hour and serve [ ...click to read more ]

Herbal Pharmacy

February 2, 2015 // 3 Comments

Colds, flu, and achy joints… Sore Throat Gargle 2 cups of boiling water 1 heaping tablespoon of fresh or dried sage leaves 1/2 teaspoon sea salt In a large mug, add the sage and pour boiling water over the herb. Cover the top of the mug with foil and steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the herb and stir in the [ ...click to read more ]