Thursday, July 26, 2012

HOMEGROWN TOMATOES


 There is nothing better tasting than a homegrown tomato!
Sure, it has to be staked and watered, but for the lovers of
this wonderful fruit/veggie, its well worth it. This year I'm only
growing the grape tomato. I'm trying 2 different varities:
Napa Grape Hybrid from Burpee and Tami G Hybrid from
Bonnie Plants. About 65 days to harvest, they do need
at least 6 hrs. of sun. Here's a tip I learned from my Dad,
prune out the suckers below the first flower cluster. This
will encourage a strong main stem and allows the sun to get
to all of the plant.Most of the sugar produced goes to the
developing fruit. You will see larger fruits and a continuous
supply throughout the season. Dad also said to plant marigolds
around tomatoes to keep some of pests away. Now I don't
have the big green worms, but there is a pesky chipmunk
who loves my tomatoes. We are doing battle! I have watched
my tomatoes growing, anticipating that first bite. Finally picked
the first bowl (see the picture), and my husband and I will
be eating right from the vine. They are sweet and not to juicy.
Used for salads, kebabs, roasting, my favorite way to eat
them is to slice in half, and put a small mozarella ball in between
the halves and secure with a toothpick. Marinate them with an
italian dressing or balsamic glaze...delicious! I will be visiting
the Farmers Market for the larger tomatoes, so good on
hamburgers, in salsa, canning and oh, have you ever tried
fried-green tomatoes? However you like them tomatoes are
known for their antioxidant benefits, and are heart-healthy.
Keep eating those tomatoes!!!!




Friday, July 20, 2012

I LOVE HERBS


   Herbs, they are fresh, fragrant, and flavorful. I think they are the most useful plants in the garden. The pleasures of herbs are many. From the growing in the garden, to uses in the kitchen, crafting and decorating, herbs inspire me! They were my first major attempt at actually sitting down and make a small simple garden plan. I wanted to grow lavender. The smell is  intoxicating and so pretty to look at. Easy to grow, they love the sun, and don't require alot of water. They also survive my claylike soil. I always cut the spikes right after they first bloom. I like to make potpourris bags from the blossoms that grow above the foliage. The scent can last as long as a year. I also cut the lavender and bunch them together tying the spikes to hang from the beams in my kitchen. A simple rule about herbs, keep snipping and they will continue to grow. I now have about 8 shrubs of lavender in my  garden. Except for chives which I grow alongside the lavender, my growing of herbs I do in herb pots, or topiarys. The picture shows my rosemary topiary and 2 large clay herbal pots. I grow lots of basil, another favorite, dill, thyme, and lemon thyme, spearmint, lemon balm, oregano, and parsley. They are on my patio and close to the kitchen.  Only my rosemary do I winter over, because I love topiarys. About September, I clean out my pots. I replant new each spring. Herbs are a simple pleasure! They are fun, inexpensive and easy to grow. They will make you feel good!! I love herbs!

Monday, July 16, 2012

NEW RECEIPE

I did it! I actually prepared 2 favorite receipes, took pictures and posted for all to see. Look under Earthly Delights for the receipes, Tomato Caprese and Prosciutto Asparagus Spirals. You can also view the pictures in the gallery. Just touch any of the pictures to view all. These receipes are so good for appetizers. The Tomato Caprese can also serve as a salad for one or 2 people. Delicious especially when using fresh homegrown tomatoes and basil. The cheese is homemade from a store here locally. The wine is Robert Mondavi, Sauvignon Blanc and I served it with white mini crostini toasts. The basil is from my garden and the tomato came from the local farmer's market.  For the Spirals I used Pepperidge Farm Puff Pasrtry, I've also used the deli ham, because the prosciutto can be expensive. Serve right from the oven. So delicious warm. Try them both. ENJOY!!

MY LOVING HELPER, SAM



  We had a special birthday this month! Sam the Pug turned one. I love this dog. He makes me smile! I had to share 2 pictures of Sam. The puppy pose shows him at 6wks. and when my son Ben put him in my arms I instantly bonded. This pup could do no wrong! The CUTEST dog alive! He loves to be outside exploring the yard, sniffing, digging, trying to catch the chipmunks, and lying in the sun taking naps. He also likes to pick up sticks and small rocks, sometimes eating them, but we're working on that. One day he "worked" so hard he layed down , rolled on his back and fell instantly asleep. That's the sleeping pose above. Please enjoy some other photos of Sam in the Gallery.