Posted on 05/04/2012 7:31:41 AM PDT by JustaDumbBlonde
Good morning FRiends and fellow gardeners! I really enjoyed all of you that participated in last week's thread. I've been so busy that I didn't have time to respond to each and every comment, but I think about what y'all write and the photos that you post while I'm out working on my own projects. You truly inspire me!
Looking forward to reading your updates this week. We welcomed 2 new members to the ping list last week, bringing us to 525 members. That is fantastic, and we are on track to add 100 members this year.
In my own little patch of earth, I've worked on many projects this past week and I did take plenty of photos along the way. If I get a chance I'll share some later on this evening, but if I don't, I'll post them all as next week's thread. My mind is reeling going from one thing to another and it would be easier to tell you what doesn't hurt on my body. It is all very rewarding though, as I'm sure y'all understand.
Happy gardening!
The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.
This thread is non-political, although you will find that most here are conservative folks. No matter what, you won’t be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
It is impossible to hijack the Weekly Gardening Thread ... there is no telling where it will go and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us!
I have accidentally put two seeds in the same pot when planting maters and peppers, but will snip one of them off as soon as they come up.
Our Victorian ancestors used many flowers in the kitchen, and not just for table decorations.
Lavender Flower Buds, Food Grade http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/dried-lavender-flower-buds-food-grade#content
There’s also recipes at the link:
Recipes with this Spice
Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Lavender Racks of Lamb
Lavender Rose Potpourri
Lavender Vinaigrette
Victorian Lavender Cookies with Rose Water Icing
Or, Lavender Vanilla Sugar http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/lavender-vanilla-sugar#content
Recipes with this Spice
Lavender Pound Cake
Lavender Sugar shortbread cookies
Violets were another favorite; crystallized, among other recipes.
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/wild-violets-recipes/
Victorian Spring Posy Cake for Easter or Mother’s Day
using Crystallised Violets http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2012/03/victorian-spring-posy-cake-for-easter-or-mothers-day-using-crystallised-violets.html
Nasturtiums in salads was another favorite of the times. Oh, and of course! Captain Picard’s favorite: “Replicator! Tea, hot; Earl Grey!” That has lavender in it.
(Disclaimer: I’ve only had the candied violets, and used nasturtiums, but the other recipes look good. I have purchased from Spice House, and was satisfied but haven’t tried their lavender products.)
The whole subject of edible flowers fascinates me - I also think they make a salad or plate of great food adorned with flowers something very special.
Here is the link I use for my edible flower information:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
They do have some recipe links for lavender (list of the titles):
Cottage Cheese-Herb Bread
Crostini with White Truffle & Olive Paste
Grilled Pork Chops with Lavender Flowers
Lavender Creme Brulee
Lavender Focaccia
Lavender Hazelnut Bread
Lavender Jelly
Lavender Sorbet
Lavender Tea Cookies
Peppered Lavender Beef
Thanks for the idea.
I want one n the worst way. We had pizza made in one by a bakery near Charlotte NC. Best pizza ever! And their bread and pastries...oh my
This site has pictures.
http://www.traditionaloven.com/articles/228/earth-clay-pizza-cob-oven-building
Also recommended is the book Build Your Own Earth Oven 3rd edition by Kiko Denzer
The best laid plans of mice and . . . weeds? [grin]
Today's plan was to finish prepping the raised beds and transplant the seedlings. While finishing my morning coffee, it rained . . . again . . . big time . . .
So, instead I am on the Gardening thread seeking advice. I had purchased a bunch of 1-1/2 cubic foot bags of mushroom compost to add to the raised beds. The plan was one bag per 4' X 4' bed. Now the question I am pondering over my second mug of coffee.
Would it be better to till the compost into the top 6" of the beds, or should I spread it as a top dressing after planting everything???
Inquiring minds want to know . . .
Great news: we are suddenly inundated with flocks of lark sparrows, which we’ve never seen here before, even though this is part of their breeding range.
Why great news? According to Wikipedia, “...grasshoppers are also eaten in the breeding season...”
Thanks for the link: bookmarked
Don't know. How deep are your beds? What kind of soil do they contain? What was your goal with purchasing the mushroom compost?
The beds are 4'X4' and 1' deep. Here is a pic from last year
What kind of soil do they contain?
When I built the beds, I ordered a truckload of topsoil. It was real heavy, clay like, so I added a lot of peat moss and sand.
What was your goal with purchasing the mushroom compost?
Now 14 years later I wanted to add a bit more plant matter to boost the health of the soil. The soil test said it was weak on plant matter.
Nice beds! I’d mix it into the existing soil for maximum benefit.
I would till in the mushroom compost especially if it is fresh as it will be full of active biological ingredients. We got a pickup load right from a shed many years ago and had mushrooms coming up for 2 years as it wasn’t composted.
The verdict is in, I will till it in. I just gotta wait for it to dry out enough to work with.
Thanks.
I spent 3 hours straightening up the boards on my biggest raised beds yesterday. I work a little and rest a lot. Hope to finally plant potatoes this afternoon after a run to a nursery to buy 5 flats of Impatients for Lady Bender’s hanging grow bags then a visit to the doctor for a followup on some lab work.
hank you AG. I’ll see if my plumber has a 2” piece of pvc. He’s already given me 3 & 4 inch pipes he doesn’t want for my garden. He’s a peach.
Thank you Miss M. I’ll find a couple and put them behind my garden shed. I’m slowly getting the ground around my shed the way I want it. It’s slow, but fun. I’ll check and see if Buddilea can be used in salad and seasoning.
Holy Snake-a-boo!!! Here is a snake story from the VietNam era.
Some Rangers assigned to an outpost, near the Cambodian border, fixed themselves a “party hooch” where they gathered in the evening, when they could, for happy hour. They had a pet python, 20 feet long, that they stretched across the edge of the bar and used it for an arm rest. One day a bedraglled Ranger from another unit staggered into the compound and was greeted by the occupants and they took him to the party hooch, for a little rest and relaxation. He sat him at the bar and was served a cold beer. All of a sudden the armrest moved. He observed it was a snake. He jumped up and yelled don’t worry, “I’ll take care of it”. He pulled out his machete and cut the pet snake in half, much to the chagrin of the troops stationed in the compound. I don’t know if he was asked to leave or not but they may have sent him back out into the brush.
True story. Got it from hubby.
Thank you for the edible flowers Miss M. I think I’m going to begin an edible flower garden for next year.
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