03.27.07
Posted in Gardening at 7:59 pm by Administrator
Every spring, we look forward to seeing the first flowers to appear in our yard: the perennial “Glory of the Snow.” This particular set of flowers, shown here, somehow migrated to the edge of the foundation, just below the lowest (old) clapboard on the house. Our perennial flowers are apt to come up any old place, and the result of letting this happen has created an interesting mix of plants in odd places. I had to smile when I saw this patch of blue flowers. I hope you will, too. Happy Spring! Pat
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12.10.06
Posted in Gardening, Nature at 12:13 am by Administrator
In having revisited the article on “Butterflies and More Butterflies” today, I could not help but recall a day one summer. At the time, there was much discussion, locally, about development of an area in town, on the Concord, NH “heights,” that contained a lot of pines. The habitat was significant because it was home to a rare butterfly, the Karner Blue butterfly, if I am spelling that correctly. There was only one other known area where that butterfly lived, and in going ahead with the agreement to tear down every last pine, there was a chance that the type of winged creature would become extinct.
Today, the loss of a species, especially a type of butterfly, does not matter much to those who would stand to make money with a construction project. The worst case scenario happened, and the area that had been a forest of pines is now full of shopping options. However, that angle of the story is not the one I started out to cover.
A Little Fresh Air/ A Beautiful Butterfly
That late summer, I happened to be in the yard with my mother, who was visiting us, at that time. She was having trouble getting around but was enjoying looking at our flower garden and getting some fresh air. She was holding onto one of my arms, and she suddenly stopped near a patch of Cinnamon Phlox.
Casually and slowly flitting around the Phlox was the most beautiful blue butterfly that I have ever seen. I stood, staring at it for the longest time, hoping that doing so would imprint its image on my brain, forever. Alas, I could not linger as long as I would have liked. Jim had cooked us a nice dinner and was calling us inside.
Right after supper, I grabbed a book that we have on butterfly identification, and headed back out. The magnificent butterfly was no longer in sight, nor has it ever been seen again. In looking at the book, I do not believe that it was a Karner Blue butterfly. In fact, I could not find any butterfly resembling it, in identification guides. We rarely see any kind of butterfly In New Hampshire, other than Monarch butterflies, or sometimes yellow butterflies (I know, there is another name for them…).
Nature’s Creatures
Nature is full of surprises. One time, I certainly jumped back in a startled fashion, when working in the garden in late fall. I went to move a “rock,” and it turned out to be a big old “Granddaddy” toad, half-burrowed into the ground, and getting ready for his own type of hibernation amongst the dead sprigs of Coreopsis. That same afternoon, a bright yellow and black spider, the largest and most gorgeous spider I have ever seen, was spotted in that same patch of dead twigs.
My yard is full of wonder, as is all of nature. I hope that you, too, take every chance to spend a little time outdoors. One never knows what will come into view.
I can make a butterfly quilt, but only the Master of the Universe can make a beautiful blue butterfly.
Wishing you love and comfort,
Patricia
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10.04.06
Posted in Gardening at 3:28 pm by Administrator
One of the delights in having a garden is growing Jerusalem Artichokes.
Before you say that you don’t like artichokes, I have to mention that the roots of the plants above are not anything like the traditional artichoke that one would buy in a restaurant. They are not slimy, nor hard to eat.
The tall spiky plants, related to Sunflowers, have yellow flowers with brown centers. Curiously, the flowers smell like chocolate. The part of the plant that is edible is the root. Each looks like a small potato with extending nodules.
The roots can be harvested, beginning in October, and they are good “winter keepers,” if kept cool in a root cellar, or in the refrigerator. Sliced, the root is a crispy addition to a salad.
Jerusalem Artichokes can also be made into “Topinambour Soup,” which I have made only once, using a great recipe from Yankee magazine. I prefer the crunchiness of the raw vegetable.
Of course, when harvesting, it is important to leave some roots in the ground for next year’s crop. The plants are prolific and spread nicely, as you can see from the patch that grows beside the gate to our vegetable garden.
This root is a good source of trace minerals, vitamins, and fiber, all essential ingredients for good health. I don’t know how well this plant would grow elsewhere, but it is very acclimated to New England growing conditions. You might look for this vegetable at your local supermarket, just to give it a try. Maybe it’s “an acquired taste,” but one that we both enjoy, and sliced Jerusalem artichokes are great for dipping into onion dip, clam dip, or other holiday dips.
We have come to love root vegetables: especially potatoes, parsnips, carrots, beets. Some of these (except for beets) are great to add to Beef Stew, another hearty New England favorite. See our recipe at: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/beefstew2.htm
Hope you’ve enjoyed this post.
Pat from the Spider’s Web
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