The Gardens

Starting a blog to showcase some of the things that are going on at Pleasant Gardens

Sweet potatoes with Ethiopian Berbere Spice Sweet potatoes with spices Wow. Seriously wow. Slice the sweet potatoes thin, 1/4 inch. On a greased tray at 425, well oiled, then the spice sprinkled over. 20 minutes then stir them, cook until done/semi crispy. Great with either mayonnaise or mustard sauce. (Posted 2/23/2022 by valerie)

Juniper Berries as they are picked Juniper berries on evergreens. Here’s what they look like when I first pick them. (Posted 1/12/2022 by valerie)

Working on a new project: juniper seed beads. Juniper seeds strung on a thread. I picked a bunch of juniper berries in Connecticut and I’m trying to pierce them and change them into beads. First to remove the juniper fruit, then pierce the base of the seed. (Posted 1/11/2022 by valerie)

January Cold English Lavender in the snow. We expect it to be cold in January in Connecticut but it still takes me by surprise. It’s a great time if the year to look at the bare landscape. As I drive to work I can see red dogwood twigs poking up against the snow. My lavender plants are covered as well. (Posted 1/11/2022 by valerie)

Mushroom hunting! Chicken Of The Woods. Mushroom hunting with a dear friend today and found 4 varieties that I’m looking forward to cooking with over the next few days. (Posted 9/25/2021 by valerie)

White bean and lavender dip This delicious and easy to make dip is high in protein, has no sugar, and a nice tangy and piney taste. Start with 1 cup of dried beans and cook overnight in 3 cups of water in a small slow cooker. You can also use canned beans, in which case be sure to rinse thoroughly in a colander to reduce the salt content. Once the beans are fully cooked (10 hours on low) drain and rinse them. Put into a large bowl and mash them with enough lemon juice to blend thoroughly. Add approximately 1 Tablespoon of dark blue dried lavender, rubbed between your palms before mixing. Salt to taste. Makes about 2 cups. Serve with chips, or add to any charcuterie platter or as desired. Does well as a part of any dinner. Need food grade lavender? I can help, message me. (Posted 8/20/2021 by valerie)

Finished art project for Windsor Monarch Project Dinner Is Served Dinner Is Served Is done in hot colors to attract adult butterflies and includes the foods plants for their caterpillars. For Monarchs, milkweed. For Swallowtails, dill and parsley. (Posted 8/6/2021 by valerie)

Art project A boring chair about to be transformed. My town, Windsor CT is host to an awesome non profit called the Windsor Monarch Project. They are doing a cool fundraiser. Here is the first photo of my contribution. (Posted 6/11/2021 by valerie)

You snooze you.... Freeloaders I have a bunch of wreaths n pots hanging on my back porch. Now it looks like it’s gonna be a couple weeks before I can use them. I had noticed that something was being built. But I didn’t do anything about it fast enough. Stuck now. (Posted 5/2/2021 by valerie)

Teaching ...how to grow plants from woody cuttings. A rare photo of me teaching a class. I’m on the right (Posted 4/9/2021 by valerie)

Solar Laundry Dryer I admit I’ve had some fun talking about my high tech Solar Laundry Dryer . Oh dear. It’s A Clothesline. I do however paint my clothespins lots of colors. There’s a reason They not only last longer but when they fall into the ground they are much easier to find. Plus it’s fun. (Posted 4/8/2021 by valerie)

Next day: lunch with Garlic Mustard Pesto On salmon, with a torn spinach salad and Minnesota wild rice. (Posted 4/5/2021 by valerie)

Garlic Mustard: Invasive and delicious Sometimes plants I dislike can be edible and yummy too! This is the time to gather Garlic Mustard, an invasive and pernicious plant. Larger plants can be gathered by gently twisting to also get the long white root with them. Clean in fresh water, then remove any dead leaves. Cut off the root (but save it). Place multiple groups of leaves in a blender, adding olive oil and blending until you have a thick green sauce. Add a small amount of salt. Serve over potatoes, chicken, salmon, or pork. Store excess in fridge for a few days. It is too delicious to wait for long. (Posted 4/5/2021 by valerie)

2021...finally Tonight I am looking forward to this New year as much as possible. New ideas. New hopes. New things to add to the gardens. And a few more stories to tell. (Posted 1/1/2021 by valerie)

Heatwave It's amazing how hot it became and how dry. Yes, we inally got some much needed rain yesterday but I'm afraid that the raspberry bushes may not recover. I've harvested about a quart but that may be all I get this year. (Posted 7/23/2019 by valerie)