Summer and Sunny Days Ahead
Happy Summer, everyone! I send my greetings and best wishes to all of you and hope you are enjoying these warm days and sunny, blue skies.
As you know from our June newsletter, “Education in the Garden” is my focus for the club for the next two years. And, “education” and the “garden” are my personal working themes this summer. In a time of great uncertainty, I am learning how to fill my days while at home by trying new things in my garden and in the kitchen. Plus, the biggest new excitement in my household has been adopting a three-year old rescue Yorkie Poodle and learning the joys of puppy dog love — but more on that later!
Here’s something new I’ve tried in my garden: milkweed. Milkweed is the plant on which Monarch butterflies lay their eggs. If you get the chance, check out Susie Vanderlip’s informative presentations on YouTube on Monarch butterflies. Several weeks ago, I watched one of them and began an adventure to add color and butterflies to my garden. It’s been very interesting and a life lesson.
While I was at Plant Depot purchasing milkweed, a Monarch butterfly started following me around as I carried the plant — and proceeded to lay half-a-dozen eggs on it one at a time! That milkweed is now in my yard, and caterpillars have appeared on the leaves. My husband and I are still waiting for the butterflies to emerge. Meanwhile, we’ve enjoyed seeing several gorgeous Monarch butterflies flutter through our yard every day — such a treat! I have also learned that California native milkweed is best for our Monarch butterflies — and for our regional environment. The non-native tropical varieties of milkweed plants must be cut back every year to prevent a protozoan parasite that is harmful to Monarchs from living on the plant.
Here are some new things I’ve tried in the kitchen: Hopefully, many of you are enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables from your gardens (or in my case the store). Right now, my garden has just one lemon tree and a rosemary plant — but I am using them in fruit and vegetable dishes. Recently, I prepared cauliflower steaks with cilantro sauce, and it was delicious. The fresh lemon juice in that dish came from the lemons on my tree. [See our August Newsletter for the recipe.]
This summer, my favorite thing to eat has to be waffles with a berry and peach compote that we enjoyed recently. The compote is simply fresh berries (I used blackberries and raspberries) and a nice ripe peach. The peach provided all the sweetness and juice we needed.
Finally, the very best new thing to happen to me this summer: The addition of a cute rescue dog to our household. His name is Tripod or Tripp for short. Why Tripp? Because he had a leg amputated about two weeks before we adopted him. However, one less leg does not stop him from getting around really well. Tripp has also been good for me health-wise. I’ve quadrupled the number of steps I’m taking every day and I am slowly starting to drop the COVID “seven pounds” that started to appear in March. Tripp and I are both very happy to have found each other.
In closing, be safe, be well, and be happy. May you find new and exciting things to do indoors or in the garden — whether you are alone, with others, or with an adorable, lovable pet! I am looking forward to our September garden club meeting which will be online (see article on page 4 ) and, of course, to the day when we can all be together again!