Tuesday, May 31, 2011

luna moth

i left the screen door ajar so oto could get in without knocking the screen out again, and this is what came in! it is a luna moth, one of the largest moths. thankfully, the big guy was on the screen so i could shut the door and he (or she) could fly away at will.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

radishes

i never liked radishes until i started eating at meylin's: the pickled vegetables are inspiring and delicious. so, now i am growing them. the radishes in my square foot garden needed big-time thinning as i planted the entire pack of seeds in 12 square inches (last year's seed). i now have a ton of radish greens...what to do?
apparently there are lots of things! i am not so big on the radish greens raw as they are a little furry, but...
braised radish greens
1. cook radish greens with olive oil, garlic and a dash of nutmeg until wilted and garlic is cooked.
2. add a dash of balsamic vinegar.
3. remove from heat.
4. salt.
5. pepper.
6. eat.

radish green soup
1. cook onions and/or leeks over low heat with olive oil until soft and slightly carmelized (10-15 minutes).
2. add radish greens and cook til wilted.
3. add 1medium/large chopped potato
4. add 8 cups of cold water and/or broth. bring to a boil and cook til potatoes are tender.
5. remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. salt and pepper.
7. smooth in a blender then strain through a fine sieve or chinoise.
8. stir in some lemon juice.
9. adjust seasoning
10. top with a dollop of greek yogurt topped and chopped chives.
11. eat.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

clematis flowers

Photobucket

i have never been able to grow clematis because i've never found the perfect combo of "cold feet and hot head" in my yard. my neighbors have, though and they've created quite a spring spectacle!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

yellow rose

roses are in full bloom around here. these yellow beauties stopped me in my tracks as i was walking the dog through the hood: gorgeous!

Friday, May 6, 2011

capitol hill house and garden tour

capitol hill restoration society's mother day house and garden tour is a great way to spend some time with the family...or not! after the tour, i will be buying fresh flowers and some potted herbs at the outdoor eastern market, and raviolis and cheese from the indoor food court...maybe a hand pie too.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

everything flowers

i love this beautiful book "everything flowers" by bay area artist clare rojos! if you happen to live in the city, you can meet her at the book signing tomorrow evening.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

happy greenery day!

it used to be a japanese holiday to honor emperor showa's birthday, but when controversy got the best of him, this day was renamed greenery day to honor his love of, well, greenery! we should all commune with nature today (and everyday) and be thankful for it's blessings: go green!