The Chinese Lilac

The Chinese Lilac is in bloom.
Its scent fills the gardens.

I spotted a Red Spotted Purple,

the first one of the season for me.

While I was held in trace
 from the Lilacs perfume
a pair of Monarchs came in.

The season is in full swing.

The Monarchs have arrived.

The garden lettuces are ready to cut.
It is time to plant tomatoes and basil.

The Monarchs have returned.

Lavender Granita

I am gathering lavender recipes.

I am smitten with all things lavender.

I think these ices will be yummy!

Butterflies in the kale

The Painted Ladies

enjoyed the kale.

I will save seed for replanting.

A couple of Red Admirals joined in.

Lots of little Honey Bees were pollinating too.
Kale is a super food!

The chamomile was busy too.

I am drying for winter tea.

Chamomile and carrots

The chamomile is blooming.

I will harvest tomorrow morning

after the dew is dry.

I bought 10 pounds of carrots.

I don't know what I was thinking.

I have requested a few cookbooks books from the library.

I think I will make carrot cupcakes and cooked carrots.
It might take us a few weeks to eat 10 pounds!

Sweet Bay

I have fallen in love with the Sweet Bay Tree.

With temperatures up into the 90's today it feels like southern California. I think the Sweet Bay can grow outside until winter. When I bring her in she will be the kitchen tree.

I choose a card this morning.

I laughed. I did need grounding.
I did need a tree.

and planted with hope.

I shall watch and keep records of the Medlar.

The Kitchen garden is doing wonderfully.

Last year's kale is blooming.
We will save the seed for next year's planting.

The chamomile will bloom any minute.
By next week I will be drying for winter teas.

We are planting as fast as we can, watering as we go.
We are praying for rain.
We are praying for the return of April.

Dear Uriel

When I was a little girl the Archangel Uriel, the fire of God,

watched over me. I did not know that Uriel is the guardian of the nature spirits.

I remember tornadoes.
 I remember being afraid and praying to the Angels.
Now I know to ask Uriel to watch over the wind and the rains.

Now I know not to be afraid.

Spring rain is forecasted for this week.

I bless the rains.

We need them in moderation.

It is almost time for me to sow the spring kitchen garden.

I am looking forward to garden vegetables.

I am looking forward to fresh herbs.

In March I like to have lemon and lime flavors.

I am enjoying curd on my toast this month.

The coconut curd is new for me.

It is amazingly delicious.

Sorbets are also delightful.

My favorite treat these days is a small scoop of coconut
gelato. I am head over heels in love with coconut.

Spring has come early this year giving me extra time to
delight in the wind.

My husband picked up a book for me
when he went to the library.

Creating a spiritual herb garden will be so fun.
I want to get started. I am excited to have an holistic herb experience.
I am ready to sow.

I ask Uriel to keep watch.

Spice

I am learning about spices.

I am adding flavor to our winter food rather than fats.

I am making a commitment to eating more flowers this coming growing season.

I want to harvest flowers for my table

and perserve them for next winter.

We are eating fresh sprouts everyday.

I am looking forward to the kitchen garden this year.