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Let’s Cook: A colorful bunch – gardening catalogs

Submitted Photo Smoothies are a great way to use fresh fruit and vegetables. Try out my recipe called “Give it a Spin Smoothie.”

Did you know that your mailbox can bring your daily arboretum? With the cold slice of winter that we have been enduring lately, the arboretum is not only compelling, but a sunny lifting up for the spirit. In our home, we look forward to the arrival of seed and gardening catalogs. This is the time of year when they start showing up. What fun to swoon every colorful petal, pistil and stem in the comfort of an easy chair.

Start paging through seed and gardening catalogs that feature captivating double-ruffled hollyhocks in deep red, candytufts pretty in pink, zinnias that dazzle sunset orange tones, and grape-colored gladiolus that can easily hold a conversation with the crinkled green heads of summer hydrangeas. This exhibit of bloomers will have you planting big time!

The humble daisy looks so lovely that it immediately causes you mark down on your ‘order now’ list. In the language of welcome home, squash with their golden flesh tones bespeak “come over for supper.” Look — there is a catalog for “Hosta Lovers.” Inside “Earth Angel” is featured showcasing blue-green leaves, with chartreuse-green and yellow outlining. It was voted Hosta of Year in 2009. Another must have — your neighbors may have a new speed boat but you will have Earth Angel!

We all know that we can look online for many products — seeds, blubs and plantings are no exception to this. When catalogs start arriving in the mail and you see these colorful images of the Persian Pearl Tulip with its burgundy petals and lemon-yellow centers and the Cum Laude Daffodil with its frilly peachy-pink split cup, tells why this iris is at the head of the class. Eden’s Pink Perfume Peony cannot help but get one excited about gardening.

Last week, I presented a program on the joys of seed catalogs. We had a few at our home; however, I wanted many more for the presentation. What to do? I called Ken Eraas and asked, “Ken, would you have any seeds catalogs that I could borrow for a presentation?” He replies, “How many would you like?”

The first time I heard Ken speak, he included a talk on the peony. His passion for this flower was evident. He went on explaining that farmsteads disappear; however, the peony will remain, reminding the viewer that someone once lived here. It was here that I learned peonies can live for a hundred years or more if undisturbed, proving they are sometimes the immortal remains of a rural farm family. Did I hear you ask “how many peonies does Ken have?” Enough to turn the darkest soil into the prettiest pink package come June! Colleen mentioned that peony stems with buds can be clipped, placed in the refrigerator, and forced bloomed months later! Good to know!

When I went to pick up the catalogs, I was invited into Ken and Colleen’s cozy dining room and as we visited over coffee, I realized I was sitting with well-informed and active gardeners. It was a pleasure to hear stories about his nurturing of interview judging in 4-H when he served as the county extension agent in Mountrail County. His interest in a gentleman farmer, named Perry, who grew hundreds of gladioli in a greenhouse made of reclaimed old windows. Oh, how I wish I could have met this glad soul! I love hearing stories about free spirits like this who pour themselves into a garden interest. What could be more unforgettable than seeing hundreds of flowering gladioli! This is a true example of someone born to garden beyond the Heavenly Blue Morning Glory winding around the mailbox.

Ken has a green thumb in the finest shade of earth green; he went beyond the call of duty while employed at the Ward County Extension Office. How do I know this? He presented a program on how to grow wonderful tomatoes to a group of senior gardeners, and it was wonderful. He engaged them also on planting several vegetables with knowledge that had them saying “tell me more.” It was interesting to note that Ken also asked them for advice, and several of them spoke about varieties they liked. It was a good day and one that reminds us why our hands feel right at home in the garden soil.

The highlight came when a gentleman produced a garden diary in which he had recorded not only his garden plan, but the results of each plant. It was complete with pencil sketches of the garden plot and measurements. Seeing these two garden whisperers converse was quite a sight and recalling it has reminded me of how they “put the petal to the metal” when planting.

My dad’s summer agenda always included time in the garden where he grew raspberries, strawberries, onions, and tomatoes. My mom took care of the rest of the garden. I have fond memories of him dressed in his striped overalls weeding and caring for his plants. He was, as we say today, “living the dream.” When mom was in the garden, she enjoyed the cricket’s song, and never failed to point out the marshmallow clouds that were floating by.

A bit of humor was shared by one of the senior residents as he pointed out in the Hosta catalog that 2005 Hosta of the Year was named Striptease! He then said but not to worry because the plant directly below was called Praying Hands!

Smoothies are a great way to use fresh fruit and vegetables. Strawberries, blueberries and cranberries remain a favorite at home for a refreshing smoothie. The wheat germ is a great source of protein, and cinnamon adds just enough sweetness. The flavor is heightened when made with fresh garden raspberries and strawberries. This alone is a great reason to start both of the plants in a garden.

Give it a Spin Smoothie

1 cup almond milk or low-fat milk

3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen cranberries

1/2 cup frozen or fresh strawberries

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoon wheat germ or ground flax seed

3 to 4 ice cubes

1/2 cup orange juice to be used if mixture is too thick

Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth.

The frozen fruits make a creamier drink along with the ice cubes.

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