The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
Wow Phillip..that's too pretty to eat! I know what you mean about scaling back. I have really simplified Christmas a lot since meeting Glen. I think I was trying to fill a void in my life before I met him...always over the top with Christmas decorating. Now I only do what I love (and suffer much less stress). Merry Christmas to you and Michael!
ReplyDeleteOooh, this is one of my favorite desserts ever since French class in highschool. Tres magnifique!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how easy you say that is to make it still LOOKS hard lol. I tried to make a cream cheese pumpkin roll once (made sort of the same way) and it tasted good but it definitely wasn't pretty LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt's so refreshing to let it all go, isn't it? In a previous life, I was the Queen of Christmas, as was my mother before me. Now it all seems so exhausting. I see why you still make the Yule log, it sounds scrumptious. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeletePhillip, This looks too good to eat, i know its delicious.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip!
ReplyDeleteYum. I love that thing. It is so pretty, and delicious, I remember. I also just looked at recent posts with your chocolate mint cookies and toffee. Todd and Z love chocolate mint. I might have to try those. Can I fit in one more thing? Hmmmm.
Oh!!! I love to make my buche de noel at Christmas! Yours looks absolutely delightful - and thank you for posting your recipe. I may have to try a chocolate filling this year - mine is usually a vanilla-bourbon buttercream. This dessert is so festive, always makes everyone go "WOW!", and tastes sooooo good...
ReplyDeleteYour Yule Log is beautiful and looks delicious Phillip! I understand about all the hard work of this season. I can go years without putting up a tree and then it comes from my land . . . some pines I let grow for that purpose. I do enjoy bringing the forest into the house and smelling the greens. Enjoy your less stressful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh geez, there go the hips again!
ReplyDeleteWow - that is gorgeous! I've always wanted to make one of these. I make a sweet potato roll that is similar, and I've always wanted to make one with chocolate.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Christmas the way you wish to celebrate it!
Sounds divine! I am a chocolate lover so I am looking forward to making this. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a magical holiday season!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great. I found myself trying to convert it to dairy and gluten free. I don't know if I could do it.
ReplyDeleteAs far as doing the big party, we must let go of those things which we no longer enjoy. Maybe a smaller party next year? I can see camellia blossoms floating in bowls. Merry Christmas.~~Dee
Hi Philip,
ReplyDeletecreative cakes, it looks real plants.
Just like to share with you a beautiful quote...
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
You can get more happiness quotes at http://www.quotelandia.com/category/Happiness
Hi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteOk, I've printed out the buche de noel recipe, so that is one step done. I have a house full tomorrow and am considering doing this with my helpers.
I too became overloaded with decorating and teaching classes for the holidays. I've scaled waaaay back and am feeling more in control of life, but hey, if you have a party.....
Sending all joys to you,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island