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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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Watermelon Sorbet

Here is a nice refreshing treat for the July 4th holiday.

Watermelon Sorbet




2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 TB. lemon juice
1/4 large watermelon (about 8 cups of cubed watermelon)


In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Without stirring, simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and cool to room temperature.


Cut melon into cubes (remove seeds if there are any). Puree 2 cups at a time in a blender or food processor with a metal blade. Stir into the cooled syrup.


Pour into ice cream canister. Freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 2, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Watermelons aren' ripe here yet. It sounds so good I will have to try it. You make it look good too. Beautifully presented.

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  2. Randy EmmittJuly 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Looks so yummy. Meg just took her daughter the ice cream maker. Sad as we have all the ingredients in the fridge right now.

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  3. Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax!July 3, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Of course, the colour helps.

    I've tried to make sorbet only once. I think I must have beaten it up at the wrong moment because it turned to snow - lemon flavoured snow. It was fabulous but I doubt I could repeat it!

    Lucy

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  4. debsgardenJuly 3, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    So refreshing and perfect for July 4th! Have a happy holiday!

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  5. UnknownJuly 4, 2011 at 3:52 AM

    I think I need to go and buy an ice cream maker!

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  6. CarolJuly 4, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Wow Phillip! What gorgeous colors! Cold sorbet is perfect for these hot humid days too. Happy Fourth!

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  7. EveJuly 5, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Thanks Phillip! Also I love the lilies below. They are one of my favorite flowers and unless the voles get them they sure do stand the test of time!

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  8. rebeccaJuly 5, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    THAT is absolutely gorgeous!

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