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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
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More snow and a cheese ball recipe


We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning despite the weather forecasters predicting that Clark County would get little to none. That seems to be the norm now and I've learned not to rely on their forecasts. There are so many variances and elevations here that it is extremely hard to predict.

Most of the snow had melted by the afternoon but snow flurries are falling again as I write this.




Last night was Oscar night and we had a nice spread of snacks and desserts. We had some friends over and they brought some goodies as well. This is a cheese ball recipe that is one of our favorites.

Pineapple Cheese Ball

2  8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup minced celery (optional! We don't include this)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp. minced onion
1  20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans

First, make sure the pineapple is well drained. I put it in a strainer and press the juice out. I then put it in a thick towel and wring it several times. 

 In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, celery (if using), bell pepper, onion, and crushed pineapple. Divide the mixture in half and form two balls out of the mixture. Roll each ball in the pecans. Chill until ready to serve.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 26, 2019 at 3:13 AM

    Your garden looks good with a coating of snow. All of the evergreens stand out being flocked. It is amazing how much every plant has grown in the short time you have been there. I like the rock wall across the top of the hill. Your garden has developed a great personality. MMMMMM that cheese ball sounds good. I will make it for a Euchre party we are having soon. I always like to make something different.

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  2. outlawgardenerFebruary 26, 2019 at 6:59 AM

    Ugh! Let's hope that's the last of the snow. It does look very pretty, though.

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  3. chavlinessMarch 1, 2019 at 8:42 AM

    This white stuff may be pretty for a while, but I am ready for it to go away and for the days to warm up a bit. Garden projects are calling me... My favorite to win best actor won. Yay.

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