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10 June Favorites

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' With so much going on in the garden in June, it is hard to choose only ten favorites. I challenged myself and have done just that. These are plants that look good around the midway point in June, specifically from June 15-20.  I begin with Magnolia 'Kay Parris'. Believe it or not, having spent the majority of my life in the South, I never grew a magnolia. They are emblematic of the South, where magnificent specimens grace old plantation homes and stately homes in older neighborhoods. I always thought of magnolias as huge trees, not suited to a small garden, but things have changed, and more varieties are now available that are not supposed to grow as large.  We now have two magnolias in our garden, both of which were added recently. When one of the old photinias that line our back property line died, it left a gaping hole. I had been looking at magnolias at the nursery and decided a smaller one might make a good backdrop and create a good privacy s...

Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes


 

Another recipe -

I'm not sure where this recipe came from but it has become one of our favorites. This is surprising because I don't really like pasta or tomatoes. However, we use angel hair pasta which doesn't bother me too much (I take small portions). As for tomatoes, roasting them is  my favorite way to eat them. This is a very satisfying meal with bread and a salad. A summer recipe no doubt, but really good in the middle of winter too.

2 lbs. grape or plum tomatoes, halved lenghtwise
1/2 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 TBS. Italian dressing
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 oz. pasta (Angel hair or any kind you prefer)
Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400.

Place the tomatoes, cut side up, on a foil-lined 15 x 10 x 1" pan sprayed with cooking spray or rubbed with olive oil.



Whisk together the olive oil (reserving 2 tablespoons), garlic and seasonings. Spoon over the tomatoes.


 

Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and browned on top.

Prepare the pasta. 

Place half of the tomatoes in a bowl and toss with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the pasta. Add the remaining tomatoes. 

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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