THE BEAUTY OF BUTTERFLIES

BUTTERFLY
Originally uploaded by Jingle526

Since my garden backs up to the woods, I make sure there's milkweed growing for the monarchs, plus plenty of wild flowers for other species of butterflies floating about in search of nectar to sip on. My Buddleja Bushes are covered with butterflies all summer long. These 7 foot perennials produce long fragrant lilac-like flowers in many attractive shades including golden yellow, snow white and deep purple.
There's nothing more therapeutic on a hot summer day than lounging in my yard as these pretty winged creatures flutter gracefully past me while frolicking in the air with one another, as if playing a game together.

ATTRACT BEES TO YOUR GARDEN FOR A BETTER HARVESTING YEAR

Banqueting on a Sunflower
Originally uploaded by pietroizzo

There's a new buzz going around, bees are dying at an alarming rate. Nobody knows the reason why this is happening, but many farmers and home gardeners are growing concerned over this recent find.
Bees are needed to pollinate the blossoms of vegetable and fruit plants. Cross pollination equals higher yields of fruits and vegetables. One trick I use to attract bees into my garden, is to incorporate bee loving flowers among my veggie plants. Some of my personal favorites are Sunflowers, Marigolds, and Bee Balm. Not only are they pretty, they also add interesting colors to the vegetable garden. Take care not to plant anything too invasive, such as catnip, or you may be sorry.
I highly recommend planting these flowers around eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, squashes and beans. If you decide to try this method of gardening, you will reap the benefits through a bountiful harvest.

ARTICHOKE PASTA WITH KALAMATA OLIVES AND SUNDRIED TOMATOES

artichoke, mascot of SCC
Originally uploaded by aroid

We finally had a thunder shower today. It's been dry as a desert in my parts lately. Both my flower beds and veggie garden needed the rain desperately. A majority of my time has been spent ridding the weeds that keep cropping up between my vegetable plants. Even though my outdoor chores have been my number one priority lately, I did fit in enough time to make my favorite recipe "Artichoke Pasta with kalamata olives and sun dried tomatoes," For father's day this past weekend.
An elegant member of the aster family, It's low in calories and can also lower cholesterol. The artichoke can soothe digestive issues such as bloating and nausea as well as promote liver health.
Below is my recipe for anyone who may be interested in trying it. You won't be disappointed, because this recipe is not only easy to make, it's delicious.

1 box of whole wheat pasta
1/3 cup olive oil (regular or extra virgin)
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, quartered
1 package sun dried tomatoes, soaked and chopped
1 can of drained and quartered artickoke hearts
1 tbsp lemon juice 1/3 cup of white wine
salt and pepper (to your liking)
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup grated cheese(optional)

If your a fan of anchovies as much as my husband is, then you can add one can of them, with their packing oil included to this pasta dish. If you are going to add the anchovies, omit the salt and easy on the cheese, because these tiny fish are salty enough on their own.
Cook pasta as stated on the package. Heat oil in skillet and add garlic, heat 'til lightly browned. Add kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, white wine, lemon juice, and salt ( or anchovies) and black pepper. cook on medium heat for 8 minutes stirring frequently.After the 8 minutes are up, add the grape tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes or until tomatoes start to soften. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of chopped basil and grated cheese if desired. Serve and enjoy.

SLUG ATTACK

Ladybug -Photoshoped edition.
Originally uploaded by idless

Slugs are already eating the leaves of my pole beans. Last year I used an organic product called "escargo" to rid of them. This year I had to buy something similar, because I couldn't find "escargo" anywhere. Another method I use to controlls slugs along with the pellets is beer. This organic alternative is quite simple; I place stale beer in some shallow dishes and bury them at ground level in between the plants that are being attacked. Slugs cannot resist beer, so they drink themselves to death.
Ladybugs are very beneficial for anyone who gardens organically. These cute little insects prey on the pests responsible for the distruction of many vegetable plants in one's garden. Next time you see a ladybug perched on your tomato leaf, it's searching for prey, not damaging the plant.