Butterflies.....with a link to help identify

So, this morning I went outside and was looking down from the top deck.....only to notice my butterfly bush had a delightful variety of butterflies on it.

Three beautiful yellow swallow tail butterflies and two black swallow tails.  I love going outside in the morning to have my cup of morning brew, to listen to all the sounds of nature......as well as viewing the images.

Here are a few shots of the butterflies on my butterfly bush this morning:

Had to enlarge the photo of the two black swallow tails - kind of hard to make out in the photos.......

but, they were there.

Here is also a neat little link for all to determine what type of butterfly you have in your backyard.

CLICK HERE - GARDEN WITH WINGS

Simply select the primary color of your butterfly and pics to identify pop-up

click on the name and more info on your butterfly comes up.

Purslane - Weed or What?

  

After reading this article, I did a little research and it is very high in nutrients:

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), raw, fresh,

Nutritive value per 100 g.

(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA

Energy 16 Kcal 1.5%

Carbohydrates 3.4 g 3%

Protein 1.30 g 2%

Total Fat 0.1 g 0.5%

Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

Vitamins 

Folates 12 µg 3%

Niacin 0.480 mg 3%

Pantothenic acid 0.036 mg 1%

Pyridoxine 0.073 mg 5.5%

Riboflavin 0.112 mg 8.5%

Thiamin 0.047 mg 4%

Vitamin A 1320 IU 44%

Vitamin C 21 mg 35%

Electrolytes 

Sodium 45 mg 3%

Potassium 494 mg 10.5%

Minerals 

Calcium 65 mg 6.5%

Copper 0.113 mg 12.5%

Iron 1.99 mg 25%

Magnesium 68 mg 17%

Manganese 0.303 mg 13%

Phosphorus 44 mg 6%

Selenium 0.9 µg 2%

Zinc 0.17 mg 1.5%

I would have to try before buying to make sure I liked the taste - Says, "Leaves and tender stems have a slightly sour, and salty taste." Guess it is best mixed with perhaps other greens.

Purslane is a common edible wild food that grows throughout the world and has more recently become a popular cultivated salad green. Purslane contains the highest amount of alpha linoleic acid (which is the precursor to omega-3 fatty acid) and vitamin A out of any of edible plant which makes it one of the most nutrient rich green leafy vegetable to eat. Purslane also contains CoQ10, glutathione, dopamine, and melatonin which can not only can help regulate your sleep cycle, but also inhibit cancer growth as well. Purslane is excellent for boosting the immune system, improving vision, sharpening cognitive abilities, and strengthening the cardiovascular system. It is also great for helping to improve the effectiveness for treatment for bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, hyperactivity, depression, autism, ADD, and Alzheimer’s disease. Purslane is a rich source of vitamins C & B-complex and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Purslane contains a betalin alkaloid that has anti-mutagenic properties that can help to prevent or slow down the growth of tumors in the body. Purslane also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is an ideal food for those suffering with autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, COPD, irritable bowel syndrome, and lupus. Purslane is known to be good for hemorrhoids, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and parasites. In ancient Egypt, purslane was used to help prevent and treat heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Purslane leaves are crisp, chewy, and succulent with a mild lemony taste. It is a perfect addition to fresh vegetable juice and it also blends well with other herbs and leafy greens in a salad. The whole plant can be steamed, sauteed, or added to soups or stews. It’s mucilaginous texture gives it a thickening power similar to okra. Purslane can be often be found at your grocery store or farmer’s market alone or in a salad mesclun mix.

Here are several links found to give your more info for this interesting plant:

TheWomanYou, Health-Aromatheraphy and Morehttp://www.nutrition-and-you.com/purslane.html This site gives more info, and it tells you what to look for when purchasing to make sure it is fresh quality.

Purslane nutrition facts and health benefits

www.nutrition-and-you.com

Purslane features thick, succulent leaves that compose omega-3 fatty acids, mine...

TheWomanYou, Health-Aromatheraphy and More Here is an additional link w/some recipes:http://www.prairielandcsa.org/recipes/purslane.html

Purslane Recipes from Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture, Prairieland CSA, PCSA

www.prairielandcsa.org

Recipes for purslane from Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture, Prairieland CSA, PCSA

And another Blogger has some very interesting info and good photos of the plant:

click on: SERENITY IN THE GARDEN

Unexpected Tiny Creature

So, I am up on my deck talking to my sister on the phone.......and low and behold, I see an amazing site.......what appears to be a tiny baby hummingbird feeding off my butterfly bush. Well, I ran inside to get the camera snapped crazily to capture this tiny little creature....... Of course the first few shots look like the ones people take when taking photos of unidentified flying objects (now I know how they feel) anyway, I did capture some good pics and was surprised to learn.....it was not a hummingbird, but a moth. So, you guest it, I did some research to find out more about them.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM

THE HUMMING BIRD MOTH - LEARN ABOUT THEM

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW PHOTOS TAKEN BY OTHER STUNNED PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lots of pictures of this unique moth

One of my favorite books at home....very informative with photo of herb for those who need a visual (plus when cooking with herbs, it is best to know what they look like) Provides common name, other common names, botanical name, family/plant origin, names in different languages, flavor group, weight per teaspoon, suggested quantity per pound, complements, used in, combines with, description of plant/herb, origin and history, processing, buying and storage, use and recipes. All this can be found in, The Spice and Herb Bible (second Edition) by Ian Hemphill a great purchase for any kitchen.

The Spice And Herb Bible By Ian Hemphill - Used Books - Paperback - 2006-03-05 - from First...

www.biblio.com

Robert Rose, 2006-03-05. Paperback. Like New. Light wear to covers. Text clean and unmarked. The binding is tight and square. Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed! ...

For poojas's Tulsi is one of the most used plants in India. Available in two types RED and GREEN also known as RAM and SHYAM. Leaves are used for worship and eaten. Must be kept very dry during winter season for it's survival. Grows very fast during summer months. Can withstand various light conditions. Best one is full sun.

Prices for Potted Plants

Indian Name	Botanical Name	2.5"	4"	5"	6"	10"
Tulsi	Ocimum Sanctum	9.00	15.00	.	35.00	.

Murraya Koenigii (Curry Leaves) The curry leaf tree comes in three different varieties. Regular one grows very tall and is the fastest growing plant amongst three varieties. The leaves look like the ones you buy at the grocery store. Dwarf variety does not grow as tall but the branches spread. Light green Leaves are a little taller than the regular variety but it has an aroma of its own. GAMTHI variety is the most fragrant very thick leaf structure but slowest of all the curry trees. They all have one thing in common. They like full sun, very well drained soil which should be on the dry side and they need fertilizer during summer months. Used in cooking, there is nothing like picking fresh curry leaves just the right amount when you need them.

©2007 Photos copyright Nari Bhatia

Prices for Potted Plants

Indian Name	Botanical Name	2.5"	4"	5"	6"	10"
Curry Leaves Regular	Murraya Koenigii	10.00	18.00	30.00	40.00+	ASK
Curry Leaves Dwarf		18.00	35.00	.	.	.
Curry Leaves Gamthi		18.00	35.00	.	.	.

Please check the price list page for shipping information.

http://www.bhatia-nurseries.com/

Bhatia Nurseries
Division of
PC LINK CORP.
844 Kinderkamack Road
River Edge, NJ 07661
Tel. 201.967.7040  Fax 201.967.7042

A unique looking spider out on my front porch this evening. Had to do some research to find out what kind of spider it is.

So, this is what I found in my research.........If it is found in the sub tropical areas of the east coast of Australia, in and backyards, and especially in moisture areas, then HOW did it get on my front porch???? Talk about a long way from home.

Anyway, here is what I found on this interesting looking spider better known as the Silver Orb spider. 

It seems, Silver Orb spiders have the bright silver oval-shaped abdomens with black patterns. Their long legs and head are yellowish green to dark green in color. They are common in bushes along the sub tropical areas of the east coast of Australia, in and backyards, and especially in moisture areas.
The spiders also are known as Horizontal Orb Spider. They build inclined or horizontal orb webs, although vertical webs can sometimes be seen. They build complete orb web without stabilimentum.
The spiders build webs above one meter from ground, about one meter in diameter. Those webs are either built above shrubs or near water. They target to trap flying insects that land or ascend on/from plants or water surfaces.
Because of their long legs, they can build the web with wide space between radii, that is, less radii are needed. Also the silks used are thin and the webs look weak (comparing with Araneidae). They wait for their prey in the middle of the web both day and night hanging beneath the web to quickly traverse it to invenomate their prey without getting entangled themselves in the process.
When waiting for prey on horizontal orb web, they hang at the center of the web with its back facing the ground. Its camouflage colors are the same theme as a fish body’s color, darker on the upper side and silvery near the lower side. From the bottom of the web the prey sees the silver color that mimic the sky. Looking from the top the dark green-yellow patterns which mimic the plants on below.
Silver Orb Spiders like to build webs near fresh water, such as creek or pond. Because of their web is horizontal, it easily traps the insects fly up after drinking.
Males look similar but are smaller about half the size with longer legs. They are less often seen than females.

The females eat males after mating. Little is known about their toxin.

Holy Basil

One of our neighbor's are from India, and she was raised Hindu.  She loves coming to look at our garden and all the things we are growing.  She came to me the other day wanting to know about Tulsi and what the American name was for this worshiped plant in India.  Turns out, it is a form of Basil better known as: Ocimum basilicum.

Knowing that God is in all things because He is the creator, makes me excited to help her plant one and help keep it well, and because I know it is more special to her and her culture.....makes me even happier to help.

Poonam this article is for you!

1) Tulsi (Basil - Ocimum basilicum):

What is Tulsi?

Basil (Tulsi) has many health and medicinal benefits. It is about 3-5 feet tall. The leaves which are 3-5 cm long have powerful fragrance. Basil's are of three types-black basil, white basil and camphor basil. The flowering time of basil is winter and has seeds reddish-black in color.

On top of the list of our sacred plants is Tulsi or Basil, as it is known in the Western World.  It is believed to b Lord Vishnu's consort, and is thus an inseparable part of any Puja to Lord Vishnu.

Tulsi has several medicinal properties, which include action against:

1. Common Cold
2. Headaches
3. Malaria
4. Skin Diseases
5. Respiratory Disorders
6. Cholesterol
7. Kidney Stones

Tulsi Tea Benefits

Tulsi tea is a very important component of herbal teas and organic teas, which enhances a sense of well-being. Tulsi tea is a great stress buster and develops resistance against anxiety, tension and stress. It has good amount of antioxidants that helps to contend free radicals. It is one of the important alternatives of coffee and tea. Tulsi Tea good for vision, respiratory system, boost your immune system and stamina and maintain blood sugar level. There is no as such side-effects of Green Tea.

check out this link: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/62210/

and here is another: http://www.walterreeves.com/food-gardening/basil/

Where to order: http://www.amazon.com/Seeds-of-India-basil-Tulsi-packet/dp/B00022KIQW

Here are some other uses and benefits of Tulsi:

Information from: http://www.gyanunlimited.com

Tulsi for Stress Management

Holy basil leaves are stress buster and mood elevator. Chewing of fresh Tulsi leaves deal with stress and helps in the management of tension and anxiety. Tulsi tea also helps in reducing stress. Chewing of 10-12 Tulsi leaves helps in controlling of stress.

Basil Reduces Fever

The decoction of basil leaves, neem leaves, powder of ginger and powder of long pepper has the ability to reduce fever and its symptoms considerably. Basil leaves tea is quite effective against malaria ad dengue fever, especially in the rainy season. During fever, the legs become cold then applying  the paste of  Tulsi leaves are beneficial.

Tulsi Prevents Heart Disease

Basil leaves show positive impact in reducing of cholesterol level in the body thereby helpful in prevention of cardiac diseases. Tulsi leaves also act as a tonic for heart. The flow of blood circulation enhances when juice of fresh leaves are applied locally.

Cough Home Remedy and Tulsi

Tulsi leaves are used as home remedy in the treatment of cough and cold.  For curing of cough and cold fever, one should take the decoction of basil flowers, ginger, black powder and long pepper along with honey at least three to four times a day.  Holy basil is also useful for chronic cough and cold. For this, one should take the mix of Basil leaves + mint + black pepper in the dose of 30 ml twice a day. It is good to reduces the symptoms of cough and cold. Person suffering from expectorant, take the juice of Basil leaves and sugar. For dry cough, the mixture of Tulsi leaves, onion and ginger juice is helpful in managing and controlling the case.

Basil Expels Kidney Stone

Tulsi juice drinking along with honey for a period of six months helps to expel the Kidney stone (calcium oxalate) via urinary tract. Tulsi acts like as a detoxifier thereby reduces the level of uric acid in the body. It also prevents the formation of calcium oxalate in the kidney. Calcium oxalate and uric acid compounds are responsible for the formation of Kidney Stone. Since holy basil has painkiller effect, it also reduces the impact of pain that causes due to stone in the kidney. Thus, Holy Basil can be used as home remedy treatment to expel kidney stone yet it takes time to show desire effect.

Tulsi Reduces  Stomach Disorders

Basil show good impacts in case of stomach problems such as acidity, flatulence, constipation, etc. Sometimes hyperacidity leads to weakness; here Tulsi seeds cooked in water is given to overcome the problem. For acute stomach problems, decoction of basil leaves, ginger, honey and salt is given for two weeks. Recently, it has been shown in a scientific study that basil acts against stomach ulcers. For stomach-ache, the juice of basil leaves, lime and ginger is beneficial. It also eases from gaseous distension of stomach.

Basil and Dental Protection

Powder of Tulsi dry leaves is used as brushing of teeth, thus helps  in teeth protection. It is also used as toothpaste when used with mustard oil. Mouth wash through basil leaves means keeping oneself away from many mouth diseases such as gums diseases, pyorrhoea, and other dental infections. To get relief from toothache, applied the mix of basil leaves juice and camphor. Chewing of Tulsi leaves is beneficial for mouth ulcer. It protects you from bacteria and germs that are the main source of mouth diseases.

Tulsi for Headache Treatment

Basil is helpful in relieving headache. To get instant relief from headache, it is suggested to apply the paste of Tulsi and Sandal wood on the forehead. Inhalation of powder of dried leaves of Basil eases from migraine and headache.

Tulsi Benefits for Skin Diseases

Tulsi is known as healing for many diseases and ailments. Juice of Tulsi leaves are used in the treatment ringworm and skin disorders.  For skin problems, the mix of Tulsi  and Aloe Vera is beneficial.  Some physicians also used this beneficial herb for leucoderma cases. It is used as skin ointments.

Respiratory Diseases and Basil

The leaves of Tulsi are used as home remedy for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as cough, cold, influenza,  mild-asthma and bronchitis. For these disorders, it is advisable to take the decoction of Basil leaves + honey  and ginger. The mix of Tulsi leaves, common salt and cloves are also used in curing of influenza.  A large number of  Ayurvedic cough expectorant and syrups used basil as one of the ingredients. Chewing of Tulsi leaves are also beneficial in case of cold and flu.  The asthma patient should take the mix of Tulsi juice and black pepper.

Top 10 Health Uses of Basil Leaves

1. Tulsi is used as germicide, bactericide, deodorant, and anti-oedematous.
2. Fresh juice of basil is instilled in ears to get relief from earache.
3. Paste of basil and black pepper are used in case of insecticide.
4. As a first aid, the paste of fresh leaves is used in case of bleeding.
5. Basil juices along with honey remove hiccups.
6. Basil extracted oil is used for painkiller.
7. Basil leaves juice with honey is good for obese person. Obesity person should take this combination for a period of 2 to 3 months.
8. The mix of Tulsi leaves and honey eases sore throat.
9. Basil is very important for children as it acts like as weapon against cough, cold, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
10. Tulsi is good for sore eyes and night-blindness. To have good result, 1 to 2 drops of basil juice are put into eyes.

Precautions and Basil Leaves

The combination of basil and milk should be avoided. Basil and heated honey should not consume together.

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So, I am getting my garden on................ digging in the dirt and getting ready for fruits of our labor.

Tomatoes, peppers (many varieties) herbs, squash, zucchini, okra and a surprise melon vine (from the bird seed, it is blooming, so we will see if it produces fruit) blue berries, lavender (English & Spanish), eucalyptus and aloe growing too! Grapevine is growing and producing - we are hopeful to get our harvest before the deer or little children this season.

Spanish Lavender

Mystery Vine

One of our tomato bushes

English Lavender - Aloe and Baby Blueberry Bushes 

Our front garden is for our flowers, greenery and herbs................oh yes, and a touch of magic.

My Magical Herbal/Greenery Garden....with a little color here and there

Love My Hostas Walkway

The best part of gardening is knowing where your veggies and herbs come from.............it just makes them taste even better.

Here is a list of “Edible Flowers/Plants” (make sure you view photos of each plant so, if you decide to venture into the world of edible flowers…..you are eating the right ones). It took some time, each one will provide a link with a photo of the plant and some very interesting information. (just click name of flower/plant) Enjoy! Lou

As with anything, it primarily depends on your taste buds which ones will be appealing to you!

Allium
All blossoms from the allium family (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible and flavorful! Flavors run the gamut from delicate leek to robust garlic. Every part of these plants is edible.

Angelica
Depending on the variety, flowers range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose and have a licorice-like flavor.

Anise Hyssop
Both the flowers and leaves have a subtle anise or licorice flavor.

Arugula
Blossoms are small with dark centers and with a peppery flavor much like the leaves. They range in color from white to yellow with dark purple streaks.

Bachelor’s Button (when clicking on link scroll down to get more info on Bachelor’s Button)
Grassy in flavor, the petals are edible but avoid the bitter calyx.

Basil
Blossoms come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to lavender; flavor is similar to the leaves, but milder.

Bee Balm
The red flowers have a minty flavor.

Borage
Blossoms are a lovely blue hue and taste like cucumber!

Calendula / Marigold
A great flower for eating, calendula blossoms are peppery, tangy, and spicy–and their vibrant golden color adds dash to any dish.

Carnations / Dianthus
Petals are sweet, once trimmed away from the base. The blossoms taste like their sweet, perfumed aroma.

Chamomile
Small and daisy like, the flowers have a sweet flavor and are often used in tea. Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile.

Chervil  

Provides delicate blossoms and flavor, which is anise-tinged, but seems to be a hard plant to find.

Chicory
Mildly bitter earthiness of chicory is evident in the petals and buds, which can be pickled.

Chrysanthemum
A little bitter, mums come in a rainbow of colors and a range of flavors range from peppery to pungent. Use only the petals.

Cilantro

I try to grow this every year in my garden…..seems to do better in shaded areas. Like the leaves of the cilantro, people either love the blossoms or hate them. The flowers share the grassy flavor of the herb. Use them fresh as they lose their charm when heated.

Citrus (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat)
Citrus blossoms are sweet and highly-scented. Use frugally or they will over-perfume a dish.

Clover
Flowers are sweet with a hint of licorice. Who knew!

Dandelion
Read a whole post about dandelions here: Eating and Harvesting Dandelions.

Dill
Yellow dill flowers taste much like the herb’s leaves.

Fennel
Yellow fennel flowers are eye candy with a subtle licorice flavor, much like the herb itself.

Hibiscus
Mostly used in China, hibiscus tea has a vibrant cranberry flavor is tart and can be used sparingly. We used to collect the flowers and feed them to our iguana, she loved them.  Who knew, they we be good for us too!

Hollyhock
Bland and vegetation in flavor, hollyhock blossoms make a showy, edible garnish.

Impatiens
Flowers don’t have much flavor–best as a pretty garnish or for candying.

Jasmine
Super-fragrant blooms are used in tea; you can also use them in sweet dishes, but sparingly.

Johnny-Jump-Up
Adorable and delicious, the flowers have a subtle mint flavor great for salads, pastas, fruit dishes, and drinks. Candy them at Easter for colorful edible treats.

Lavender
Sweet, spicy, and perfumed, the flowers are a great addition to both savory and sweet dishes.

Lemon Verbena
The diminutive off-white blossoms are redolent of lemon–and great for teas and desserts.

Lilac
The blooms are pungent, but the floral citrusy aroma translates to its flavor as well.

Mint
The flowers are–surprise!–minty. Their intensity varies among varieties and when you run your hand across them, their scent is delightful.

Nasturtium
One of the most popular edible flowers, nasturtium blossoms are brilliantly colored with a sweet, floral flavor bursting with a spicy pepper finish. When the flowers go to seed, the seed pod is a marvel of sweet and spicy. You can stuff flowers, add leaves to salads, pickle buds like capers, and garnish to your heart’s content.

Oregano
Adds flavor and easy to grow. The flowers are a pretty, subtle version of the leaf many varieties.

Pansy
The petals are somewhat nondescript, but if you eat the whole flower you get more taste.

Rose
Remove the white, bitter base and the remaining petals have a strongly perfumed flavor perfect for floating in drinks or scattering across desserts, and for a variety of jams. All roses are edible, with flavor more pronounced in darker varieties.

Rosemary
My favorite Herb ~ Flowers taste like a milder version of the herb; nice used as a garnish on dishes that incorporate rosemary.

Sage
Blossoms have a subtle flavor similar to the leaves.

Squash & Pumpkin
Blossoms from both are wonderful vehicles for stuffing, each having a slight squash flavor. Remove stamens before using.

Sunflower
Petals can be eaten, the bud steamed like an artichoke.

Violets
One of the last…but, not the least of famous edible flowers, violets are floral, sweet, and beautiful as garnishes. Use the flowers in salads and to garnish desserts and drinks.

Other great links for more: 

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm

http://www.phancypages.com/newsletter/Znewsletter2695.htm (Worth Reading)

http://karenwillshaw.bizland.com/dory/Edible%20Plants%20and%20Herbs/album/slides/Mint.html (worth viewing for visuals)