Early evening in the garden

Belle of Woking

The above photo is of a new and very different Clematis

in my garden

called, Belle of Woking

Saturday morning in the garden

Beef and Tomato Stew

This is based on another Martha Stewart recipe.

Only 3 basic ingredients,

a chuck roast, plum tomatoes, and shallots.

Toss the plum tomatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper and sprigs of thyme.

Roast in 450 degree oven until they burst open,

about 45 minutes.



Season the meat with salt and pepper,

brown in olive oil in heavy dutch oven.

Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook 30 seconds.

Add a tablespoon of flour and cook 30 seconds.

Chop the tomatoes and add to the pot.

Add 2 strips of orange zest, a bay leaf, and a cup of water.

Bring to a boil on top of stove.

Cover and cook in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Add the peeled shallots,

return to oven for another 45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Buds of May

Poppies

I really enjoy watching the buds develop in my spring garden.

More poppies

Peonies


Lily

Foxglove

Flag Iris

Clematis

Astilbe

Rose

Chives

The little pond in my garden

This is my quiet sanctuary.

I spend many a quiet hour here,

reading and meditating.

Green Juice

This morning I went to the back of my pantry

to retrieve my juice extractor

which I haven't used in a couple of years.

I assembled some fresh green vegetables and fruit.

Celery

Swiss Chard

Cucumber

Lemon

Broccoli

Green Apple

Into the extractor

and soon the juice was flowing.




Voila!

Fresh, refreshing, delicious
and so healthy!