California Fresh Figs, Moonglow Gardens
California Fresh Figs, Moonglow Gardens
Lavender is best harvested when the plant has not yet gone to seed. The flowering heads can be used either fresh or dried.
When available, I make my tea from fresh lavender. It’s quite fun to see the colors of the buds diffuse into the water.
Harvested Lavendin, Moonglow Gardens
Lavender Tea, Moonglow Gardens
As I walked up the small gate leading to the front door, I brushed against the Lavandins still in nursery pots. Ever so fragrant, they take me back to Provence.
Lavendins, or English Lavender Hybrids are the workhorses of Lavenders. Grosso lavandin constitutes 80% of the lavender now grown in France and preferred because it:
Spanish Lavender and English Lavender Hybrid (Lavendin), Moonglow Gardens
85 days, indeterminate — Similar to ‘Cherokee Purple’, very productive, very good flavor. It is productive, a compact indeterminate plant, fruits are oblate, a bit smaller than ‘Cherokee Purple’, shoulders not as dark, but color similarly dusky rose with some occasional green striping. Flavor is best when fully ripe. ~ Victory Seeds
Since the neighborhood squirrels love tomatoes as much as I do, I pick my tomatoes when they turn color, letting them ripen perfectly on the counter.
Indian Stripe Tomato, Moonglow Gardens
Indian Stripe Tomato, Moonglow Gardens
One of my favorite herbs to grow, basil not only fills the room with its aromatic bouquet, it also germinates easily. I find myself growing basil year-round for my own use and for friends. Basil makes great companion plant to tomato, and in the kitchen they produce an even better harmony.
Right before summer ends, a new flat of basil gets started sometimes under lights, and often right outside to bask in the morning sun. Once the seeds have sprouted, I move them inside to grow under lights (just so they don’t get leggy).
Earlier this morning I potted up these beauties to brighten up the kitchen. Though the pot looks crowded now, soon I will have just a few plants to use to last a season.
Basil 'Genovese' at Moonglow Gardens
This heirloom is a standard for gardeners who love to grow their own radishes. Mild flavored with solid white flesh, it is great eaten fresh, in salads, or for a crisp crunch in sandwiches. Ready to harvest in only 24 days, it is an easy and rewarding crop for both experienced gardeners and kids! Cherry Belle can be grown in the cool periods of spring and fall. ~ Botanical Interests
Radish, Moonglow Gardens
Radish, Moonglow Gardens
Annual. Try this garden cress with curly ruffled leaves for its tangy peppery crunch that gives a crisp zing to salads and sandwiches – a great way to jazz up meals. Wrinkled Crinkled Crumpled Cress has been an overwhelming hit with many cress connoisseurs and baby leaf lettuce producers since it was developed by Frank Morton’s creative organic breeding. Similar to watercress, it is a cross between a broad leaf and a curly cress, but with more intense piquancy. Its crisp upright leaves make for easy cutting. Forget about using parsley as a garnish! Replace it with these frilly beauties. Very unique! Baby leaves can be cut as early as 21 days after sowing. Very slow to bolt. May also be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill. ~ Botanical Interests
With all the bad press eggs continually get as of late, I decided to do some baking today concentrating on the EGGciting possibilities only eggs can bring. Perhaps a series on eggs will ensue, and to start I would like to present a simple coffee cake.
Following the classic Bacardi Rum Cake recipe replacing rum with Soho Lychee Flavored Liqueur and replacing the pecans with sliced lychee fruits, the end product brings a scrumptiously moist new creation.
Eggs, Moonglow Gardens
Lychee Bundt Cake, Moonglow Gardens
Caffeine does not necessarily fuel all morning excitement in this household. First day of school carries thrill and anticipation for all involved, and even first trip to the farmers market after a long absence holds its own place in the morning circus. After school drop-off and morning playtime with James and Montana, there appears a small window for me to look into, doing something out of the ordinary perhaps, or continuing with the daily routine. Today I choose to take the Golden Gate Ferry to San Francisco for the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
The trip from Larkspur Landing to the Ferry Building takes 30 minutes on high-speed and 40 minutes on the Spaulding costing $8.25 each way for adults, $4.10 for seniors. Children 5 and under ride for FREE!
Ferry Plaza Farmer Market Hours
Tuesday: 10am-2pm
Thursday: 10am-2pm
Saturday: 8am-2pm
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Moonglow Gardens
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Moonglow Gardens
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Moonglow Gardens
Right before summer started, one of the moms in school shared her Christmas Toffee recipe to the 2nd Grade Class. Unfortunately, I cannot share her recipe here. Below is something similar adapted from Bon Appetit Magazine.
You may eyeball the toffee in case you do not have a candy thermometer. Wooden spoon and oven mitts however, are essentials.
Pecan and Walnut Toffee, Moonglow Cooks
Moonglow Gardens 