OVER THE BACK FENCE - Winter 2012

Written by Lynn Near

(Photo of Back Fence by Monica Skinner)

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet.

We may console ourselves with this thought, as we drift into February and its weather surprises.  Paul Zamitt reports that snowdrops and helebore are blooming at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, totally confused with our crazy winter!  He also cautions that, with so little snow cover for protection, we will likely lose many tender perennials.  We remain powerless against the vagaries of Mother Nature.

Alas and alack!  What are we to do?  Laugh in the face of winter - let's get busy indoors.  The first project to tackle will have your indoor plants thanking you - give them a nice warm shower - in YOUR shower!  By now, they have a coat of dust and possibly other unsavory things, and are likely drying out in our too warm homes; give them a refreshing drink!

Secondly, let's grow a little herb garden.  Paul Zamitt has recently reminded us that the clear plastic clamshell packs that we buy with strawberries, tomatoes, etc., are perfect little greenhouses for seedlings.  Local stores are now stocking seed packages to get us started.  Basil, thyme, dill, sprouts, etc., will spark up our sunny windowsills and our salads throughout the winter.  Give it a try!

Lastly, get out the soup-pot and cook up a winter comfort treat for yourself - it's easy-peasy!  Here is a recipe for potato leek soup that can't be beaten:  

POTATO-LEEK SOUP

3 cups each of leek and potato, in pieces.

3 stalks of celery, chopped.

1 litre chicken or veggie broth (cardboard varieties are better than canned).

1 tsp each of salt, pepper, parsley, curry, oregano, or whatever you like best, to taste.

Boil together until soft, then whir smooth with a hand blender.

Add 3 strips cooked bacon, minced.

Add cream, milk or water to achieve desired thickness.

Serve with dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheddar.

Delicious!

Upcoming events to mark your gardening calander:

Feb 5 - Elora Hort Society Conference - http://www.gardenontario.org/site.php/elorasalem/news/online/1998

Feb 26 - DIG - Master Gardener's Gardening Day - Guelph.  http://www.gwmastergardeners.mgoi.ca/

Mar 16 - 25 - Canada Blooms - Toronto - http:/www.canadablooms.com/y

Yours in gardening,  

Lynn Near. (klgardener85@yahoo.com)