Hello Everyone! Welcome to Spring!

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Hopefully we have seen the last of winter and know we can enjoy the

outdoors.

I have some planting tips for those who want to get their green thumb

in action.

Bulbs – Summer flowering bulbs like dahlias, lilies and gladiolus should

be planted in early spring once the last frost has passed.

Perrenials – are only planted once and pop up when the time is right.

Annuals – must be replanted each year and the best to plant in the

spring are pansies, marigolds, zinnias, hydrangias and petunias. The

best to plant in the summer are zinnias, marigolds and sunflowers.

Vegetables – Summer veggies need to be planted after the last date

and when the nighttime temperature remains above 50. Vegetables to

plant in spring are cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and arugula.

Vegetables to plant in the summer include squash, beans, zucchini,

tomatoes and peppers.

Trees – Spring is ideal to plant trees because trees need longer days in

transplanting to adjust to the soil and to promote root growth.

Nurseries also have the best selection in the spring. Best best trees to

plant include dogwood, magnolia, oak and rhododendron.

Strawberry and Watercress Salad

½ medium rhubarb stalk, very thinly sliced

6 oz. strawberries, halved

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. honey

1 bunch watercress, stems removed

½ cup basil leaves

2 scallions thinly sliced

Kosher salt

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

The benefits of watercress are being discovered for boosting brain health, rich in

vitamin C, supports your immune system and supports healthy collagen production

Cucumber and Mint Tequila Cocktail

Try this delicious alternative to a margarita

1 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

¼ English cucumber, chopped

3 mint sprigs

2 cup blanco tequila

Whisk together the lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.

Add cucumber and mint and stir. Let steep for 2 hours

Stir in tequila and 4 cups of water. Serve over ice garnished with lemon, cucumber and mint.

8-10 servings

Late Summer is a great time to use those tomatoes that are being picked for the last time this year. I have a great recipe to use those juicy tomatoes!

Late Summer Tomato Salad

Ingredients

1-2lb of tomatoes (preferably home grown, heirloom)

¼ cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tbsp of red wine vinegar

Add any herbs that you prefer:

• Mint leaves
• Parsley
• Dill
• Cilantro

Just a touch of the herbs will spice this salad as you like! Add Balsamic Vinegar or any other dressing to enhance the flavor.

You can easily make this into a wonderful pasta by this:

• Combine tomatoes with olive oil and simmer
• Add any meats or seafood (chicken or shrimp preferably)
• Toss and then add herbs
• Plate and add fresh parmesan and a touch of balsamic vinegar
• Yum!!!