Friday, March 28, 2014

Planting Perennial Seeds & Pasta Frittata





I survived the Spring Blizzard of 2014 and the 16 hour power outage. A little plug for a great book for gardeners. Planting the first of the perennial seeds, ideas from the great book. A look at things growing in the grow room. Pasta Frittata for dinner.



 Plant List 2014



Seaboost Sea Weed Fertilizer

1. Early Butternut Squash

2. Baby Leaf Blend Mixed Greens

3. Kossak Kohlrabi

4. Blue Curled Scotch Kale

5. Black King Eggplant

6. Fremont Cauliflower

7. Rendero Cabbage

8. Merlin Beets

9. Stevia

10.Italian Dark Green Parsley

11.Bouquet Dill

12.Penny Series Violas - Citrus Mix -- Jump Up -- Penny Lane Mix

13.Tomcat Pepper

14.Patio Star Squash

15.Veseys Basil Blend

16.Broadleaf Chives

17.Monte Gusto Beans

18.Totem Organic Belgian Endive

19.Big Bomb Chilli

20.Thai Chilli

21.French Marigolds from Rob Bob in Australia

22.Cuthbertson Mix Sweet Peas

23.Gardeners Delight Tomato

24.Calypso Cucumber

25.Carrot Bolero

26.Rutabaga York Turnip

27.Broccoli Gypsy

28.Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant

29.Cucumber Rocky

30.Cayenne Pepper

31.Uncle David's Dakota Dessert Squash

32.Crown Pea

33.Ne Plus Ultra Shelling Pea

34.Velour Bush Snap Beans

35.Ethiopian Lentils

36. Cara Potatoes

37. Covington Sweet Potatoes

38. Spanish Round Black Radish

39. Shanghai Express Goji Berries.

40. Yellow Pear Tomatoes

41. French Shallots  (Sets)

42. Spanish Onions (Sets

43. Dwarf Banana - Musa acuminate

44. Olive - Olea europea

45 Coffee - Kona Coffea

46. Lemon Coriander

47. Basil - Petra Red

48. Basil - Lime

49. Green Soup Celery

50. Pak Choi - Dwarf Canton White

51. Parsnip - Guernsey

52. Salsify- Mammoth

53 Swedish Swede

54.Pawpaw Asimina Triloba

55. American Elderberry Sambucus Canadensis

56  Jumbo Thornless Blackberry

57  Good King Henry

58  Jerusalem Artichokes

59  Vegetable Amaranth

60  Goumi Elaeadnus Multifora

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Winner & Some Spring Birds





Announcing the winner of my Subscriber Appreciation Draw and a look at some of the early spring arrivals at the bird table.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

The Sugar Bush





Maybe Spring is starting to arrive. I'm out in the woods tapping maple trees and the sap is starting to run.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

David vs Monsanto





Published on Feb 21, 2014
The Story of How a Lone Farmer Prevailed Against One of the Most Powerful Companies on the Planet

Monsanto has long been trying to establish control over the seeds of the plants that produce food for the world. They have patented a number of genetically altered food crops, which can only be grown with proper license, and the seeds for which must be purchased anew each year.

Alas, genetically engineered (GE) crops cannot be contained. And rather than being found guilty of contaminating farmers' property, Monsanto has successfully sued hundreds of unsuspecting farmers for patent infringement when unlicensed GE crops were found growing in their fields. Many farmers have subsequently, quite literally, lost their farms.

Percy Schmeiser of Saskatchewan, Canada, is but one of Monsanto's victims, but contrary to so many others, he refused to quietly tolerate the injustice. In a classic case of David versus Goliath, Schmeiser fought back against one of the most powerful businesses in the world.

Full article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/art...

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Ides of March & Sowing Under Lights & Popovers





I'm starting a few tomato plants to have an earlier crop and will start more later on in April. I've been waiting for my Bell Pepper seed top arrive since January, they were on back order. They arrived so I've planted them and I decided to make some Popovers.



Link to Annapolis Seeds http://www.annapolisseeds.com



Link to Brendan's Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/baconsoda



 Plant List 2014



1. Early Butternut Squash

2. Baby Leaf Blend Mixed Greens

3. Kossak Kohlrabi

4. Blue Curled Scotch Kale

5. Black King Eggplant

6. Fremont Cauliflower

7. Rendero Cabbage

8. Merlin Beets

9. Stevia

10.Italian Dark Green Parsley

11.Bouquet Dill

12.Penny Series Violas - Citrus Mix -- Jump Up -- Penny Lane Mix

13.Tomcat Pepper

14.Patio Star Squash

15.Veseys Basil Blend

16.Broadleaf Chives

17.Monte Gusto Beans

18.Totem Organic Belgian Endive

19.Big Bomb Chilli

20.Thai Chilli

21.French Marigolds from Rob Bob in Australia

22.Cuthbertson Mix Sweet Peas

23.Gardeners Delight Tomato

24.Calypso Cucumber

25.Carrot Bolero

26.Rutabaga York Turnip

27.Broccoli Gypsy

28.Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant

29.Cucumber Rocky

30.Cayenne Pepper

31.Uncle David's Dakota Dessert Squash

32.Crown Pea

33.Ne Plus Ultra Shelling Pea

34.Velour Bush Snap Beans

35.Ethiopian Lentils

36. Cara Potatoes

37. Covington Sweet Potatoes

38. Spanish Round Black Radish

39. Shanghai Express Goji Berries.

40. Yellow Pear Tomatoes

41. French Shallots  (Sets)

42. Spanish Onions (Sets

43. Dwarf Banana - Musa acuminate

44. Olive - Olea europea

45 Coffee - Kona Coffea

46. Lemon Coriander

47. Basil - Petra Red

48. Basil - Lime

49. Green Soup Celery

50. Pak Choi - Dwarf Canton White

51. Parsnip - Guernsey

52. Salsify- Mammoth

53 Swedish Swede - Turnip

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Zuppa Di Scrippelle at the Cabin & Garden Under Lights





Another cold day in the Cabin enjoying the wood fire. Making an Italian crepe/pancake soup. Some close-up of a red squirrel feeding at the bird table and one point you see him go to the edge of the table and threaten another squirrel that was down on the ground. A brief look at how the plants under lights are progressing.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Feeding Winter Robins





I've seen a few Robins around this winter and this one in particular seems to be here everyday. My Pumpkin Sweet apple tree keeps it's fruit on all winter and is a great source of food for the robins that over winter here and the ones that return when the ground is still frozen, Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings like the apples too.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 6 - Leisur...





Published on Feb 16, 2014
The elite of Edwardian society had plenty of time on their hands and they turned the pursuit of leisure into a fine art. Picnics offered a perfect opportunity to combine the Edwardian's love of good food, entertaining and the great outdoors together in one hedonistic mix. A Ribbon Flower, Edwardian Champagne Cup, Iced Biscuits, Pork Pie, Potted Mackerel or Caveach, Potted Shrimps.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Garden Under Lights - Shrove Tuesday Crepes





The Goji Berry seedlings reached a size large enough to be transplanted into there own individual pots. There is something up in the banana pot but I'm not so sure it is a banana. A look at how the Chilli Peppers, Round Black Spanish Radish and Broad Leaf Chives are doing. Getting in some practice for Shrove Tuesday which is next week I make some Crepes.



 Plant List 2014



1. Early Butternut Squash

2. Baby Leaf Blend Mixed Greens

3. Kossak Kohlrabi

4. Blue Curled Scotch Kale

5. Black King Eggplant

6. Fremont Cauliflower

7. Rendero Cabbage

8. Merlin Beets

9. Stevia

10.Italian Dark Green Parsley

11.Bouquet Dill

12.Penny Series Violas - Citrus Mix -- Jump Up -- Penny Lane Mix

13.Tomcat Pepper

14.Patio Star Squash

15.Veseys Basil Blend

16.Broadleaf Chives

17.Monte Gusto Beans

18.Totem Organic Belgian Endive

19.Big Bomb Chilli

20.Thai Chilli

21.French Marigolds from Rob Bob in Australia

22.Cuthbertson Mix Sweet Peas

23.Gardeners Delight Tomato

24.Calypso Cucumber

25.Carrot Bolero

26.Rutabaga York Turnip

27.Broccoli Gypsy

28.Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant

29.Cucumber Rocky

30.Cayenne Pepper

31.Uncle David's Dakota Dessert Squash

32.Crown Pea

33.Ne Plus Ultra Shelling Pea

34.Velour Bush Snap Beans

35.Ethiopian Lentils

36. Cara Potatoes

37. Covington Sweet Potatoes

38. Spanish Round Black Radish

39. Shanghai Express Goji Berries.

40. Yellow Pear Tomatoes

41. French Shallots  (Sets)

42. Spanish Onions (Sets

43. Dwarf Banana - Musa acuminate

44. Olive - Olea europea

45 Coffee - Kona Coffea

46. Lemon Coriander

47. Basil - Petra Red

48. Basil - Lime

49. Green Soup Celery

50. Pak Choi - Dwarf Canton White

51. Parsnip - Guernsey

52. Salsify- Mammoth

53 Swedish Swede - Turnip

Friday, February 28, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 5 - Herbs ...





Published on Feb 16, 2014
As unstoppable party animals, the Edwardians had more than their fair share of health problems - and although patent medicines were becoming increasingly available, people still used remedies made from herbs and spices that were passed down from generation to generation. Cleavers Infusion, Dandelion and Burdock Beer, Mushroom Ketchup, Mustard Bath, Peppermint Tincture.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 4 - Kitche...





Published on Feb 16, 2014
Practically everything that happened in the great Edwardian houses was about displaying the wealth and enhancing the social status of their owners and the fruit and vegetable gardens of the day were no exception. Chinese Artichoke and Asparagus Salad, Pimms, Pink Shocker, Poires a la Marquise, Rhubarb Bellini, Seakale with Garlic Cream, Strawberry and Oatmeal Face Mask.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Thanking the OldGardenerGuy - Planting Tropicals - Lentil Soup - Birds





I exchanged a few seeds with Rob, OldGardenerGuy, in Finland and received a surprise package in return full of very interesting things that will be added to my garden this summer. Thank you Rob. I received my order of seeds for three different tropical food plants and potted them up in the grow room. If they germinate they should make for some very interesting house plants. Pruned my Chilli Peppers for the second time and reviewed the plants that are growing under lights. Made a very interesting Lentil Soup from a recipe that my sister gave me, topped off with red wine vinegar which surprisingly adds a very nice flavour. To close off the video a look at some of the birds at the winter feeder.



Link to the OldGardenerGuy's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OldGardenerGuy



Link to the Lentil Soup recipe: http://www.cityline.ca/2014/01/last-minute-lentil-soup/?body=http://www.cityline.ca/2014/01/last-minute-lentil-soup/



Link to my Blog: http://dalecaldersblog.blogspot.ca



Updated seed list:



 Plant List 2014



1. Early Butternut Squash

2. Baby Leaf Blend Mixed Greens

3. Kossak Kohlrabi

4. Blue Curled Scotch Kale

5. Black King Eggplant

6. Fremont Cauliflower

7. Rendero Cabbage

8. Merlin Beets

9. Stevia

10.Italian Dark Green Parsley

11.Bouquet Dill

12.Penny Series Violas - Citrus Mix -- Jump Up -- Penny Lane Mix

13.Tomcat Pepper

14.Patio Star Squash

15.Veseys Basil Blend

16.Broadleaf Chives

17.Monte Gusto Beans

18.Totem Organic Belgian Endive

19.Big Bomb Chilli

20.Thai Chilli

21.French Marigolds from Rob Bob in Australia

22.Cuthbertson Mix Sweet Peas

23.Gardeners Delight Tomato

24.Calypso Cucumber

25.Carrot Bolero

26.Rutabaga York Turnip

27.Broccoli Gypsy

28.Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant

29.Cucumber Rocky

30.Cayenne Pepper

31.Uncle David's Dakota Dessert Squash

32.Crown Pea

33.Ne Plus Ultra Shelling Pea

34.Velour Bush Snap Beans

35.Ethiopian Lentils

36. Cara Potatoes

37. Covington Sweet Potatoes

38. Spanish Round Black Radish

39. Shanghai Express Goji Berries.

40. Yellow Pear Tomatoes

41. French Shallots  (Sets)

42. Spanish Onions (Sets

43. Dwarf Banana - Musa acuminate

44. Olive - Olea europea

45 Coffee - Kona Coffea

46. Lemon Coriander

47. Basil - Petra Red

48. Basil - Lime

49. Green Soup Celery

50. Pak Choi - Dwarf Canton White

51. Parsnip - Guernsey

52. Salsify- Mammoth

53 Swedish Swede - Turnip

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 3 - Entert...





Published on Feb 16, 2014
The Edwardian upper classes were the ultimate big spenders, forever in pursuit of ostentation and style. And when it came to celebrating, the champagne flowed like water. In this programme Hugh sets himself the challenge of hosting a dinner Edwardian style, without busting a gut or breaking the bank. The food includes a soup with oyster croutons, a mutton dish and ice creams made in 100 year old moulds owned by food historian, Ivan Day. Hugh visits wine merchants Berry Bros and Rudd to rediscover the popular Edwardian tipple of Madeira. From the depths of their wine cellar, Simon Berry uncovers a bottle of Edwardian Madeira to crack open for a taste test. Ice sculptors Jamie and Duncan Hamilton give Hugh a quick lesson in ice sculpting. Wielding a chainsaw, Hugh succeeds in making a surprisingly delicate sculpture. Simon Lycett, celebrity floral decorator, visits the house to pass on some ingenious ideas to transform Hugh's dining room into the perfect setting for lavish Edwardian entertaining. Potato Soup with Oyster Crouton, Rolled Mutton Joint, Alexandretta Bombe, Apple Sorbet, Pineapple Ice, Pistachio Ice.
The Edwardian upper classes were the ultimate big spenders, forever in pursuit of ostentation and style. And when it came to celebrating, the champagne flowed like water. In this programme Hugh sets himself the challenge of hosting a dinner Edwardian style, without busting a gut or breaking the bank. The food includes a soup with oyster croutons, a mutton dish and ice creams made in 100 year old moulds owned by food historian, Ivan Day. Hugh visits wine merchants Berry Bros and Rudd to rediscover the popular Edwardian tipple of Madeira. From the depths of their wine cellar, Simon Berry uncovers a bottle of Edwardian Madeira to crack open for a taste test. Ice sculptors Jamie and Duncan Hamilton give Hugh a quick lesson in ice sculpting. Wielding a chainsaw, Hugh succeeds in making a surprisingly delicate sculpture. Simon Lycett, celebrity floral decorator, visits the house to pass on some ingenious ideas to transform Hugh's dining room into the perfect setting for lavish Edwardian entertaining. Potato Soup with Oyster Crouton, Rolled Mutton Joint, Alexandretta Bombe, Apple Sorbet, Pineapple Ice, Pistachio Ice.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 2 - Everyd...





Published on Feb 16, 2014
The Edwardian era was a boom time and the gentry set about indulging their senses in all areas of life, so that everything they did became an exercise in luxury. Devilled Kidneys, Scones, Beewax Polish, Hand Cream, Household Hints and Shaving Tips.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Treats from the Edwardian Country House Season 1 Full Episode 1 - Flowers





Published on Feb 16, 2014
The Edwardians loved flowers and they took every opportunity to surround themselves with floral pleasures not only in the garden and the drawing room, but in every corner of the Edwardian house. Champagne and Primrose Jelly, Keeping Orchids, Lavender Bath Soaks and Turkish Delight