Date: April 17th 2008

April 16, 2008

Dear Folks,

These are random notes, either responding to questions or related to any of the usual
and unusual cooking herbs or edible flowers and other edibles, many found at Farmers
Markets.* References to growing conditions are for Sunset Zone 13, USDA 9b. All
other information on use is applicable anywhere you wish to enjoy herbs!

*Please support your local farmers at these markets (locally owned, locally grown,
locally produced). To locate farmers markets in your area the USDA maintains a site -
click on the state and a pdf file comes up with markets listed by city.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm

For Arizona only Farmers Markets here is a special link:

http://www.foodconnect.org/farmers_markets/locator.asp

. . .

Locavore -- see near the end for locally owned shopping.
***************************************Dear Folks,

SEE special Earth Day event info below for this weekend.

Also catch an interview with me in the June issue of the "Phoenix Magazine."

An On-Line Course -- see below

WEATHER

"Normal" temp range for APRIL: Temperature Range Low 47 / High 100

Continuing our roller-coaster ride into spring, we skirted near 100 and are now
dropping back down again into the balmy temps, but we are not too far off from the
first 100 of the year.

For you new-to-the-valley folks -- from approximately the end of May to the end of
September we will not see day-time temps (normally) below 90, so get the gardens
settled in now.

***************************************
GARDENING

Helping the Pollinators.
Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds (BBBs) are the visitors to your garden
blooms whose flitting from flower to flower keeps the edibles producing abundantly.

I sometimes get comments such as "we don't see any bees...", "how do I attract
butterflies...", "my tomato plant did not produce much..."

The answers to these comments all come down to a simple question back -- are you a
good 'host' to the BBBs?

First, we allow a large portion of our gardens, including herbs, to be in bloom most of
the year. The BBBs are attracted to the nectar of the flowers. If they have a
progressive buffet to sip from they will linger and pollinate as they go.

Second, if you systematically destroy all caterpillars on your plants, you will not have
butterflies, or very few. You have to 'tolerate' or encourage the juveniles in order to
have the beautiful adults. Likewise if you discourage bees, including the large
carpenter bee, you are interrupting their important pollination work.

Third, and finally, make a point of educating yourself and family members about what
supportive pollinator habitat is. Without habitat, you will not experience the glorious
display of butterflies, or the dramatic flash of hummingbird brilliance, or your own
garden-fresh tomatoes, melons, squash etc. because you will have to do all the
pollinating yourself!

So, do you still need to help? Assisting pollination of edibles like tomatoes, peppers
and eggplant is as simple as gently knocking the new flowers together each morning.
A q-tip can be used to 'behave like' a bee or butterfly and simply go from flower to
flower, lightly touching the center of each flower and moving on to the next.
Sometimes that can be a lot of work -- it is effective, though. But, wouldn't it be
nicer to let the experts, the BBBs, do their natural job and you get a two'fer -- the
enjoyment of watching the fluttering displays, and then you get to enjoy the
productive results. Be a good "host" to your pollinating guests.

PLANTING FOR APRIL:

HERBS: Seed: Basil, chives and Epazote / Plants: Basil, Epazote, Garlic Chives, Greek
Bay, Lavender, Lemon Grass, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mexican
Oregano, Mexican Tarragon, Mints, Myrtle, Onion Chives, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage,
Savory, Scented Geraniums, Stevia, Thyme

FLOWERS: Multitasking flowers like sweet alyssum will grow year round in full sun.
For more planting suggestions for April check out page 53 of "Edible Landscaping..." -
the google book search link below allows you to search the book online before buying.

Specific planting guides by month are available month by month in my book:

"Edible Landscaping in the Desert Southwest: Wheelbarrow to Plate"

http://books.google.com/books?id=uDio8-sC2wMC

***************************************
RECIPES:

WORTH REPEATING
It has been several years since I last shared these recipes -- I think they are
worth repeating, particularly for those of you who are new readers.

FLOWER SYRUPS are wonderful additions to your refrigerator pantry, particularly
when it is hot and you want a cooling drink. The syrups can be kept in the refrigerator
for: Ice teas, homemade sodas (recipe follows), lemonades, and coolers. And, you
can poach summer's fruits in the syrup.

LAVENDER SYRUP
2 Tablespoons of dried lavender flowers* and leaves**
1/2 Cup of Sugar
1/2 Cup of Water
Optional: 1 Teaspoon of lemon zest

In a non-reactive pot bring water, sugar, lavender flowers and zest to simmer. Stir
until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 10
minutes. Strain and keep refrigerated.
If using fresh, use 6 tablespoons of flower petals. Taste the syrup and if you want
more flower flavor, after straining, heat the syrup up again with some additional
flowers, repeat steeping time and strain. Refrigerate syrup.

* Red rose petals can be substituted or combined for a different flavor.

** Although the lavender flowers contain the most essential oils for fragrance and
flavor, for steeping purposes the leaves and stems can be used also.

SUMMER SODAS
Any fruit concentrate combined with seltzer (or club soda if you want the additional
sodium) or choice of sparkling water, makes a soda free of any additives and extra
sugar as desired. The wide range of frozen 100% fruit juices with no sugar added give
you any number of soda flavors; raspberry, orange, pineapple, cranberry etc. For each
glass of soda:

1/4 cup of fruit concentrate, cold
3/4 cup of seltzer, cold
1 Teaspoon of Lavender Syrup (recipe above)
Ice
In a nice tall glass (chill in freezer to frost) fill with ice. Add Lavender syrup and
fruit concentrate. Stir well, then add the seltzer or sparkling water. Stir and serve
immediately. Prettier if you put a piece of fruit or lavender flower in the glass (or
both).

Make ice cubes from fruit and the syrup for chilling any of your tall refreshing
beverages.

HERB AND FLOWER DIPS
Herbs, flowers, and the aromatics (garlic and onion) make great dip additions.
Use live culture yogurt for a healthy, nutrient-dense base, or a combination of yogurt,
mayonnaise, or sour cream. (Variation of recipe published in "Edible Landscaping...")
2 Cups yogurt
1/3 Cup finely chopped fresh Dill
2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion or shallot
Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients. Chill. Serve with veggies or chips. Makes a great
topping for baked potatoes.
Variations:
a. Berries and Basil, Rosemary or Lavender as a fruit dip
b. Cilantro and Jalape¤o finely chopped as a topper for tacos, enchiladas, or chili.
c. Nasturtiums, Basil and Parsley, topper for omelets
d. Flower confetti dip - a mix of colorful flower petals, a teaspoon of honey and
yogurt, top peach, nectarine, plum or apricot

MORE RECIPES at:

http://www.azalmanac.com

I have a regularly segment on gardening and cooking on Ed Phillips' streaming radio
program at the above site. The site has both current recipes and archives of past
ones.

And, my recipe book "101+ Recipes from The Herb Lady"

http://books.google.com/books?id=27dG_KCwjBAC

***************************************
FARMERS MARKET
I am at the Friday market on Center in Mesa. (And One Windmill Farms has
some great fall/winter produce and as always wonderful tomatoes etc.)

***************************************
My newly re-packaged herb blends are available through the website.

Have fun in the garden and kitchen,

Catherine

http://www.herbs2u.net

E-zine and books available at:

http://www.lulu.com/herbs2u

***************************************
LOCAVORE
Are you a locavore? Simply put a locavore is someone who makes the
conscious decision to purchase goods and produce grown, made or produced within
100 miles of their home.

More Information:

Edible Phoenix is a print magazine, produced quarterly and is part of the edible
communities organization.

Find the current issue at your local farmers market or go on line to:

http://www.ediblephoenix.com

Also there is an super special deal on subscribing to 3 different city publications --
Expires May 1, 2008. You can order a 1 year subscription to three different cities for
$45 and have the other two cities (your choice) subscription sent to family members:
An example is the Jersey issue for New Jersey family and Twin Cities issue sent to
family in Minnesota.

http://www.ediblecommunities.com

or

http://www.ediblephoenix.com

BUY LOCAL

http://www.localfirstaz.com

Here is the place to start when looking for locally owned businesses. Begun as
"Arizona Chain Reaction" to focus on locally owned businesses, this non-profit group
encourages support of your neighbors and friends who own businesses in Arizona.
Check out their site.

. . .


Personalized branding iron for grilling. 480-330-3619

http://www.tbonebrands.com

San Dominique Winery, Arizona's oldest continuously operated family winery, is also
home to garlic paradise. 602/549-9787.

http://www.garlicparadise.com/

Another great locally owned and produced Arizona farmer is Kathy Marshall and her
goats' milk lotions and soaps made with the milk of her dairy goat herd.

http://www.dbgoatsmilk.com

A source for finding other local sources of food is Local Harvest. They have teamed up
with the Slow Foods folks.

http://www.localharvest.org

***************************************
CLASSES/EVENTS:

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
http://www.dbg.org
480-481-8188

Summer--It's Sow'n Time in the Garden.

Saturday, June 7, 8-10 a.m.

If you are new to gardening in Arizona or an old hand at the trowel, this class
will give you inspiration to garden in the summer, with only a little perspiration!

The link below takes you straight to my class/event calendar on the website for more
details:

http://www.herbs2u.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=26

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

http://www.ag.arizona.edu/BTA

Recorded event information line: 520.689.2811
Business office phone : 520.689.2723

SOMETHING FUN for Earth Day --

Earth Day at the Boyce Thompson this Saturday April 19th - Wild Flowers and Music
at the Arboretum

Gather up friends and family and plan a picnic, and visit this Saturday, April 19, when
you can also enjoy live guitar music starting at 11:00 am with Lawrence Haack, Millie
Davis & Russ Braman beneath the shade of the huge eucalyptus trees in the Australian
Forest (and visitors can also enjoy a free aromatherapy massage -- try one with
eucalyptus, tea tree or avocado oil) during the Arboretum's "Earth/Arbor Day" event.
Complete details are online at http://ag.arizona.edu/bta

If you enjoy taking pictures of our great outdoor flower display this spring two things
to do:

1) visit the arboretum to try some flower photography and make sure to see the
"bodacious bromeliad" with green flowers and orange stamens up at BTA. Pack your
camera and visit this weekend, the Arboretum's rare "Puya berteroniana" doesn't
bloom every year...but this year it has three (!!) flower stalks, and my sources at BTA
report the Puya should be at peak this weekend and lasting through April 26.

2) In case you missed the glorious display of gold poppies around Gila County last
month, check out some of these images (link sent by my buddy Paul at the BTA)
recently posted by Gold Canyon artist Joanne West at jwestphotography.com:
http://www.jwestphotography.com/cgi-bin/photo/index.cgi?mode=view&album=Auto
motive/NewWildflowers

TO BOOK THE HERB LADY Contact Kathy Collins of The Collins Group, with inquiries
katiej1@cox.net (The Collins Group) Office Number: 623-581-8376 or visit her site

http://www.arizonaentertainers.com

There is also a link on my site to Kathy's.

GOOGLE BOOK SEARCH:
Copy whole link into your browser (or click on it) and then you can search for words
or phrases in box provided.

"101+ Recipes from The Herb Lady"

http://books.google.com/books?id=27dG_KCwjBAC

"Edible Landscaping in the Desert Southwest: Wheelbarrow to Plate"

http://books.google.com/books?id=uDio8-sC2wMC

My short booklet on choosing fruit trees like peach and apricot is now available --
choose print or download:

"What a Chill Hour"?

http://www.lulu.com/content/2185385

View the last newsletter and see prior ones at:

http://www.herbs2u.net/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/herbs%32unl/newest

I am putting together a program for an on-line class which would start next fall. If you
have an interest, below is a link for an information list - no obligation, just a way to
seek your input on the class and distribute information to you.

http://www.herbs2u.net/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/On_Line_Class/