Earth Day-For A Better World~

Earth Day was first celebrated 35 years ago. Much attention is given to this "one" day by many.
My plea is that the many, make the thought and the actions a daily practice. Be the change we wish to see all around us and all across the world. Each activity we put into motion, each action we take, impacts a much broader space than we think about.

Statistics prove that fewer and fewer children spend less and less time outdoors. This would be the one action to take  as an ongoing project that can only bring wonderful rewards. The children are the future, there are many environmental issues to be aware of and involved in that creates learning bases and fuels ideas and actions for the good of that future.

Sage Hill Farms has chosen to plant earth friendly grasses and shrubs that are native to our locale....in place of more trees....the reason being...earth friendly and native grasses/shrubs/and grass-like plants tend to be the top carbon dioxide users and oxygen producers.

Grasses require little water and they help tremendously in soil erosion and filtering pollutants from rainwater runoff.

Books, video's, games...whatever means is at your disposal...utilize them to  teach children about the benefits and the pay-off of being aware of their earth surroundings, why, it is a good thing .

Parks, playgrounds, hiking areas, and nature reserves...all offer varied ways of education that is fun, healthy, and character building...who doesn't want that for those we love...

Happy and Eventful Earth Day from the Sage Hill Farms family~

Chives Everywhere~

Garlic Chives are among the prettiest plants in an herb garden. They bring rich tones of green and the striking difference of a shimmering white head ...compared to the lavender heads on Onion Chives which tend to blend in and become common place in the bed.

Garlic chives can be used for flavor, color, texture, and they are always a medicinal addition to any dish.

The blossom ( head ) can be tossed into salads, baked into Mac/Cheese, yellow squash, mashed potatoes and biscuits- for a special treat at breakfast. Chive biscuits served with scrambled eggs and small chicken tenders-topped with your favorite cream sauce, make a fabulous brunch for 2 or 20.  ( cream sauce is not a choice for eating often, and ...you can substitute yogurt, water/white wine, or skim milk instead of heavy cream...in fact my favorite is the water and white wine .

Chive and potato pancakes are to get excited over...
Stir-Fried  Chicken and Pea Pods...
Salmon with Chive  Cream Sauce and Asparagus...

All these recipes will be posted on the Sage Hill Farms website  within the next few days.

TIP: Remember when growing chive, onion or garlic...cut the flower heads prior to them setting seed...otherwise you will have clumps of chive in places you may not want them.

Chive are easy to dig up and seperate the clumps to share with friends and neighbors.

Oh...and they grow beautifully in pots and the flower heads add charm to a tablescape.

Happy gardening~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/

A Garden To Love...one with Lavender~

The name Lavender comes from the Latin name "lavare" which means to wash. It was used  extensively by the Romans as a dressing on their wounds during wars.  There is  references to Lavender in the Bible using the name "Spikenard." In fact, there was a reference to Mary Magdalene using Spikenard to wash Jesus' feet .

So, the first record of remedial properties back in A.D. 77, it was considered a cure all for things like menstrual problems, upset stomach, kidney disorders and jaundice.  In the middle ages, Monks and Nuns were known for using the herb to make medicine, in fact, it was found in King Tut's tomb in nineteen twenty two,  it had been sealed for all those centuries and it still smelled like Lavender when the tomb was opened.

Today Lavender is used for quite a few things, just like it was in ancient times.

One difference between ancient times and today is the use of lavender in culinary ways.

Lavender is used in cookies, sorbets, cake decorations, and makes a delicious Lemonade.
I believe the recipe for cookies and the lemonade can be found in the archives of recipes on the Sage Hill Farms website...if not, just ask and I'll find it for you on this blog.

PS: there are a lot of recipes in the previous blog postings here...just search through the different months and you'll find some yummy offerings.

Announcement....Sage Hill Farms will be offering Lavender bundles for sale this year.

Times of availability will be posted on the website    http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/

We will keep you posted and with more details as the spring/summer evolves.

Happy Gardening

Bea Rigsby-Kunz