genuine verdict

Garlic Blossom, originally uploaded by trekr.

“Three nickels will get you on the subway – but garlic will get you a seat” – an old saying from New York

Tri-Color Sage, originally uploaded by trekr.

Beautiful color and texture, great as seasoning in a turkey stuffing or with game.

Butterfly, originally uploaded by trekr.

A Gulf Fritillary Butterfly on purple verbena.

Swiss Chard, originally uploaded by trekr.

Fuyu Persimmon, originally uploaded by trekr.

The Fuyu Persimmon is hanging on to a few fruits. Last year they all dropped before ripening. Perhaps we’ll have a few this year …

Tradescantia pallida, originally uploaded by trekr.

Also known as the cultivar Purple Heart.

Cardoon, originally uploaded by trekr.

Overnight, the Cardoon has blossomed. The contrast of the spiked leaves of the bud with the soft purple flower is striking.

Fig, originally uploaded by trekr.

The fig tree has already set fruit and I’m looking forward to another bumper crop this year.

Yellow Squash, originally uploaded by trekr.

After all those green posts, I need a little color. The squash have really taken off this Spring. We love to slice yellow squash into thick slabs, lightly coat them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill ’em quickly on a hot fire.

Apples, originally uploaded by trekr.

Peach, originally uploaded by trekr.

After many years we may finally get some peaches.

Sunflower, originally uploaded by trekr.

A volunteer sunflower from a seed that fell from the bird feeder.

Green Tomatoes, originally uploaded by trekr.

Its going to be a good year for tomatoes!

Blue Cobalt, originally uploaded by trekr.

Another striking salvia that grows well in Texas. Later this summer the hummingbirds will find it.

Cardoon, originally uploaded by trekr.

The first Cardoon bloom arrives just as the Clematis go to seed. Apparently, the plant is edible and reportedly has the look of celery and the taste of artichoke (they are in the same family of plants). Here is a recipe if you are inclined. I may try this next Spring!. Before you handle the plant, be aware it has nearly invisible stalks on the spines that can cause substantial pain.  This is my third post featuring a weed.  Weeds are everywhere. I never have to plant them.  They require little care.  They can surprise you.  I’ve learned to enjoy weeds.

Flower, originally uploaded by trekr.

Lantana is a very common plant in Texas landscapes. Here is another view showing the foliage. Lantana is considered a weed in New Zealand and in regions of the Pacific. The leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans but the plant attracts butterflies and birds. A new development to the north has congested traffic on our Farm and Market Road. Fittingly, the development is named after this weed.

Yellow Woodsorrel, originally uploaded by trekr.

Small and humble; with a leaf in the shape of a heart, like a clover the yellow woodsorrel is familiar and dear.

Daylily, originally uploaded by trekr.

“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.”Matt. 6:28-29

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

Today I couldn’t find a single Clematis bloom. So I pulled this photo up from a special day in April and it’ll be the last Clematis post until next Spring.

Black Swallowtail, originally uploaded by trekr.

One more of the Black Swallowtail caterpillar. Click on the picture and check out the original size image on Flickr to see the hair on its “toenails”.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

A great year for Clematis! The blooms are failing now as the days grow hotter. This photo was taken at dusk as the afternoon rain subsided.

Mexican Mint Marigold, originally uploaded by trekr.

A surprise early blooming of Mexican Mint Marigold. This is a great substitute for French tarragon which cannot survive the Texas heat.

Feverfew, originally uploaded by trekr.

Feverfew, for your fever, migraine, arthritis, digestive health, or just for ornamentation.

DSCN0648, originally uploaded by trekr.

The caterpillars are abundant this Spring. The red veins of the chard contrast the dark green fennel and complement the vibrant colors of the caterpillar.

Bees, originally uploaded by trekr.

After the rain the bees were a little calmer and I was able to get closer.

Ginko, originally uploaded by trekr.

It rained again this afternoon. The Ginko leaf cradles a few drops that will fall as the breeze lifts the limb.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

As the temperatures start to climb, the days of Clematis blooms are numbered. I couldn’t resist posting another view of a happy half dozen.

Clematis against Japanese Maple, originally uploaded by trekr.

A view along the fence gives a nice contrast of colors between flowers and leaves.

Dutchman’s Pipe, originally uploaded by trekr.

Kinda sorta looks like a pipe. I never met a Dutchman, so I can’t be sure.

Herb Garden, originally uploaded by trekr.

A view of the herb garden we planted last July. In the forefront is thyme, bronze fennel, swiss chard, sage, and in the back, chili tepin.