Stormy Weather Week

Clematis Henryii continues to produce saucer size flowers

Weather has been crazy last couple of days!, lots of wind, lighting, thunder and a little rain. I am happy the garden is getting some much needed rain but could do without all the city sirens and meteorological theatrics beforehand. We did have sunny weather here and there for me to get some gardening done and take a few pictures.

Fully opened single Peonies

English Dogwood

The two interesting plant happenings in the garden this week are the Hobbit's Foot Sage and Climbing Hydrangeas.

First time I've had Hobbit's Foot Sage bloom

 

 

 

The climbing Hydrangeas are the showiest they have ever been since I planted them several years ago.

 

 

 

As the weather warms up, I am getting lots of new growth in the aquatic plant department. The White Water Lily is always first to bloom.

During one of the storms, I did attempt another batch of macarons that just did not do well. I decided to hold off on the macaron baking till all the storms have passed.

 

 

looking promising

50% success rate

bad macaron, good macaron

Humid weather may not be good for macarons but the plants sure are loving it.

Petunia Buckets

 

"Sensitive Fern", I love volunteer plants!

 

"Martine Guilot" Rose. One of my favorite roses, repeat bloomer and no pesticides required

 

Weeds are pretty too

Blueberry!

Happy Easter

Turkey Eggs(speckled), Goose Eggs(white), part of my egg shell collection.

I enjoyed hosting the Easter meal at home this year. My intention was to make it relaxing and not too complicated, aside from the desserts which I really enjoyed making the day before. For the festive touch, I got Lindt chocolates and got creative.

Little "nest" made with baking cups and green paper shreds

White chocolate eggs and speckled jellybeans

 

 

I baked my macaron shells ahead of time so on Easter morning, I just had to fill them.

I made a "mousse" with mascarpone, whipping cream and powdered sugar

 

 

 

 

For the table setting, I used Raleigh's grandmother's china. It has Apple Blossoms on it so it feels "Springy". I left my orchid planter on the table as the centerpiece and did not bother making any special flower arrangement.

 

 

 

My simple menu for the meal: Manchego with crackers for appetizer & Jean also made some yummy deviled eggs with smoked salmon. Honeybaked ham with roasted asparagus, scalloped potatoes and carrots by Renee for the main course accompanied with some homemade cheddar scones.

I brewed some iced green tea and was also considering some Marco Polo tea instead of coffee with dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinly sliced red skinned potatoes layered with grated cheese and simple bechamel sauce

 

 

toss asparagus tips in olive oils to coat, sprinkle with maldon salt and freshly ground black pepper, roast for 15 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To drink with dessert, we had a French press of Ethiopian Nekemete coffee and a pot of Mariage Freres Marco Polo tea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was very pleased with how both desserts turned out. Can't wait to bake another black forest cake, I will need to stock up on more Trader Joes dark morello cherries.