From the Garden Recipes

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Hibiscus

Did you know that today is Pascua Florida Day, and is a state of Florida day of recognition?  April 2nd is the anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Juan Ponce De Leon, in 1513.  Ponce De Leon was a Spanish explorer, and named this newly discovered land after a celebration day in his homeland of Spain called Pascua Florida, meaning a feast of flowers.  Other than the state flower Orange Blossom, there is no other plant that says Florida more than the Hibiscus, and, naturally, it is a Florida landscape favorite.

What better way to celebrate our Florida's naming day than to plant some Hibiscus in your landscape, brew some Hibiscus Tea, and bake some Hibiscus candy?  Yes, that's right, Hibiscus is not only edible, but it is tasty as well!  Beyond Hibiscus being a Florida landscape favorite for it's beautiful year-round flowers, it is renowned for it's natural medicinal properties, and well as unique flavor in teas and food.

Not only is Hibiscus a Florida landscape favorite, it is a world-wide favorite, too!  It is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical environments, and thrives best in temperate climates.  It is the state flower of countries such as Malaysia and Haiti, and it's flower has unique symbolism that can be found in cultures such as India and Tahiti.

As a landscape plant, Hibiscus can be one of the easiest and most rewarding plants in your garden, providing endless beautiful blooms of vibrant colors.  It prefers full sun for best blooming, but will tolerate partial shade, and once established, it is very drought tolerant.  The Hibiscus can have some unique pest problems, though, such as aphids, Pink Hibiscus Mealy-bug, and Chilli Trips, that can be controlled with pesticides, if desired.  The worst pest problems for Hibiscus, though, in my opinion, are deer and extreme cold.  If you live in an area that is populated with deer, Hibiscus is a deer favorite, and will simply be a feeding station for them, and they will never bloom.  As well, if your planting area is prone to repeated frost or freezing temperatures, an unprotected Hibiscus will not survive for long.

What the heck!  Plant one Hibiscus, and give it plenty of room, as they they can grow rather large on some of the varieties (8' tall or better, and almost just as wide).   And, when family and friends come for your annual summer tea party, dazzle them with your scrumptious Hibiscus candies, and delectable Hibiscus tea (I hear that it's even better with rum!).

Pick your favorite Hibiscus variety from these options:  http://3seasonsgrowers.com/pb/wp_4a4e7cc3/wp_4a4e7cc3.html

Then, let's get the party started!

http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/08/hibiscus-tea-brewed-at-home-from-dried.html

http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/08/candied-flowers-hibiscus.html

Let's get Hibiscus-ing, Folks!

Donell

 

 

 

 

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sliced-cucumbers-free1

This simple, yet delicious, recipe was submitted by our Johns Palms Landscaping client, Jeanne Todd:

  • 2 medium sized cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Refrigerate for 3 hours, and then enjoy as a fresh salad for lunch or dinner, or bring as a pot luck dish for any social event.  It is yummy!  Thank you, Jeanne!

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Roses and Society Garlic
Roses and Society Garlic

While you probably have never given it much thought, there are many common landscape plants that are edible, and some of them may already be in your garden!  So, why would you want to know that?  Because edible landscape plants can add a creative garnish to an ordinary meal, a tasty flavor to any dish, a zing when added to beverages, and a culinary fragrance to marinades.....the list is endless!  As a bonus, they make your landscape more unique, as well as beautiful!

Before you dive in to cooking with edible flowers and landscape plants, be certain that you know which ones are edible and which ones are not, and which plant parts to use.  With most flowers, it is the petal only, and not the leaves and stems.  With other plants, it is the seed or fruit, and with still others, it is the roots.

Here is a short list of some common landscape plants that are edible:

  • Roses (petals)
  • Society Garlic (petals and leaves)
  • Lemon Grass (leaves)
  • Rosemary (leaves and petal)
  • Pansies (petals)
  • Hibiscus (petals)
  • Pindo Palm (seeds/fruit)
  • Podocarpus (seeds/fruit/female plant)
  • Coco Plum (seeds/fruit)
  • Seagrape (seeds/fruit)
  • Marigold (petals)
  • Daylily (petal)
  • Honeysuckle (petal)
  • Pineapple Guava Feijoa (fruit)
  • Surinam Cherry (fruit)

So, be bold, and give some of these edible landscape plants a try in your next recipe!  And, if you find that using these edible landscape plants in the kitchen is not to your liking, you will still have a beautiful landscape garden!

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I love a good cold salad with a BBQ, and this is one of my favorites!  It's so simple, and it is simply delicious.....

-1 very large tasty tomato, or a few smaller ones, diced to a size slightly larger than a pea

-1 can of sweet peas, or cooked frozen peas, similar amount (I prefer the canned, but mostly it is a half tomato, half peas recipe)

-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

-salt and pepper to taste

Chill before serving.  It's easy, peasy, and a solid take to for any BBQ,  pot luck, church event, bake sale, etc, a winner all-around.  I credit Martha Graham for the recipe.  Thanks, Martha!