Lemon Coral Sedum

My new favorite plant!

Swiss Chard in a Tomato and Garlic Broth

There has been lots of P&W (Pruning and Weeding) around here, needless to say there is also lots of sore muscles. The Winter garden is coming to an end and it is time to harvest some of the veggies and herbs. 

 Kale, Swiss Chard and Broccoli.

Parsley, Dill, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Cilantro in the Herb Garden.

Today I gathered a bowl full of Swiss Chard for my lunch. My standard way to prepare Chard is by sautéing it, I prefer to save the tender small leaves for a salad.

Rainbow Swiss Chard

I'm sure there are a thousand different ways to prepare this nutritional vegetable, however this is my favorite recipe.

Swiss Chard in a Tomato and Garlic Broth

1 bunch of Swiss Chard, rinsed and chopped into large pieces

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 cloves of Garlic, finely sliced

1 8 oz can of Tomato Sauce

1 1/2 cups of Chicken broth

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika 

In a saute pan, over medium heat, add olive oil. Add finely chopped garlic and cook until the garlic turns a toasty, brown color. Add in the chicken broth, tomato sauce and smoked paprika. Stir ingredients until they are combined. Turn heat up to medium high and cook until broth starts to boil. Add in chard and turn heat down to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Serve with crusty french bread and garnish with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

 Even though I made this side dish my lunch, it also goes nicely with some Roasted Chicken and Mac and Cheese. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Old-Fashioned Balsam Flowers

This Spring, I planted some Balsam seeds under a large Oak tree in the backyard. I like to think of these flowers as the original or heirloom variety of the hybrid impatiens we have today.  The flowers are vibrant in color and grow vertically up on a single stem.They also produce seedpods and I have had several reseed and come up again in one season. One word of warning though, the seeds are very difficult to find. I called all over town searching for the seeds before I gave up and ordered them online. They do brighten up a shady spot!

GBBD March 2013

Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day March 2013

I'm joining Carol at May Dreams Garden for this GBBD. Here is a look at what is blooming this Spring in my garden. 

Chinese Ground Orchids

Pincushion Flower

Redbud Tree

Four Nerve Daisy

Nasturiums

Fernleaf Lavender

Marigolds planted in the Veggie garden

Spring Teaser

With temperatures being in the 80's today, I'm having a difficult time believing we still have a chance for a freeze. I know in Texas the weather can change within 24 hours, except in the summer where temps are hot and hotter. Judging by the plants in the garden, Spring is right around the corner. Here is a look at what is blooming or budding in the garden today.

Lavender Lady Passionflower Vine

Bulbine

Knockout Rose

There were lots of bees and butterflies flying around. The broccoli blooms are buzzing with bees. This my first attempt at growing broccoli. It bolted way before I was really able to enjoy it. I was glad to learn the bees like the flowers from Ally at Garden Ally.

There are SO many bees that I decided to get them a house. The purchase was inspired from Jenny's  at Rock Rose adorable Bee House.

Purchased this bee house from Shades of Green in San Antonio, TX

Lovely Swallowtail butterfly enjoying the Vincas.

I chased this one around the garden to take its picture.

Cyclamen add bright color to a winter garden

During the dreary days of winter, I love to see some pop of color in my garden. Cyclamen is a wonderful winter annual that provides color with beautiful blooms and heart shaped leaves.

They look spectacular sprinkled throughout the garden or planted in groups. My intention when planting them is to make the planting look organic as possible. As if they decided to spring up all on their own.

With so many different variety of colors available, it is hard to buy just one. Their beauty and cold hardiness in TX winters makes them one of my favorite winter annuals.

Queen Butterflies

Happy Friday!