Archive | June, 2019

Monarch Caterpillars Are Here!

29 Jun

I found three caterpillars on milkweed in the play area today!

Since the ones that visited last year seemingly succumbed to predators (they all vanished suddenly), I took steps to protect them.

The plants are wrapped, loosely, with row cover that lets in light and water. We’ll see if it helps them survive…

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Seen these Signs of Nature Babies?

29 Jun

   Butterfly larva.  (Looks like a painted lady butterfly. See more info about development stages here)

 

 

Teeny tiny egg shelll! Seen any new birds nests?

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s the egg next to a sharpie, for scale… I will leave this egg on the raised herb beds outside the play area in case anyone wants to take a peek!  –

 

 

 

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Many Thanks, Strawberry-Based Treat Recipes, and Party Pics

15 Jun

bowelIMG_6199Thank You!

Thanks to all who attended or donated to the garden for our Strawberries and Salad kickoff party last weekend.  Partygoers enjoyed fresh berries, sweet homemade baked goods, savory strawberry bruschetta, and more.  Find recipes, and photos, below.

CVEarthlab garden is self-funded and we are still collecting donations for the summer season.  If you’d like to help us grow, we thankfully accept financial donations via Shari Rueckl (195 Adams St, #15B).  Checks can be made out to CVOI; Venmo electronic donations go to @misssha.  Learn more about annual needs and membership here

 

 

 

 

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Ingredients

Crumble topping

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 14 Tablespoons of melted butter
Strawberry rhubarb filling
  • 3 cups (12 oz chopped rhubarb—1/2”
  •   pieces)
  • 2 quarts chopped strawberries
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Topping: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, granulated and brown sugar, lemon zest. Add the melted butter and cut with 2 butter knives as you would a pie crust. Refrigerate.
Filling: In a large bowl combine the strawberries, rhubarb, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch and salt. Mix well and pour into a 9” by 13” baking pan. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. Take the crumble mixture out of the refrigerator and crumble with your hands evenly over the fruit filling.
Bake for 45-50 minutes.
It is done when fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown in spots.
Let crisp rest out of the oven for 15 minutes before serving. Can be served topped with vanilla ice cream.

Goat Cheese and Strawberry Bruschetta

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces or 3 cups of fresh strawberries
  • 16 to 20 Each thin baguette slices
  • 6 Ounces soft goat cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons honey

Directions

  1. If desired, toast baguette slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crisp. Cool.
  2. Hull strawberries. Slice each strawberry into several thin slices holding strawberry intact.
  3. Stir goat cheese and honey together in a small bowl; spread about 1 tablespoon onto each bread slice.
  4. Place strawberries on bread fanning strawberry over cheese. Repeat with remaining strawberries.

 

Tonite: Party Starts at 6:30pm

7 Jun

Join us this evening!  All residents are invited to sample the first garden harvest foods, strawberries and salad. Come to the community garden behind 195 Adams St., and bring a bottle of wine or another beverage to share.

Not sure what to expect? Check out photos from the June 2018 tasting party.

CVEarthlab garden is self-funded and we are collecting financial donations for the summer season now.  To  send a last minute RSVP, email CVEarthlab@gmail.com Thank you!  –Denise, Judith, Sandy & Shari

StrawberriesSalad2019pic

Strawberries + Salad Party Is This Friday!

5 Jun

Have you RSVP’d yet?

All residents are invited to sample the first garden harvest foods, strawberries and salad, on the evening of Friday June 7th.  Come to the community garden behind 195 Adams St. after 6:30pm. Bring yourselves and a bottle of wine or another beverage to share.

The community room is reserved as backup; this event will be rain or shine! See photos from the June 2018 tasting party here. CVEarthlab garden is self-funded and we are collecting financial donations for the summer season now.

To RSVP, send a note to CVEarthlab@gmail.com

Thank you!  –Denise, Judith, Sandy & Shari

StrawberriesSalad2019pic

Snap Peas Have Sprung!!!

1 Jun

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