THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Every year, in November, at the season that follows the hour of the dead, the crowning and majestic hours of autumn, I go to visit the chrysanthemums ... They are indeed, the most universal, the most diverse of flowers." ~ Maurice Maeterlinck CHRYSANTHEMUM November Birth Flower is the Chrysanthemum. The History and traditions surrounding the November Birth Flower, the Chrysanthemum is fascinating. There are many myths and legends about the origins of this tradition. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire and the origins of birth month flowers, such as the Chrysanthemum, could be said to date back to these times. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts. The gifts included gemstone jewelry, such as the Topaz, and also flowers - the first traditions and origins of the November Birth Flower. ~ Birthstones.org ONION CHRYSANTHEMUMS ~ Delicious treat adapted from an old SUNSET MAGAZINE cli...

"I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys." - Song of Solomon 2. 1-17 Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) also called shrub althaea GENERAL INFORMATION Scientific name: Hibiscus syriacus Pronunciation: high-BISS-kuss seer-ee-AY-kuss Common name(s): Rose-of-Sharon, Shrub-Althea Family: Malvaceae USDA hardiness zones: 5B through 9A Origin: not native to North America Uses: container or above-ground planter; near a deck or patio; trainable as a standard; specimen; no proven urban tolerance Availability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range DESCRIPTION Height: 8 to 12 feet Spread: 4 to 10 feet Crown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have more or less identical crown forms Crown shape: upright Crown density: open Growth rate: slow Texture: fine

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." ~ Celia Thaxter 'Old Garden Companions' (Daisy/Purple Coneflower ) PURPLE PLEASURES (Phlox, Purple Coneflowers , Dwarf Chinese Astile , Daylily ) Astilbe , hosta , Rose of Sharon, Hydrangea LEMON PASTA with ROASTED SHRIMP ~ Summer friendly ... light/luscious adapted from Ina Garten 2 lbs. (peeled and deveined ) large shrimp 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves minced garlic 2 lemons, zested and juiced 1 lb. angel hair pasta fresh chopped basil to taste Grated Parmesan or fresh feta cheese to taste (optional) Preheat oven to 400º and bring large pot of water to boil. Place shrimp on baking sheet with olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss well and spread over pan. Roast for 6-8 minutes, just until pink and cooked through. While shrimp are roasting, melt butter and olive oil. Cook garlic until s...

"Butterflies are self propelled flowers." ~ R.H. Heinlein "The fluttering of a butterfly's wings can effect climate changes on the other side of the planet." ~ Paul Erlich "Not quite birds, as they were not quite flowers, mysterious and fascinating as are all indeterminate creatures." ~ Elizabeth Goudge "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." ~ Maya Angelou "We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever." ~ Carl Sagan TIGER SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio glaucus) "Swallowtails epitomize the beauty, vibrant color, and grace of butterflies. Their large size makes them conspicuous visitors to any garden, ant their gorgeous colors make them prized additions to any scene." (The Butterfly Book) Caterpillar : Leaf green and plump ... excellently camouflaged. Feeds on trees, particularly cherry, willow and ash. Wingspan : 3 1/2 - 6 3/...

"In the garden, after a rainfall, you can faintly, yes, hear the breaking of new blooms." ~ Truman Capote DAYLILY (Hemerocallis) "Life is short, God's way of encouraging a bit of focus." ~ Robert Brault "Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No." ~ Pablo Picasso HOSTA & FERNS ___________ "When I was a boy, I thought scent was contained in dewdrops on flowers and if I got up very early in the morning, I could collect it and make perfume." ~ Oscar De La Renta