THE VILLAGE VOICE

"We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." ~ William Ewart Gladstone PEACE LILY (Spathiphyllum wallisii) Common name Peace lily Botanical name Spathiphyllum species; most commonly Spathiphyllum wallisii Other common names Madonna lily Family Araceae General description An evergreen perennial herb, often grown as an ornamental, also very popular as a container plant. Flowers The flowers are fleshy white to cream sheath or bract, called a spathe, surrounding a spike of fragrant, closely packed minute flowers. Leaves The leaves are bright green, lance shaped, shiny, up to 30cm long and clustered at the base of the plant. Fruit/Berries The fruit are inconspicuous white berries. Other The sap is clear. Symptoms This plant, if eaten, can produce a tingling or burning sensation, followed by swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue. Contact dermatitis may also occur in sensiti...

"Every breath is a giveaway dance between you and the plants." ~ Susun Weed Rex Begonia (texture portrait) Rex Cultorum Begonia ( American Begonia Society ) Rex begonias are the showboats of the begonia world and are a type of rhizomatous begonia that are grown for their multicolored leaves. The leaves come in every color, pattern and shade, and every size and shape. All Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species B. rex that was crossed with other types of rhizomatous begonias. Rex begonias do bloom but are not grown for their blooms which pale in comparison to their spectacular leaves.

"Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke Cymbidium Orchid ________ CHICKEN SATAY & ASIAN ASPARAGUS ~ Simple supper with fresh asparagus ... a hint of 'spring' (adapted from Foodie Froggy ) ______________ 6 chicken breasts, cut in strips 1 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil (more if needed) bamboo skewers Marinade: 6 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. Mirin (sweet rice wine), sherry or Marsala coarse salt and freshly ground pepper Satay Sauce: 4 Tbsp. peanut butter 2 Tbsp. chopped garlic 2 tsp. chili oil 3 Tbsp. white rice vinegar 4 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. red pepper flakes Combine soy sauce, Mirin (sherry or Marsala ), salt & pepper. Add chicken strips, toss, and marinate for 20 minutes. Combine ingredients for Satay Sauce in blender. Set aside. Heat wok with 1 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil until it smokes a little. Add chicken and sauté about 5 minutes (don't overcrowd ... sauté in batches). Lower heat...

"The flower is the poetry of reproduction. It is an example of the eternal seductiveness of life." ~ Jean Giraudoux ~ Orchid throat (Phalaenopsis ~ 'Moth Orchid') This is a brief description on Orchid plant anatomy. Hopefully it will be helpful if you are new to growing orchids. The roots and stem form the bottom portion of our orchid plant. These absorbs and brings life needed nutrients to the plant. Sometimes, within the root system you may find the water absorption system of the orchid. These are called pseudobulbs. They are very efficient at absorbing and storing water. However not all orchids have pseudobulbs. Remember in the rain forests where some of the orchids grow the showers are usually quick. Above the roots you will generally find a stem from which the leaves are born. The stems are quite sturdy in some orchids and are delicate in others, especially, the miniature orchids. A healthy leaf is one that is firm, non-wrinkled, and bright green. It is not a...

"There is not a single colour hidden away in the chalice of a flower ... to which, by some subtle sympathy with the very soul of things, my nature does not answer." ~ Oscar Wilde ~ Indoor azalea basket ___________ HAM, ROASTED PEPPER & PESTO GRILLED PANINI ~ Delicious sandwich with leftover Easter ham ________________ 8 slices coarse multi-grain bread (or sour dough) 1/3 cup light mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. pesto sauce (good jar is fine) thinly sliced ham 1 (12 oz.) jar drained and thinly sliced roasted peppers 4 thin slices provolone cheese 4 thin slices cheddar cheese Combine mayo & pesto sauce. Spread evenly on 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices face down on wax paper. On inside of the 4 slices, layer each with 1 slice provolone cheese, thin slices of ham, bell peppers, and cheddar. Top with remaining bread, pesto side up. Cook sandwiches in panini pan (or on hot griddle) until golden brown. (4 servings).

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions." ~ Joey Adams ~ Happy Birthday! ~ Happy 'Reblooming' Cymbidium Click for more information on growing cymbidium orchids