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Holiday Party 2006 by Miguel Cisneros-Abreu a
A Walk in the Park 489
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A Walk in the Park 447
December 01, 2006
Download December Newsletter as a .PDF File
Happy Holidays! Next Meeting: December 6, 2006 7:30pm
Come Celebrate with Us! This month is the Holiday Extravaganza!
Herb of the Month: Juniper
Look Ahead: January 3, 2007: TBA Herb of the Month: TBA February 7, 2007: TBA Herb of the Month: TBA
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Fruit & Spice Park Auditorium. All members and guests are welcome! Our Tasting Table, Raffle Ticket Drawing, and Door Prize Drawing follow each speaker. Monthly Society Project: Come garden with us! Meet in the Park at 10am on the
Saturday following each monthly meeting. You get free park admission and free herbs to take home.
Herb of the Month: Juniper
Look Ahead: January 3, 2007: TBA Herb of the Month: TBA February 7, 2007: TBA Herb of the Month: TBA
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Fruit & Spice Park Auditorium. All members and guests are welcome! Our Tasting Table, Raffle Ticket Drawing, and Door Prize Drawing follow each speaker. Monthly Society Project: Come garden with us! Meet in the Park at 10am on the
Saturday following each monthly meeting. You get free park admission and free herbs to take home.
Herb of the Month: Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Description: Junipers are evergreen shrubs and small trees (depending on the variety). Immature foliage is spiny, while mature growth has scale-like leaves. Flowers are tiny, and form green fruits that turn black with grey wax on them as they ripen.
Cultivation: Junipers can grow from seed, but long germination times can make this prohibitive. They prefer sunny locations, and will tolerate a range of wet to dry soil.
Culinary: Berries are used to flavor game meats, sauerkraut, and gin. Twigs can be used on the fire for grilling meats to add flavor.
Medicinal: Traditionally used for a variety of internal complaints, it is not recommended since it can adversely affect the kidneys.
Other uses: Juniper is used in perfumery and for strewing or having in the home to freshen the air.
Similar plants: There are many species of juniper, and all have similar properties.
Sources: The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. By Deni Bown. Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens by Monica Moran Brandies.
Cultivation: Junipers can grow from seed, but long germination times can make this prohibitive. They prefer sunny locations, and will tolerate a range of wet to dry soil.
Culinary: Berries are used to flavor game meats, sauerkraut, and gin. Twigs can be used on the fire for grilling meats to add flavor.
Medicinal: Traditionally used for a variety of internal complaints, it is not recommended since it can adversely affect the kidneys.
Other uses: Juniper is used in perfumery and for strewing or having in the home to freshen the air.
Similar plants: There are many species of juniper, and all have similar properties.
Sources: The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. By Deni Bown. Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens by Monica Moran Brandies.
Notes From All Over
Thanks to Leila Werner for bringing pandan starts to the meeting, and to Kristin Jayd- Jimenez for sharing Vick’s plant and Cuban oregano starts.
Kristin Jayd-Jimenez is taking over the vicepresident spot left vacant by Jim O’Hare’s resignation. This means she will be in charge of speakers for the next year. If you have any suggestions or requests for programs, let Kristin know!
The Web Liaison position has been taken over by Tracy Bossinger. If there are any suggestions for either the newsletter or the website, please let Tracy know. Tao is still Webmaster. Contact information can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Thank you to this issue’s contributors:
• Cheri O’Neal
• Photos by Tracy Bossinger
• Garden photos by Kristin Jayd-Jimenez
November's Speaker - Seth Berman
Seth Berman returned to explain the art of making fancy garnishes. As anyone who has seen Seth speak can tell you, he uses common sense and a great sense of humor to make a seemingly complicated task simple.
Vegetables became flowers over the course of the talk, and he used simple carving techniques to make works of art from melons. He even made an apple into a swan!
November’s Speaker—Seth Berman Seth emphasized that no fancy tools are needed to make these creations, though they are available if you wish. In his words, all you need is “a sharp knife and a bit of imagination”.
All of these creative ideas can be used to make a special dinner even better, or to enhance your next social gathering.
A huge thank you to Seth for presenting this to us, and for making it so much fun!
Vegetables became flowers over the course of the talk, and he used simple carving techniques to make works of art from melons. He even made an apple into a swan!
November’s Speaker—Seth Berman Seth emphasized that no fancy tools are needed to make these creations, though they are available if you wish. In his words, all you need is “a sharp knife and a bit of imagination”.
All of these creative ideas can be used to make a special dinner even better, or to enhance your next social gathering.
A huge thank you to Seth for presenting this to us, and for making it so much fun!
Editor’s Corner & Club Announcements
Suggestions are needed for the Herb of the Month for 2007. Please email the newsletter, call, or catch me at the next meeting to let me know what herbs or spices you are interested in learning about or seeing featured here.
We also need gardeners to profile in the newsletter. If you are interested, please let me know!
The newsletter submission deadline for the January issue is December 20, 2006.
If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, please let me know by sending an email to: inariargenteus@gmail.com.
To avoid spam, I will not be emailing newsletters without an invitation to do so. The newsletter can also be viewed online at our website: www.REHSonline.com.
Suggestions and comments are always welcome, as are contributions. Thanks for making the newsletter so wonderful!
Kristin Jayd-Jimenez is taking over the vice-president spot left vacant by Jim O’Hare’s resignation. This means she will be in charge of speakers for the next year. If you have any suggestions or requests for programs, let Kristin know!
The Web Liaison position has been taken over by Tracy Bossinger, giving her the ‘official’ title of Communications Officer. If there are any suggestions for either the newsletter or the website, please let Tracy know. Contact information is all over the newsletter. Tao is still Webmaster, and his
contact information can be found in the web news article.
We also need gardeners to profile in the newsletter. If you are interested, please let me know!
The newsletter submission deadline for the January issue is December 20, 2006.
If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, please let me know by sending an email to: inariargenteus@gmail.com.
To avoid spam, I will not be emailing newsletters without an invitation to do so. The newsletter can also be viewed online at our website: www.REHSonline.com.
Suggestions and comments are always welcome, as are contributions. Thanks for making the newsletter so wonderful!
Kristin Jayd-Jimenez is taking over the vice-president spot left vacant by Jim O’Hare’s resignation. This means she will be in charge of speakers for the next year. If you have any suggestions or requests for programs, let Kristin know!
The Web Liaison position has been taken over by Tracy Bossinger, giving her the ‘official’ title of Communications Officer. If there are any suggestions for either the newsletter or the website, please let Tracy know. Contact information is all over the newsletter. Tao is still Webmaster, and his
contact information can be found in the web news article.
October and November Tasting Table and Raffle Recap
All members and guests are invited (but not required) to bring a contribution to the monthly tasting table. For those not inclined toward the culinary arts, paper plates, plasticware and beverages are also very welcome.
The October Tasting Table was provided by: James O’Hare—Smoked Salmon; Leila Werner—Guacamole & Chips; Kristin Jayd Jimenez—Rice & Peas; Eliat Schmalbach—Couscous & Pinenuts.
Donations are also encouraged for the raffle table. Tickets are on sale at the raffle table during each meeting, and are fifty cents each. Ticket proceeds benefit the Society.
The October raffle table had donations from: Arion Zedler—Dream Blend & Dreamcatcher; John & Marie Thorp—Holy Basil ; Leila Werner—Jasmine Plant; Miguel Cisneros-Abreu—Cow Dung. Other prizes were donated by Marlene Roffe, Eliana Yepes, Val Mazon & Enrique & Eliat Schmalbach.
Welcome to new members!! In October, we were joined by Susan Templeton and Maria Teresa & Philip Adams.
November’s Tasting Table was filled by: Gladys & Bruce Sutton—Cold Pear Soup with Mint; Leila Werner—Cinnamon Swirl Cake; Kristin Jayd Jimenez—Chips & Squash Dip, Mariquitas & Mojo; Betty & Mark Sobush—Plates & Paper Towels; Tracy Bossinger—Peanut Butter Cookies.
The generous November Raffle Table was provided by: Leah Sherman—Parton Wall Hanger Pots; Betty & Mark Sobush—Clock, Set of Glass Candle holders; Jean Bonner—Yucca Plants, peppermint roots, cycad, yellow iris plants; Cheri O’Neal—Fresh Herbs; Leila Werner—Photo Frame; Leah Sherman—Ceramic Teapot &
Bowl. Gladys & Bruce Sutton provided a Pin Cushion Plant as the door prize.
Every ticket was a winner!
The October Tasting Table was provided by: James O’Hare—Smoked Salmon; Leila Werner—Guacamole & Chips; Kristin Jayd Jimenez—Rice & Peas; Eliat Schmalbach—Couscous & Pinenuts.
Donations are also encouraged for the raffle table. Tickets are on sale at the raffle table during each meeting, and are fifty cents each. Ticket proceeds benefit the Society.
The October raffle table had donations from: Arion Zedler—Dream Blend & Dreamcatcher; John & Marie Thorp—Holy Basil ; Leila Werner—Jasmine Plant; Miguel Cisneros-Abreu—Cow Dung. Other prizes were donated by Marlene Roffe, Eliana Yepes, Val Mazon & Enrique & Eliat Schmalbach.
Welcome to new members!! In October, we were joined by Susan Templeton and Maria Teresa & Philip Adams.
November’s Tasting Table was filled by: Gladys & Bruce Sutton—Cold Pear Soup with Mint; Leila Werner—Cinnamon Swirl Cake; Kristin Jayd Jimenez—Chips & Squash Dip, Mariquitas & Mojo; Betty & Mark Sobush—Plates & Paper Towels; Tracy Bossinger—Peanut Butter Cookies.
The generous November Raffle Table was provided by: Leah Sherman—Parton Wall Hanger Pots; Betty & Mark Sobush—Clock, Set of Glass Candle holders; Jean Bonner—Yucca Plants, peppermint roots, cycad, yellow iris plants; Cheri O’Neal—Fresh Herbs; Leila Werner—Photo Frame; Leah Sherman—Ceramic Teapot &
Bowl. Gladys & Bruce Sutton provided a Pin Cushion Plant as the door prize.
Every ticket was a winner!
Website and Cookbook Updates
The website is growing, but still needs more input to be the best it can be. If you would like to contribute or have any suggestions, contact the Web Liaison, Tracy, or the Webmaster, Tao.
Contact Tracy at: 305-444-5612 or inariargenteus@gmail.com
Contact Tao at: info@umaatantra.com
The cookbook is nearing completion, but there is still room for more good stuff! Please consider sending in something so that everyone can benefit from your knowledge.
If you have not already submitted a recipe to the cookbook, please email one to Leah or Leila at shermlea@ aol.com or fax to 305-234-3139. You can also deliver them in person at the next meeting!
Contact Tracy at: 305-444-5612 or inariargenteus@gmail.com
Contact Tao at: info@umaatantra.com
The cookbook is nearing completion, but there is still room for more good stuff! Please consider sending in something so that everyone can benefit from your knowledge.
If you have not already submitted a recipe to the cookbook, please email one to Leah or Leila at shermlea@ aol.com or fax to 305-234-3139. You can also deliver them in person at the next meeting!
How Does Your Garden Grow? Featuring the garden of Cheri O’Neal
Kristin Jayd-Jimenez sent in these lovely pictures of Cheri O’Neal’s garden. Cheri grows a variety of vegetables and herbs, and began her garden from scratch when she moved to her ‘new’ house. It is now well established and very beautiful.
Cheri has this to say:
Well, in my herb garden I am growing Strawberry, Mint, Comfrey, Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Oregano, Tomato and Parsley. In another box I am growing Fennel, Dill and more Rosemary. The Fennel and Dill are Caterpillar food for the Eastern Black Swallowtail I have successfully attracted.
And of course some weeds! A garden isn't a garden without weeds. Oh, I almost forgot that I have a beautiful chive plant hidden behind the very large Basil. My lemon grass is about 6 feet tall, and that came from the raffle table last year some time. It is beautiful and HAPPY!
Thank you, Cheri for showing us your gorgeous garden!
Cheri has this to say:
Well, in my herb garden I am growing Strawberry, Mint, Comfrey, Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Oregano, Tomato and Parsley. In another box I am growing Fennel, Dill and more Rosemary. The Fennel and Dill are Caterpillar food for the Eastern Black Swallowtail I have successfully attracted.
And of course some weeds! A garden isn't a garden without weeds. Oh, I almost forgot that I have a beautiful chive plant hidden behind the very large Basil. My lemon grass is about 6 feet tall, and that came from the raffle table last year some time. It is beautiful and HAPPY!
Thank you, Cheri for showing us your gorgeous garden!