We have been out collecting violets from the garden. The flowers and leaves of the Common Blue Violet, Viola sororia, are a good source of vitamin A and C and can be used fresh in salads or cooked. The flowers can also be dried for tea. We intend to make violet honey from these blossoms. To remove excess moisture, simply let the flowers wilt before adding them to the honey. Click on the image for a larger view.
Tag Archives: Pentax 645D
Evening Primrose Seed Bread
This week, Naomi baked one of our favorite breads with the seeds of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis. These seeds make a great substitute for poppy seeds. If you roast them in the oven for 15–20 minutes, they can be used as a substitute for pepper. We collect the seed pods in the fall: these are also a favorite of the Goldfinch, an aggressive competitor that peels back a pod like a banana. We hang the pods to dry before we hull them. Click on the image for a larger view.
Blackberry Pie
Naomi made blackberry pie this week. The blackberries were gathered on our land at the end of last summer. We have been using this fruit in our vegetable smoothies and, naturally, pies. Click on the image for a larger and more mouthwatering view or continue reading for the recipe. Continue reading
12th Annual Festival of Art
One of my photographs is in the 12th Annual Festival of Art at the Senior College at Belfast. The show features work from professional and amateur artists in Maine. 2-D and 3-D artwork is spread throughout the college. The show runs from May 15th through May 18th. Click on the image for larger view.
Passing Spring Storm
The changing seasons bring unsettled weather. Storms can be violent, but they are also beautiful. Click on the image for a larger view.
Spring at a Salt Marsh
In May, the grass covering a salt marsh is still brown and matted. But the foam bubbling up along the edges of the channels indicates a stirring of life. Click on the image for a larger view.
Spring Arrives to the Forest
Spring is starting to make its mark. The long winter this year has delayed this season. Our trees are starting to show their foliage and fern is rising from the forest floor. Click on the image for a larger view.
Art2014
I was honored this week by having one of my photographs included in Art2014 at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, Maine. The show is a wonderfully eclectic collection of 32 artworks from 25 Maine artists. The award ceremony was led by the juror Andy Verzosa (center) of Aucocisco Galleries in Portland, Maine. The show runs until the end of May.
With Spring comes Pollen
The waterways that meander through the salt marshes in Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area have their surface covered with pollen from the nearby conifers. The course of the ditches and the tidal period create patterns with this fine yellow dust on the water. Click on the image of a larger view.
A May Day Greeting
We wish you a wonderful May Day. We are usually greeted by our wild plum blossoms at the beginning of May, but apparently we will have to wait a little longer this year. We hope your day is bright, warm, and full of flowers. Click on the image for a larger view.
