May 2021
May Colors ~ Lilac for its namesake and the effervescent ceanothus or California lilac ~ Pink for apple blossoms, peach blossoms, and luscious kwanzan cherry blossoms ~ Orange for the abundant California poppies that decorate the hillsides of the eastern Gorge and my favorite tiny dancer flower, geum ~ White spirea blossoms, fragrant mock orange, and elegant panda anemones ~ Sky Blue forget me nots, brunnera blossoms, the first delphinium, and the clear skies that bring on the flower show!
May Fauna ~ Hawks have been especially daring this spring. I’ve seen them chased off by crows and jays all over the Gorge. They are after unattended nests of busy bird parents. Mice are honestly vexing me this year. I found a nest in my art supplies and begrudgingly fed those busy bird parents some extra protein. Vultures, my favorite majestic bird of prey, have been working hard to clean up the young and inexperienced spring fauna that did not make it past their first month. Finally, our local Bear has made a few appearances in the grass meadows outside of his winter den.
May Flavors ~ The first Salad Greens are lush in the garden right now ~ Asparagus, Radishes, Turnips, and Micro Greens make for some excellent salads. Make your own salad dressing pantry with some parsley vinaigrette and fresh green goddess. Farm Fresh Eggs are super abundant now. It’s also time to clean out the last of your winter stores of root veggies & cured meat to make way for the abundant seasons to come. All of these ingredients make for the most amazing breakfast food! Hashes, benedicts, and omelettes with a little spring salad on the side. Give everything some rich French flair with lots of good fats and treat yourself to a mimosa or two. Cheers to May!
May Treats ~ Locust Blossoms, I’ve been told these taste like spring peas with honey and I can’t wait to add some to my next salad! Apparently they also make great fritters. I fully intend to make a sweet honey/lemon/blossom infusion to add to my iced tea. Morels, they’ve been scarce this year due to drought. Earthy delicacy that goes perfectly with my rich, French theme in creamy pasta or on grilled flatbread. Miner’s Lettuce is such a rich spinach-y green. Perfect in a salad with citrus and beets, add a little bacon and make a hearty meal of it. Don’t skip this May superfood!
Not to be missed in June ~ a trip to Adelman Peony Gardens, the 1st Strawberries, Celebrating Summer Solstice