Caught on Camera! Mule Deer

You've probably already seen my deer photos but I got some more really nice ones today.  These Mule Deer aren't even afraid of my dog anymore.  

Mule Deer live mostly in the Western United States.  They can thrive in deserts and mountains. 

Male Mule Deer grow antlers through summer and fall and shed them in early spring.

Most female Mule Deer (pictured here) most often give birth to two fawns unless it is their first baby,
they only have one.
Notice all the leaves on my grape vine.

Now you see them, now you don't!   Mama deer showed her fawn right where the good stuff is.  I didn't want to scare this fawn away.  She was so small and she still has spots!
And my vine will recover just like it always does.

Stella de Oro Daylily

 Oooooooohhhhh......... I love this photo! 

 I planted Stella de Oro Daylilies

 in my front yard last year as a border. 

They are growing very well this year.  

 Isn't it funny they are still blooming? 

Stella de Oro daylily is a compact plant and early bloomer, reaching a height of just 12" with a similar spread. It blooms from May-July. (Except in my case!)  Its adaptability to a wide range of planting zones and conditions, makes it the most popular of the daylilies. The fragrant flowers are golden and trumpet-shaped. The foliage is also attractive, forming a dense clump that can function as a ground cover.  Zone hardy 3-9.

Our Moon

So I know this isn't quite the Harvest Moon but I wanted to see how well my camera would zoom in.  I was pretty impressed.  The Harvest Moon will actually rise on September 29, 2012.  I am looking forward to taking pictures of it.  Good thing I am practicing!

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I'm Back!

I must be the worst blogger ever.  I haven't done anything impressive with my garden or taken any cool photos.  Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things now that school is in.  

Herbs

I don't have a large yard with much room for a garden so I mixed my herbs in with my Salsa Garden Box.  Everything is growing just as it should and I just found out the herbs keep the bugs out of the vegetables.  What a delightful discovery!  Here are some herbs I am growing this year and some recipes to use with each one.  I hope you try at least one!

Lemon Thyme is one of my favorite herbs.  I think it would be perfect as a border in a flower bed.  It's soft, little purple blossoms are so delicate and dainty.  It is easily dried and crushed for sprinkling on any chicken or pork recipe.

I did not know until I researched thyme that it is an antiseptic and is the main active ingredient in mouthwashes and hand sanitizers. 

Originating in Mexico, PINEAPPLE SAGE has soft fuzzy leaves with a beautiful red blossoms.  To dry and harvest this herb you will want to do so before it flowers.  The flavor intensifies as it dries.  You can use these leaves to flavor teas, chicken, pork, cream cheese, jams and jellies.  Lets try some Pineapple Sage Tea-
1/2 cup packed pineapple sage leaves
3 T honey
lemon or lime juice
Pour boiling water over leaves and let soak 20 minutes.  Remove leaves and add honey, lemon or lime.  :)

Variegated Oregano is a low growing mound that has beautiful two toned leaves.  It's flavorful leaves add pleasure to fresh garden salads, fruit dishes, and fresh salsas.  Here is an easy and fast summer side dish recipe- 
Orange Oregano Salad
Canned Mandarin Oranges
black pepper
fresh chopped oregano
Sounds fun and fresh to me!

Cinnamon Basil also known as Mexican Spice Basil can be planted next to tomato plants to discourage bugs from damaging them.  It will also enhance the flavor of tomatoes if planted close by.  You can grow Cinnamon Basil in pots on your patio to repel mosquitos and white flies.  I found an interesting recipe that I have not tried yet.  I hope you will!
CINNAMON INFUSED WHIPPED CREAM
24 cinnamon basil leaves
2 cups heavy cream
cinnamon stick
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Damage leaves in a bowl to bruise them slightly.  Heat cream over med-high heat until it boils. Stir constantly.  Add leaves and cinnamon stick. Turn heat off and let sit for half an hour.  Strain, refrigerate until very cold, then add sugar and vanilla to mixer until whipped cream is formed.  I think this sounds like a fall recipe.  Maybe on top of pumpkin pie or spice cake?

3 LAYERED CAST IRON PLANTER

Yesterday I got bored and decided to re-arrange my outside furniture.  I decided to move this cast iron planter to the front porch where everyone in the neighborhood could enjoy it as much as I do!  

Rainbow

Wow! What a beautiful sight! This sure is a welcomed change of weather.  We haven't had any precipitation for months.  With wild fires burning all around us, this just seems like an answer to our prayers.