Friday, July 08, 2011

Rewards of Summer


I've said it before and I'll probably say it again - I'm so happy with my fenced yard! It means I can grow things both pretty and useful. These roses are in the pretty category. Roses give wonderfully immediate rewards. Unlike planting a lilac or rhododendron or peony plant, roses bloom the first year. I currently have two bushes. This one is called Bolero - and reminds me of the ruffles of a flamenco dancer's costume. Intricate layers folding in and over. Delicately scented - gorgeously beautiful.


This rose's name is Secret. And I have a suspicion that it's the same rose I had in Victoria - I'll check next time I'm down there. I have been lax at keeping track of the names of my roses, but other bloggers who toss off names have shamed inspired me to do better.

I love the pink edges that bleed into white, and the scent is reminiscent of apples and roses. Just delicious. 



We're enjoying strawberries as well as roses around here. They are from the same botanical family - rosaceae, as are apples and other tree fruits. Maybe that explains the apple scent from the Secret rose. 

This recipe was inspired by my daughter, who came up with a list of favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries.
Unfortunately my avocado was not the best. But I'm definitely planning to make this again, with a better avocado next time. The finely chopped candied ginger makes for a nice bit of spice. 

This is not a recipe, per se, more of a guideline. 

Avocado Strawberry Salad

fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced if large
avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
candied ginger, finely chopped ( I used 2 teaspoons of this to one avocado)
freshly chopped parsley

Combine all and gently toss with raspberry vinaigrette. (Mine has a hint of mustard in it.) Serve over lettuce, or on its own. Simple, and oh, so delicious.

14 comments:

  1. Your roses are splendid. I am contenting myself with the knockout variety hoping that I can keep it alive. I'm not the most attentive of gardeners.

    The salad certainly looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful roses, Lorrie and such eloquent descriptions . . . and the salad sounds simply delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That sounds delicious!
    I'm with you on the value of a deer fence - it makes all the difference.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, Lorrie, those roses! Neither are ones that I know, but have already fallen in love with Secret.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lorrie, your Bolero rose is a stunner.
    I can just tell that you're loving your garden this year!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your roses are stunning. And the salad is full of things I love. I've just never tried them in this combination before. Thank you and thank your daughter!

    Blessings, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  7. They are two beautiful roses Lorrie.

    Although the recipe looks yummy I am not sure I would like the combination of strawberries and avocado.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yummy, yummy, yummy! The salad and the roses!

    ReplyDelete
  9. oh how I love scented roses, yours are beautiful..I can taste the delicious salad from here lol..have a great week

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes Lorrie, the school would almost certainly have been affiliated with the school. Arched door characteristic of churches and schools rather than area.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello,

    These roses are stunning and I am definitely trying this recipe!


    ~ Gabriela ~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Another great strawberry recipe from your lovely blog Lorrie...thank you!!! The roses take my breath away. I'm like you in that I don't know many names but definitely know what I like. :)

    Love,
    Tracey
    x0x

    P.S. And it looks like you'll have no shortage if you wanted to dehydrate some of those rose petals for use in making the rose petal salt~scrub! ;)))

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh my - these beautiful roses, so fresh and delicate!
    And the avocado salade! I certainly will try to prepare one whenever the avocados (the good ones) are available here, thank for the recipe, it looks delicous!
    Karin

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous5:55 AM

    Your strawberries looking so yummy i got the drop of water in my mouth when i see your strawberry lovely good meal............

    Cheap Flights to Las Vegas|Cheap Flights to San Francisco

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

Home Pursuits

  In the mornings, we sit and let the birds entertain us while we eat breakfast. A pair of Downy Woodpeckers come one at a time, rarely toge...