After a bit of research on the good old internet, I found out that the mystery plant is a Shoo-Fly plant, or Nicandra physalodes, native to Peru.
See this link for more info and this one for a little bit about it's value as a companion plant.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Mystery plant and a treat for the pigs
Does anyone know what this plant is please? It was given to me (as well as some seeds) but the plant name was unknown.
Apparently it attracts insects that would otherwise be munching on veg plants! It has purple/mauve flowers and they then turn into papery 'lanterns' which contain the seeds.
The pigs are enjoying some lovely creamy milk that G was given by a friendly farmer. Rather a lot of milk actually...this tank holds 1000 litres!
Our 2 pigs are drinking about 20L a day, on top of food scraps and crab apples. They also get the odd handful of pig 'tucker' (pellets).
In the garden I've done a bit of much needed weeding, plus shifted several (approx 40) strawberry plants into a nicely prepared bed - loads more to do. Also have purchased some lavender plants for a hedge. Although these are tiny plants now, I hope they do well in the spot I've got planned for them. They will be on a north-facing slop, bordering a pathway.
We also have the first of our new seasons fruit trees to plant. There are 5 peaches, another apple and 3 more mandarin/satsumas. These will be going in the ground ASAP.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, I still have lots of citrus to deal to - lemons, limes (from our trees), oranges and tangelos. I'm planning on making some marmalade and lemon honey, but also want to make some lemon pickle. I've made lemonade, and also have a batch of citrus cleaner brewing.
Busy, busy, busy, but all good down on the farm!
Apparently it attracts insects that would otherwise be munching on veg plants! It has purple/mauve flowers and they then turn into papery 'lanterns' which contain the seeds.
We also have the first of our new seasons fruit trees to plant. There are 5 peaches, another apple and 3 more mandarin/satsumas. These will be going in the ground ASAP.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, I still have lots of citrus to deal to - lemons, limes (from our trees), oranges and tangelos. I'm planning on making some marmalade and lemon honey, but also want to make some lemon pickle. I've made lemonade, and also have a batch of citrus cleaner brewing.
Busy, busy, busy, but all good down on the farm!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Banana cake recipes
I'm posting these recipes today because Laura over at Our Wee Farm has lots of lovely homegrown bananas to use up.
My favourite banana cake recipe is one by Jo Seagar (from her book Jo Seagar's NZ Country Cookbook).
125g butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup milk
2 cups SR flour
1/4 tsp salt
Mix butter and sugar, add vanilla, eggs, bananas and milk. Mix well, add flour and salt. Spoon into well-greased and lined ring tin. Bake 180deg C for about 35 mins. (if using a different shaped tin, i.e. square, the cake might take a bit longer to cook).
If you like, ice with lemon frosting: 2 cups icing sugar, 100g softened butter, grated zest of 2 lemons and a little hot water (about 2-3 Tbsp).
Also there is a fantastic recipe here for banana and coconut cake. Be aware though, it does make a very large cake, so you'll need a big tin. I used my ring tin and a loaf tin, and made 2 (one went in the freezer). I didn't make the frosting as I didn't have any cream cheese but would imagine it would be an excellent addition, especially for a special occasion.
My favourite banana cake recipe is one by Jo Seagar (from her book Jo Seagar's NZ Country Cookbook).
125g butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup milk
2 cups SR flour
1/4 tsp salt
Mix butter and sugar, add vanilla, eggs, bananas and milk. Mix well, add flour and salt. Spoon into well-greased and lined ring tin. Bake 180deg C for about 35 mins. (if using a different shaped tin, i.e. square, the cake might take a bit longer to cook).
If you like, ice with lemon frosting: 2 cups icing sugar, 100g softened butter, grated zest of 2 lemons and a little hot water (about 2-3 Tbsp).
Also there is a fantastic recipe here for banana and coconut cake. Be aware though, it does make a very large cake, so you'll need a big tin. I used my ring tin and a loaf tin, and made 2 (one went in the freezer). I didn't make the frosting as I didn't have any cream cheese but would imagine it would be an excellent addition, especially for a special occasion.
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