- Author: Anne Schellman
The trees around the Ag Center are Oklahoma Redbud trees (Cercis canadensis ‘Oklahoma'). This tree has a “cousin” that is a CA native, called the Western redbud, (Cercis occidentalis) which you may have noticed is blooming in the foothills.
Redbud trees may be single stemmed or multi-trunked trees. Both grow quickly and have heart-shaped leaves that turn golden in fall. They make an excellent street or patio tree since their roots do not disturb the sidewalk.
Both trees need regular water for the first few years until they are established. Once established, the Oklahoma redbud tree needs moderate to regular water, while the Western redbud tree needs less.
Thinking about planting a redbud tree? Spring is a great time! For tips on how to plant a tree, see our post, Planting and Pruning Ornamental Trees at https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30091
Hibiscus are one of many flowers that are edible. Edible flowers can be used to add color, fragrance, flavor, and texture to foods. They can be added to soups and salads raw, used in entreés or desserts, make tea or flavored water, candied, breaded, or fried. They have the benefit of often being healthy while providing few calories.
Precautions
Before consuming edible flowers, one should always proceed with caution. As with any new food item, slowly introduce specific flowers to the diet to see if any allergic reactions occur. The flowers should come from your garden or trusted source that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Do not use flowers from plants or bouquets that have been purchased from a floral shop, nursery, or garden center, as they may have been treated with pesticides. Many flowers share common names, so always look for the scientific name (genus and species) to ensure you have the right flower.
Harvesting
Choose flowers that have just fully opened, harvesting in morning right after the dew has dried. Flowers need to be carefully washed out, and in many cases, remove the stamens, styles, pistils, and sepals (the parts that hold the pollen and the green stems that hold petals together). Use as soon as possible for maximum flavor.
So Many Flower Choices!
Nasturtiums: these flowers have a delicious, peppery taste similar to watercress and their colorful blooms look lovely in summer salads.
Pansies: come in a wide range of colors with a mild lettuce-like taste which makes them popular for salads. The entire flower can be used.
Marigolds: some varieties have better flavors than others, so experimenting is a must. French marigolds have a bright, citrus-like flavor and a colorful addition to salads. The petals can be cooked in dishes and are sometimes referred to as “poor man's saffron.” Dried petals of African marigolds can be used to make a tea.
Dianthus or pinks: Their petals can be steeped in wine or sugared for use in cake decorations. The petals are unexpectedly sweet, if the bitter white base of the flowers is cut off.
Honeysuckle blossoms, as the name suggests, have a honey-like flavor. They bring a fragrant sweetness to jams, jellies, cakes, candies, and other sweet treats.
Roses: are often used in Middle Eastern dishes in the form of rose water which can add an intense flavor to a dish. The petals can also be sugared or used as garnishes.
Lavender: not only smells wonderful, but English and French lavenders have a sweet flavor used in a wide range of baked goods, ice creams and other recipes. However, use sparingly, as the flavor can be overpowering.
Denise Godbout-Avant has been a Stanislaus County Master Gardener with UC Cooperative Extension since 2020.
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- Author: Anne Schellman
Did you know? All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti?
This class will focus on the non-spiny succulent plants that can be grown in our area, especially those that use less water - and there are a lot to choose from! During this workshop with the UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County, you'll learn the names of common succulent plants, their sun and water requirements, and how to care for them.
We will also share tips and tricks for making more succulents to share with friends. Last, you'll create your own succulent wooden planter box to take home, along with succulent cuttings to use in your landscape. You will want to bring a bag to take them all home!
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 pm
Cost: $25
Space is limited, register now at https://ucanr.edu/succulent/workshop/2023
- Author: Anne Schellman
Join local agencies, community partners, Stanislaus County residents, and more in celebrating this fun and educational event in Modesto.
Did you know? Citrus trees are the most popular fruit trees grown in California. Learn the best time to plant and prune, how to manage pests, and other tips to help you successfully grow your own delicious fruit. Join us to learn more about citrus at a local library location near you.
Sat, 4/1 at 2:00 p.m. – Empire Library
Tues, 4/4 at 6:00 p.m. – Salida Library
Sat, 4/8 at 2:00 p.m. – Riverbank Library
Mon, 4/10 at 6:00 p.m. – Ceres Library
Tues, 4/11 at 6:00 p.m. – Oakdale Library
Thurs, 4/13 at 1:00 p.m. - Patterson Library (new time and date!)
Mon, 4/24 at 5:30 p.m. – Modesto Library
Wed, 4/26 at 6:00 p.m. – Turlock Library