Collectibles from Peta Trahar's richly planted garden at Woodgreen
Looking forward to 2014 ...
January 2014
I’m looking forward to this coming year…….another Collectors’ Plant Fair on 12/13 April see www.collectorsplantfair.com and some travelling.
So far my venture into facebook has been great fun. Combining the garden, nursery, photography and sharing information with likeminded friends and gardeners on facebook is a pleasure. I thank Jennifer Stackhouse for her expertise and patience in helping me to learn the ropes.
In December we were invited to the launch of Caroline Quinn’s book, “A gentle Plea for Romance”. The book, Caroline’s first, talks about her background and the development of her rose filled cottage garden, “Wongaburra” at Kurrajong Heights. The book also covers Caroline’s love for and skill with decorating and cooking. It’s a story told from the heart. I had been invited to write one of the introductions to the book – a great honour for me. I wish Caroline every success with it! Contact me if you’d like to buy her book.
As the Summer heats up and rolls on, the vegetable garden is producing very well with zucchinis in particular piling up. You too probably have the same “problem”.
Here is my absolute favourite recipe using zucchinis.
Penne with Zucchini, Ricotta and Chorizo
Ingredients - for 4
400g penne
1 tbsp olive oil
2 chorizo sausages
4 medium green zucchinis grated
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
250g fresh ricotta crumbled
¼ cup fresh basil shredded
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain. Reserve approx. 1 cup of cooking liquid. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan. Brown chorizos. Transfer chorizos to a plate lined with paper towel and slice thinly. Heat a little more oil in the pan, add zucchini and garlic. Cook for about 7 mins, stirring occasionally until zucchini softens. Add pasta, reserve cooking liquid, chorizo sausage, ricotta and basil. Toss and heat through gently. Serve up in bowls. I like black pepper and parmesan on top.