Inspired by the
Garden
WINTER GARDEN CHECKLIST December If you haven’t already, apply a layer of mulch on all of your planting beds, especially around your perennials. Plant young pecan and other deciduous fruit trees and grapes. Dormant season pruning can be done from December through February for most species of woody plants. Avoid rock salt (sodium chloride) to melt sidewalk and driveway ice. Products made of calcium chloride or potassium chloride cause less damage to plants. For traction, sprinkle sand, kitty litter, or wood ashes sparingly. Consider a gift membership to Huntsville Botanical Garden for the holidays. It is a dualpurpose gift, supporting the organization while providing thoughtful, lasting presents to your family and friends.
January Be careful not to overwater indoor houseplants as water needs are typically lower this time of year, even indoors. If interested in growing from seed, collect all of your seed starting materials together so you’ll be ready to go. You will need lights, heat mats, a sterile potting medium, and your preferred pot type. Purchase any seeds needed that weren’t saved from the previous season (see p.10-12 for more details). Last chance to plant spring flowering bulbs. For example, Dutch bulbs will flower if planted now. Plant roses. Consider old fashioned and disease tolerant cultivars.
February If needed, now is the time to prune your fruit trees, roses, berry bushes, and other woody ornamentals. You want to complete this while still dormant and before spring growth begins. Fertilize fruit trees. Tree and shrub planting season continues. Prepare beds for spring and summer annuals by weeding the bed and loosening up the soil. Place birdhouses built this winter outdoors this month. Birds will begin looking for nesting sites soon.
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Send your questions to our plant experts at plantinfo@hsvbg.org.
From GARDEN to TABLE Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cream Sauce
INGREDIENTS
Ever since I was a kid, scalloped potatoes have been one of my favorite dishes. My mother and grandmother both consistently made them perfectly every time and at every holiday. Here is the recipe for the best scalloped potatoes I have eaten. Enjoy! – Chef Dabney 2 lbs gold potatoes, sliced thin 1 tbs salted butter ½ cup onions, chopped fine 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 cup 2% milk ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup Asiago parmesan cheese
2 tbs flour 4 sprigs thyme 1½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly butter a square Pyrex oven pan.
Parmesan Cream Sauce Heat up a medium size pot on medium to high heat. Once the pot is warm, melt 1 tbs of butter. Then add garlic and onions. Sauté for about 2 minutes and then add flour, stirring constantly until well blended for about 1-2 more minutes, making a roux. Next begin whisking and slowly incorporate milk and chicken stock. Do not let your sauce come to a boil, reduce to low to medium heat.
LAYERING
Continue whisking and add in the parmesan cheese. Finally, add salt and pepper. Using your fingers, take the thyme off of the stems and add them to the sauce. Next, start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in a lightly buttered pan. Then ladle 1/3 of sauce mixture and lightly sprinkle with the sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat this step 3 times. Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes. Set oven to broil for about 2-4 minutes and let the cheese get nice and browned. Enjoy more of Chef Dabney’s delicious recipes at the Garden Café, open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM – 3 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM – 3 PM.
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Celebrations
W
Add some signature sparkle to your holiday party with these tips from the Garden’s hospitality experts!
ant an easy way to level up your Holiday Party? Try adding a signature drink! Signature drinks don’t have to be expensive and can be a more budget friendly way to elevate your party! Signature drinks are perfect for that Instagram moment and an unforgettable way to personalize your party exactly how you want too.
Here are some great reasons why you should add a signature drink to your party:
Batch your cocktails – Many drinks can
Limit your options – Limiting your beverage
be made in large batches to either be served in
options to just a signature drink and beer and wine
a holiday-themed punch bowl or quickly served
can help simplify your bar and lower your alcohol
to guests in a pitcher. Batched drinks can be
costs. Limiting your liquor to the ingredients
stationed alongside a garnish-your-own drink
in your signature drink is a great way to keep a
station to allow guests to personalize their drinks
budget while still elevating your party!
to taste or for a fun photo opportunity!
Mocktail bar – Your signature drink doesn’t Make a sign – Handmade signs ensure that
have to include alcohol. There are plenty of easy
your signature drink will be the center of attention
mocktail recipes that are just as elegant as their
and help alleviate questions about your drink.
alcoholic counterparts. Create a special mocktail
Make sure to include all your signature drink
for friends that are expecting or children attending
ingredients to inform guests with allergies.
your parties to keep them included in the fun.
Drink making station – A drink making station creates a fun and interactive experience for guests to practice their cocktail skills. Create a simple recipe for guests to follow, or premix drinks for guests to top with a finishing touch of bubbles.
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Recipe
Pomegranate Poinsettia 2.5 oz Pomegranate juice 1.5 oz Vodka Prosecco (top to taste) Pomegranate Seeds (arils)
The Pomegranate Poinsettia can either be shaken or stirred. Add your pomegranate juice and vodka to a shaker or glass with ice. Shake or stir for 30 seconds or until the drink is cold. Strain drink into a glass of your choice and top with prosecco to taste. Garnish your drink with a spoonful of pomegranate arils. Looking for a fantastic venue for your next meeting or event? Contact rentals@hsvbg.org for details.
Garden Gift Guide
We dd i ng g if ts a re
n’t just for t
nd a e d he bri
! m o gro
Wedding registries focus on the bride and groom, but what about the wedding party? A wedding party gift doesn’t have to be elaborate. A thoughtful gift selected from the Garden Gift Shop shows your appreciation for all their love and support leading up to your big day.
With a wonderful selection of “pamper me” gifts like bath salts, natural floral soaps and moisturizing lotions, locally-sourced products from 1818 Farms is sure to delight your bridal party. Men need pampering too, and 1818 Farms has a select line of products perfect for groomsmen.
Honor the strength and bond of your never-ending friendship with your bridesmaids with a special necklace designed by LJ Saunders.
Capsco is the ultimate groomsman gift with a line of spices that will make any guy look like a gourmet in the kitchen or at the grill. Leather wrapped mugs by Swig keep drinks just the right temperature, and you can’t go wrong with a unique desk, travel, personal or bar accessory. The Garden Gift Shop is open seven days a week during regular garden hours.
Members receive 10% discount!
Beautiful bud and floral vases are classic and lovely gifts for the mother of the bride or groom. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
And when your entire party is together for a celebratory brunch, our proprietary bloody mary mix with our southern fixins is the perfect touch when creating memories to last a lifetime.