seedlings

photograph by rinne allen

shaking rock spring

i visited shaking rock park to look for spring. the granite boulders are very photogenic, and so are the lichens and shadows. at the bottom of the hill is a swamp where spring was in full procession.

words and photographs by rebecca wood

wire & window

photograph by rinne allen

dogwoods

photo by kristen bach

budded

photograph by rinne allen

spring medley

here is a mix of spring blooms from past posts...grouped together for your viewing pleasure...

words and photographs by rinne allen

first daffodils

it is always a treat when the daffodils start opening up...they are like sunshine!

words and photographs by rinne allen

garlic scape pesto

before moving south, i spent a few years as an organic farmer.  our farm grew a ton of garlic.  each spring we would harvest the garlic scapes which will eventually turn into flowers.  you do this so the garlic plant will focus it's energy on the garlic bulb rather than the flower. the scapes are quite lovely on their own and so tasty prepared.  i think i have made just about everything with garlic scapes but this pesto is one of my favorites. the scapes add a little kick that regular old garlic doesn't always deliver. 

ingredients 

6-8 garlic scapes

3 handfuls of basil leaves

olive oil

4 oz pine nuts

1/4 cup parmesan

directions

-using the top 10 inches or so of the scape, dice them into 1 inch pieces 

-put all ingredients into a food processor

-turn on and add more olive oil as needed

-salt to taste

i tossed the pesto in with some roasted potatoes....a made a perfect spring side dish!

photos and recipe by kristen bach

jasper county leaves

photograph by rinne allen

spring trees

photograph by rinne allen