Who Is Anastasia?

My photo
New Castle, Indiana Zone 5, United States
When I was 55, I decided to embrace the things I love and hold precious and dear, regardless of anyone else's thoughts and opinion. I am a visual folk artist who loves flowers - my own flowers, grown and/or painted by me. I love good, hearty, exotic foods, and I love to prepare them myself. I love the secret garden situated in my backyard, regardless of how overgrown and wild it gets. No longer able to afford a vacation, this will have to be it for the time being. In the winter months, I still enjoy it. Anyway, here I am sharing my art, favorite recipes, cocktails, gardening tips, and just my usual vents and bantering. After all, I'm old enough to say whatever the heck I want to now ...

JEWELS OF MY SOUL

JEWELS OF MY SOUL
My Book Available on AMAZON

May 24, 2009

Strange Fruit - In the Garden




Well, there's been this little vine lurking around my garden - in the daylily bed, to be precise - for a couple of years now. Last year, it had the sweetest little purple blooms on it, as it rambled happily through the bed. Two days ago, I noticed the blooms a bit early, and thought it was so pretty. So, I went to one of my online garden clubs, and inquired if anyone could identify it. I figured it was a weed and/or volunteer, but wasn't familiar with it.
Anyway, I discovered this morning, that the little varmint is Deadly Nightshade a/k/a Belladonna - highly toxic in every way. Huh! Two to three of its berries, which bloom late summer, can be fatal to children, and 15-to-20 for adults. It's deadly to domestic animals, yet rabbits and birds are immune ... what the heck is that about?
So, I'm off to hack the intruder off at the ankles ... too bad; I liked it.

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot
A simple garden meal in the shade. No, it's not my backyard, but it looks identical to the one I grew up with at our home in Queens. Looking for an original pic of it to post soon!

Old Fashioned Tips