May 24, 2018
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| A crepe at the Skinny Pancake in Vemont. |
Have you ever accidentally picked up a habit? I know that sounds a little strange, but last year when I was in Vermont, I was on my own for a few days and I found this cool place for breakfast called The Skinny Pancake which served out-of-this-world crepes. So the first morning after making my food selection I decided not to get coffee (which is crazy, because I drink at least two cups of strong coffee every day . . . ) and I grabbed what I thought was some sort of a juice-type drink. When I got to my table I realized it was actually a bottle of Kombucha. I hadn't had it before, but I'd heard of it and its variety of health claims. So I gave it a try, and I know not everyone would agree, but I thought it was delicious. Bubbly, bitter with a little elderberry flavor. Yummy. I figured I'd get a coffee at my meetings that morning, but as it turns out the Booch gave me all the energy I needed. I think I ended up skipping my morning coffee for three days or so, and I didn't even notice it. No caffeine headaches, nothing.
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| A little home-brewed Kombucha. |
When I got home, I thought, well I'll get a little
kombucha to alternate with my morning coffee
ritual. And then I discovered that it is really expensive . . . Like three
bucks a bottle expensive. Deciding that wouldn't be practical, I
did some research on brewing it at home and it seemed easy, so I bought the
few items I needed and
started up my own little home-brew experiment. And wouldn't you know, it
worked pretty well. I haven't started playing with flavoring
yet, so it ends up being a little on the strong side (It's really just
fermented sweet tea). But I like it, and I think
Kim has finally gotten used to a big jug of fermenting kombucha sitting on the
laundry room counter.
And reminiscing about kombucha and delicious crepes has now reminded me that it is bloom season for one of the most gorgeous
types
of flowering trees in Florida - the Crape Myrtle. We've got lots of varieties in stock here at
Kerby's including some of the Black Diamond varieties (Best Red, Purely
Purple and Mystic Magenta) with gorgeous purple-black leaves and amazing
clusters of flowers. If they aren't blooming quite yet, they will be soon, and
I'm sure they would love a place in your garden.
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Happy Gardening, The Kerby's Nursery Family 
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| Be sure you keep cool too! |
Keeping Cool
We worry about our plants and our lawns, and whether they have too much water or not enough, but I don't think we always worry about ourselves as much as we should. Especially as the summer comes on, make sure you are protecting yourself from the heat and the sun.
1) Drink Water - Plants need water, people need water. It is easy to forget to drink water when you are outside having fun in the garden, but make sure you always have a cup or bottle nearby to keep you hydrated. You'll have more fun in the garden when you feel good.
2) Use Sunscreen and Wear a Big Hat - No one wants to deal with skin cancer, so use sunscreen and don't forget to reapply. A wide-brimmed hat helps keep the sun off of your face and neck, and keeps you in some self-made shade.
3) Keep your Temperature Down - When you are in the hot sun shoveling dirt, it is easy for your body temperature to get too high quickly. Drinking ice water, having a tasty popsicle or using a cooling cloth are all ways to keep your body temperature down.
4) Jump in the Pool - Now there's a great cool-down - a quick jump in the pool. And since a pool isn't always an option, you can do what I used to do as a kid - turn the hose on, take a big drink and then run it over your head. That will cool you off fast!
Keep yourself cool and protected from the heat as much as possible and you'll maximize your summer fun in the garden.
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Summer Color |
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Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Gorgeous leaves, stunning flowers. 10" Pot - $24.99 |
Native Milkweed Just In - Limited Supply 6" Pot - $7.99 |
Stoplight Croton
Everyone will stop to see your garden. 10" Pot - $19.99 |