Beware of the Mint

Sounds like the beginning of some bad B mystery movie, doesn't it.  Well, I mean it. 

One of the hopes of my blog is that others can learn from my mistakes in gardening.  And here is one big one.  Do not plant mint directly into your garden.  I did this a few years ago, and have paid the price.  I did not do my homework before I planted or I would have known not to do this.

I spent over an hour this afternoon working on my herb garden pulling up mint and only made a dent into it.  I am estimating I have another 6 to 7 hours of work to go before the herb garden is ready for planting.  I also saw signs where the mint was working into the lawn (Yikes! - Bill will kill me if it goes into his lawn..)  It is a very invasive plant!

The only good thing is that I have all the making for mojitos on hand...lol.

Basic/Classic Mojito
1/2 ounce lime juice - freshly squeezed is best
1 teaspoon superfine sugar (I pulsed white sugar in my food processor)
5 mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
Crushed ice
2 ounces white rum
1 ounce club soda

Put the lime juice and sugar in a highball or other glass.  Stir until the sugar is dissolved.  Add the mint leaves and crush or muddle them against the glass with the back of a spoon or a meddler (I found a meddler in a little kitchen store for a reasonable price).  Fill the glass with crushed ice.  Add the rum and club soda, and stir gently. 

Garnish with a mint sprig.

This makes one serving - for a pitcher - quadruple the amounts.  Doesn't this sound wonderful to go with this lovely warm weather we have been having?

Spring has Sprung early in Michigan

The windows are open and the heat is turned off!  I am soooo excited about the early spring we are experiencing.  We are scheduled for 70 degree weather for the next 7 days! 

Yesterday I checked my daffodils and they were in bud and this morning I saw lovely blooms.  I also have mini daffodils and crocus in bloom.  I believe this is the earliest that I can remember in some time to have such early blooms.  At this rate, my tulips should be in bloom by Easter. 

Time to begin the yard clean-up from winter - many leaves are in my flower beds and the veggie garden needs a lot of attention.