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Spring is in full swing, and these warmer, gentle breezes inspire us to add fresh touches of cheer around our homes. We've planted clusters of fragrant flowers in window boxes, brushed new coats of paint on our front doors and freshened them up with spring wreaths.
We love filling our flower pots with mini gardens, and a Plant Swap is one of our favorite get-together ideas. We've got some tips on how to host one and some refreshing recipes that are just perfect for a spring day.
We can't forget that Mothers' Day is on May 10th! We're sharing with you a few simple ways to appreciate all of the moms in your life, including grandmas and daughters too. |
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With so many ways to welcome the sunny days of May, we say...
"Three cheers for all things spring!"
P.S. One of our loyal customers sent us a fun idea...check it out in our "News from the Patch" section below. If you have a great idea for a future E-letter, send it to us! We just might feature it in an
upcoming E-letter. |
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| A sunny Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to gather with friends and swap plants. Fragrant stems of lavender, velvety pansies, sprigs of basil, dill & thyme...everyone brings their favorite and takes home something new!
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Follow these easy tips and your swap will be a blooming success!
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Drop invitations in the mail so everyone has plenty of time to choose which plants they'd like to share. |
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Have plenty of damp paper towels available to wrap around cuttings...zip-close bags will protect them until they get home. |
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Gather several permanent markers and rolls of masking tape for marking plants and plastic bags with plant names and care instructions. |
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Provide a selection of sturdy cardboard boxes for transporting plants from your garden to guests' cars. |
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Take plenty of time to relax and enjoy the warm afternoon. Share stories about where your plants came from and why they're your favorites. Everyone has a story to tell! |
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Whip up these light and easy refreshments for a plant swap, garden party or any warm-weather get-together! |
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Fruit Kabobs with Poppyseed Dip
from Coming Home with Gooseberry Patch
6 c. fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, peeled and cut
into bite-size pieces
6 to 8 wooden skewers
1/2 c. vanilla yogurt
1 T. honey
2 t. lime juice
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. poppyseed
Arrange fruit cubes and slices alternately on skewers. For Poppyseed Dip, stir together remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Serve dip alongside fruit kabobs. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
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Here are a few ways to make Mom feel special...any time of year!
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A small bunch of fresh-cut flowers and an afternoon recalling a lifetime of good memories...it's just the best! |
| Make this oh-so scrumptious cake for Mom...she'll feel so special! |
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Warm Apple Cake & Caramel Sauce
from Comfort Foods cookbook
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 egg, beaten
2 c. apples, cored, peeled and shredded
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Mix together egg and apples; add to flour mixture. Stir in walnuts. Spread in a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at
350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm, drizzled with Caramel Sauce. Makes 9 servings.
Caramel Sauce:
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/8 t. salt
1 c. water
1 T. butter
1/4 t. vanilla extract
Combine brown sugar, flour and salt in a small saucepan. Gradually add water; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for one to 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
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You've been sending us suggestions for everything from E-letter topics to recipes and craft ideas...and we are pleased as punch. We thought Yvonne's idea was just perfect to include this month. Thanks, Yvonne!
 
If you have ideas you'd like to send us, we'd love to give them a try. You might just be featured in an upcoming E-letter!  Coming in June, fun at the fleamarket...
and wait 'til you see what Jo Ann collects! See you then!
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