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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Surprise, Surprise



The first flowers growing outside


and Kumquats growing inside, in my greenhouse. 





 I had no idea that Kumquats were forming on my little tree. 
 I couldn't see them when they were green.  





Brought these candied Kumquats from Italy. 
Wish I knew the recipe. 


Have a lovely weekend dear friends, 

Gina 



18 comments:

  1. Dear Gina - the first snowdrops have such an uplifting effect on our spirits, and also some kumquats - do you have enough for marmalade? I just noticed your complimenting snowdrops on the tile in the background too.

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    1. Dear Rosemary, So true. We still have a lot of snow and these little snowdrops were blooming near the foundation of our house.
      I don't have enough for Kumquat marmalade. It would probably be more delicious than orange marmalade. I remember having candied Kumquats in Italy. Wish I had the recipe...have just enough to try.

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    2. There are several recipes on the internet Gina - eg.
      http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/candied_kumquats/

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    3. Hi Rosemary, Of course, the internet.
      I also found this recipe which looks and is described as those I found in Italy.
      http://carolynjphillips.blogspot.com/2011/04/chinese-candied-kumquats.html

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  2. I have something new to look for in Italy now- candied Kumquats! I love the snowdrops.

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    1. Dear Theresa, I will be there mid April...will look for some. Happy Sunday to you.

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  3. Snowdrops are always the harbinger of Spring, no matter where With so many varieties I'm sure almost every country, at least in the northern hemisphere, must get to enjoy them! Mine are only leaves so far, no blooms quite yet.

    No kumquats here either, but I did make a marvelous new English teacake today - with orange marmalade and Cointreau - will share soon!

    Thanks for your kind comment on my 9th blog anniv. today dear Gina.
    Mary x

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    1. Dear Mary, Now that sounds exciting...your orange marmalade and Cointreau teacake.
      I remember a most fantastic scene near Passau. A large meadow covered in white. They were the tall variety of snowdrops growing in huge clumps.

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  4. Wow Gina, I don't think I know of anyone else who actually grows kumquats. What a beautiful fruit! They look quite charming next to the snowdrops, and I do bet that the Italian candied version are rather good, too.

    xo

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    1. Dear Frances, My humble little greenhouse does surprise me now and then. I fertilized the kumquat blossoms with an artist brush a few months ago. Did not notice that it actually worked until the other day when I saw the bright orange colors peeping through the leaves.

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    2. Ahh Gina, it seems that your artistry extends to helping the natural botanical world.
      Bravo to your helping to bring those kumquats along to fruition. xo

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    3. Dear Frances, Maybe I have too much time on my hands.

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  5. Dear Gina,
    how nice to be rewarded like this. I wonder what I see in your vase with the snowdrops. Is that an ice pack? Your
    beautiful Geraniums are in my favorite color and so pretty.
    Hugs, Sieglinde

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    Replies
    1. Dear Sieglinde, It's crunched up plastic to keep the short stemmed flowers afloat. On a larger scale, I have used plastic wrap in tall glass blocks and then filled them with flowers. The plastic acts like a florist frog and in addition, makes for an interesting effect.
      My old geraniums in my greenhouse have noticed that the days are getting longer. They are rewarding me with new blooms.

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  6. Snowdrops and kumquats .... spring has arrived! Gorgeous color!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Snap, thanks for your visit and thank you also for leaving a comment. Yes, Spring has arrived.

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  7. I have planted snowdrops a couple of times but they never come up so something must eat the bulbs but how I enjoyed yours in a vase.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Judith, That is a shame that your bulbs are disappearing. The same is happening with my tulip bulbs. It is so disappointing especially since I love them so. I see a few volunteers in my elevated flower beds. It just now occurred to me that I can plant my tulips in the flower bed.

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