February 2006

6 More Weeks of Winter.
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his hole after a long winter nap to look for his shadow. Unfortunately for those of use itching to turn the soil, he saw his shadow, returned to his hole, and forecast an additional six weeks of bad weather. The weather here in Georgia has been mild, today a sunny 55 degrees, but the forecast for the weekend promises snow flurries in the higher elevations and a low of 24 on Sunday. Guess Phil was right. .

Dreaming of Spring? Read my article which will appear in the March 2006 issue of the Essential Herbal Magazine.

Herb of the Year: Scented Geranium
Scented geraniums (pelargoniums) are grown for the scent of their leaves, instead of their flowers. In most areas of the United States they are considered annuals or tender perennials. Growing scented geraniums in pots will allow you to bring them in for the winter, but they can also be planted in the ground. Just don't expect them back next year unless you live in zone 8 or 9.

Scented geraniums come in a variety of scents (over 100), including citrus, floral, fruit, mint, rose, chocolate, etc. Besides their beauty, scented geraniums have a number of uses including aromatherapy, cosmetic, and culinary uses. The following recipes may have you longing to plant a number of these versatile plants in your garden this year.

Teatime Rose Geranium Biscuits
Preheat oven to 400. Use an 8 or 9 inch cake pan
12 fresh rose geranium leaves
2 T butter
2 T brown sugar
1 tube ready-mix buttermilk biscuits

Wash and dry rose geranium leaves. With scissors cut out heavy center vein of each leaf. Finely mince tender leaf portions. Place butter in baking pan and let melt in oven, while preheating. Remove pan from oven and stir in brown sugar. Return pan to oven to melt brown sugar until it just begins to bubble. Watch carefully. Remove from oven and sprinkle the minced rose geranium leaves over sugar mixture. Separate biscuits and place on top of mixture. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Remove pan from oven and invert over serving platter, sugary side up. Serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of the Herbalpedia - www.Herbworld.com

Scented Geraniums may be purchased from:
www.papagenos.com
www.mulberrycreek.com
www.possumcreekherb.com

This Chick's Got it Growin' On!
Garden Chick's Ultimate Garlic Bread mix is being reviewed in the February issue of Fervor Spa Moxie's online magazine!  Warning - this review will make your mouth water.  You can pick up your own packet of this delicious treat here!
 

Winter Skin Care Tips:
Don't let chapped lips put a damper on your Valentine's Day!
Winter weather and the dry heat in our houses can wreak havoc on our skin. Chapped lips are especially problematic in the winter, and a moisturizing lip balm is great to use to provide a protective barrier for the lips. Garden Chick lip balms are made with a blend of shea butter, cocoa butter and castor oil for maximum conditioning and moisturizing.



Dry heat can reduce the production of oil we usually see in the summer, causing a loss of water from the skin. Using a mild exfoliating scrub once or twice a week will get rid of the dead skin and allow your skin to absorb moisture much easier. Your skin will be left smooth and glowing. Garden Chick Lavender face scrub combines the gentle exfoliating qualities of oatmeal and cornmeal with the natural antiseptic and healing qualities of lavender essential oil.

Do your skin a favor and order these products today. Enter February Newsletter in the comments box and receive 10% off your order. The discount will be taken off during processing of your card.

Dreaming of spring,
Karen