Threads: May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Light Bright

Here and now

Sometimes, the light in the garden is just so,

and you can capture images like these.

Lime light

Photos D. Sleziak

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Cold Comfort

One of our newest garden additions -- a magnolia tree set against a clear, cold sky

Lately, we have been experiencing unusually cold (and frequently wet) weather. While stalwart plants, like the magnolia pictured above, have blossomed, others, like our lilacs, have budded in a burst of warmth, only to wither from the proceeding cold. Ah, our capricious spring.

A heavily damaged young plant seeks heat and shelter from a brick wall

How does a gardener cope? Armed with a cup of piping hot, strong and black, Earl Grey tea and a freshly baked scone, one can brace for the seemingly vagrant nature of the weather while reading in the tea leaves, a foreshadowing of fine growing days ahead.

Fresh scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream

Without a doubt, good days to come

Scottish Scones

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

5 Tbsp chilled fat (shortening or butter)

2/3 cup milk (approximately)

1/2 cup currants (optional)

Step One: Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together. Cut in fat, rubbing with fingers

to a size of small peas.

Step Two: Add currants. Stir in milk gradually to form a stiff dough. Turn out on floured

board, kneading about twelve times.

Step Three: Pat or roll out dough to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut into 10 or 12 wedges with a sharp

knife. Place on ungreased cookie sheat and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400

degrees (F) oven, or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.

Step Four: Serve warm, split with butter, jam and cream.

Photos D. Sleziak, recipe Sleziak family archives (source unknown)

Friday, 3 May 2013

A Fine Fifty

From the new collection by Manuel Canovas

For me, the love affair began just a few years ago, when flipping through a magazine, I turned the page and came across this image for an ad campaign: a bold and graphic floral print in rich red, acidy citron, deep green, and purple-tinged fuchsia tempered by touches of black and white and presented on a natural linen ground...

It took my breath away.

Who? What? Where? immediately began racing through my mind.

Who designed such a gorgeous pattern; what was the name of this print and the company which produced it; and, most importantly, where and how could I get my hands on it?

Since then, I have discovered that, Misia, as it is known, is part of the Serena print collection by the Paris-based fabric house Manuel Canovas, and this year marks the firm's fiftieth anniversary. Begun in 1963 by a young textile designer, the company that bears his name is know for their quality fabrics in bold designs that may draw on historic references but comport a modern sensibility. Of particular note are the unusual and compelling colour combinations, the lush patterns and the elegant appeal of their textiles.

To celebration their anniversary, the latest collection is inspired by the visual richness of India, a favourite destination of the company's founder. A sampling of their designs is pictured below; scroll through, but be prepared: like me, you might just find one that stops you in your tracks and steals your breath away.