Let my tell you about the birds and the bees!

This post "Let my tell you about the birds and the bees!" was originally uploaded by Tyra Hallsénius Lindhe in the blog Tyras Trädgård/ Tyra's Garden

Spring has Sprung and the birds and the bees are in full action. I heard the characteristic bird vocalization of the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the Peewit, Green Plover down by the fields. When I hear them than I know it is spring! The small and pretty crocuses also got some visitors; it is the bumble bees and common bees that are buzzing around us. They are two of my benificial and most welcome friends in the kitchen garden. 

At this time of the year I treat myself with a lot of Pansies. They are so pretty and durable. If you plant them in a generous pot they usually they last all through the summer. And they are edible!

Amaranth - a Gem in My Potager

This post "Amaranth - a gem in my potager" was originally uploaded by Tyra Hallsénius Lindhe in th blog Tyra's Garden

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hopi Red Dye'

Other names are Red Amaranth, Purple Amaranth and Prince’s Feather

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hopi Red Dye’ this amazing purple-red leaved plant is one of the gems I have in my potager I grow it for the leaves but it also yields the nutritious amaranth grain.

 This Amaranthus cruentus is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated around the world as a grain source. The other two being Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus. This season I will also grow Amaranthus caudatus ‘Red Garnet’ and Amaranthus tricolor ‘Calaloo’.

The whole plant (leaves and grain) is highly nutritious and healthy. The Amaranth contains loads of protein, vitamins and valuable minerals and it says that this plant has been used as a food source since as early as 4000 BC

Today I will plant my three Amaranth species and I'll show you later on how they are doing. In the end of the summer I hope they will have grown to the same height as me!