In South Carolina we are so blessed to have local farmers growing fresh, vine ripe strawberries. Strawberries are like tomatoes in that the longer they stay on the plants the sweeter they taste. Strawberry season peaks in May. Use them in your salads in place of tomatoes. Locate the closest strawberry patch and go strawberry picking. Since I live in Chapin, Lever Farms on Hwy 34 in Pomaria is my May destination. My mouth waters at the thought of picking a deep red, ripe strawberry from the vine and enjoying the sweet aroma and flavor of my first strawberry of spring. The possibilities continue: homemade strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcake, strawberry, breakfast bread, red jam on a hot biscuit or a scone. The sight of a bowl of strawberries sliced and sprinkled with sugar to layer into parfait glasses with chocolate pudding and ladyfingers comes to mind.
To keep strawberries fresh NEVER WASH UNTIL READY TO EAT! They prefer ventilation. Place them in a single layer on a paper towel lined cookie tray, cover with paper towels and place in the refrigerator. Strawberries freeze well. Wash, cut in half and place by the cupful into freezer bags. This makes it convenient to take from the freezer to the blender to prepare a shake or protein drink.
Now that you are going to the farm to pick strawberries, you can plant flowers in your strawberry jar planter. You need a container to set it in that will hold water. Next, you need a plastic water bottle. Punch three holes in a circle around the bottle about an inch from the top. Go down an inch and punch three more holes. Continue until you arrive near the end of the bottle. Do not punch holes in bottom, as you want the water to disperse out the sides of the bottle. Plant the bottle in the center of the jar. Find a small pot to set on top to plant flowers. When you water, lift the small pot and fill the water bottle. I filled my strawberry planter with bright and cheerful colored impatiens to light up my front porch which only receives morning sunlight. To thrive impatiens need shade. If your porch is sunny, select sun hardy plants like verbena, moss rose (portulaca), or fan flower.
Come to The Art Party and see what Ruby has been painting, writing and growing. She opens her Art Party Press, Studio and Gallery to the public by appointment. Call 803-345-2134.
