Lily of the Valley

May's flower is the Lily of the Valley.

Convallaria majalis (pronounced /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛəriə məˈdʒeɪlɨs/),commonly known as the lily of the valley or lily-of-the-valley, is possibly the only species in the genus Convallaria in the flowering plant family Ruscaceae. It was formerly placed in the lily family Liliaceae, or in its own family called Convallariaceae.

This woodland plant is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe and a limited native population in Eastern USA (Convallaria majalis var. montana). There is, however, some debate as to the native status of the American variety.

Eggshells in the Garden

Five Ways to Use EGGshells in Your Garden

1. Add crushed eggshells to the bottom of planting holes, especially for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. These crops are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency. While this deficiency is most often caused by improper watering, there's no harm in making sure your plants have a steady source of calcium. As the eggshells break down, they'll nourish the soil, and your plants.

2. Use eggshells as pots for starting plants from seed. Then plant the seedling, "pot" and all, into the garden.

3. Use crushed eggshells to deter slugs, snails, and cutworms. These garden pests are a real pain in the gardener's neck, and cutworms are the worst, killing seedlings by severing the stems at soil level. All three of these pests have soft undersides, and dislike slithering across anything sharp. Crushed eggshells, applied to the soil's surface, may help deter these pests.

4. Add them to the compost pile. If you aren't planting tomatoes or trying to deter slugs, add the eggshells to your compost pile, where they'll add calcium to your finished compost.

5. If you are feeding birds in your yard, crush up the eggshells and add them to a dish near the feeder. Female birds, particularly those who are getting ready to lay eggs or recently finished laying, require extra calcium and will definitely appreciate it!

No matter how you want to use them, be sure to rinse the shells out well before using them in the garden.

Egg Face Mask-Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

Here are a few different EGG recipes for Anti-wrinkle treatment.


*Whip 1 egg white add juice from 1/2 lemon and a pinch of salt. 

 Apply to wrinkled skin for 15-20 minutes Rinse off with warm water.

*Whip 1 egg yolk into 2 tablespoons of whole milk. 

 Gently apply to clean face.           

 Leave on for five minutes. Rinse with warm water.

*Whip 1 egg until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil 

 and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

 Apply to clean face before bed and leave it on for 20 minutes. 

 Rinse off with warm water.


Warning: The reader of this post should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this post. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Potatoes and Snap Peas with Egg Mint Mimosa

Ingredients


3 hard-boiled large EGGS
1 1/2 lb small red boiling potatoes
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
21/2 teaspoons salt
1 /4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 lb sugar snap peas, trimmed and strings discarded
1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar




Preparation


Peel potatoes. Cut each into 6 wedges. Transfer to a 3-quart saucepan and cover by 1 inch with cold water. Bring potatoes to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a sharp knife, 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, mince garlic, then mash to a paste with a pinch of salt using a large heavy knife. Transfer to a small bowl, then whisk in oil, 3 tablespoons mint, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Coarsely grate eggs into a bowl using 1/4-inch holes of a box grater, then toss with remaining tablespoon mint and salt and pepper to taste.
When potatoes are almost finished cooking, cook snap peas with remaining 2 teaspoons salt in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain. Drain potatoes and toss with vinegar, then add snap peas and oil mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with egg mint mimosa.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Active time: 20 min

Total time: 45 min

Gardening Term "T"

Tender

An indoor plant which requires a minimum temperature of 60° F. Occasional short exposure to temperatures below this level may be tolerated.