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P lanting Potted Colour

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Are you eager to add a burst of color to your garden or outdoor space without committing to a full-scale landscapin­g project? Look no further than potted plants! These portable pockets of beauty are a fantastic way to infuse life and vibrancy into any area, whether it's a balcony, patio, or garden bed. In this article, we'll take you through the art of planting potted color, from selecting the right plants to care tips that will ensure your outdoor space is a stunning, everchangi­ng masterpiec­e

Choosing the right pots:The first step in planting potted color is selecting the right containers. Opt for pots that match your aesthetic, but also consider size. Ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent waterloggi­ng, promoting healthy root growth.

Planting technique Gently remove the plant from its nursery container, tease the roots if necessary, and place it in the pot. Fill the remaining space with soil and gently tamp it down. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil.

Position and sunlight Most potted plants thrive in full or partial sunlight. Be sure to place your pots where they will receive the appropriat­e amount of light based on the plants' requiremen­ts. Consult plant tags for guidance.

Watering: Consistent watering is essential. The rule of thumb is to keep the soil consistent­ly moist but not waterlogge­d. Water early in the day to prevent fungal diseases, and consider using a saucer to catch excess water.

Seasonal refresh: As seasons change, you can switch out your potted color for different plants to keep your outdoor space vibrant year-round. This also allows you to experiment with new colors and arrangemen­ts.

Five of the Best Potted Colour P lants

Petunias (Petunia spp.) Geraniums (Pelargoniu­m spp.) Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) Begonias (Begonia spp.)

This homemade ice cream is not only a breeze to make but also delivers a perfect blend of cool mintiness and satisfying crunch in every creamy scoop. Whether you're looking to beat the summer heat or satisfy your sweet tooth, this delightful treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient­s

2 cups heavy cream

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed

1/2 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped Green food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

In a saucepan, combine the fresh mint leaves and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasional­ly, until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steep for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the mint flavor.

After steeping, strain out the mint leaves and discard them. Allow the mint-infused cream to cool to room temperatur­e.

In a large mixing bowl, whip the mint-infused cream until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

If desired, add a few drops of natural green food coloring to achieve the desired minty color. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios into the mixture. Reserve a small amount for garnish, if desired.

Pour the fresh mint and pistachio ice cream mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container. A loaf pan or a similar-sized container works well. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 6 hours or until the ice cream is firm.

Once the ice cream is fully frozen and ready to serve, scoop it into bowls or cones.

Garnish with additional chopped pistachios, if desired.

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