About: Olya Sandstrom

Recent Posts by Olya Sandstrom

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are great additions to every garden. They are low-maintenance, grow in poor soil, add year-round interest, and vary widely in size, shape, conformation, and color. Some grow best in cool weather, others in hot. A few will grow in shade. Some spread from rhizomes and will fill in large areas, while most are clump-forming and stay confined.   ...
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Gooseberry Jam

Sweet and sour jam with little bit of cherry flavor.  Gooseberry has a lot of natural pectin so you don't need to add more pectin to the jam. If you want to get a jam with almost whole berries, then pierce each berry with a needle before cooking. Don't add more water than specified in the recipe, gooseberry's are very...
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Blackcurrant Jam

Very healthy and fragrant jam that is sweet and sour. Like gooseberry, blackcurrant berries have enough pectin itself so you don't need to add more pectin. Jam can be stored for a year or more in a cool dark place. You can add the blackcurrant jam to tea, ice cream, pancakes or in different pastries. Read more

Citrus Mint Lemonade

Citrus mint lemonade is a great reason to sit back and kick off your flip-flops. Try adding a bit of rum or tequila and you'll get a great drink for a party with friends. Limes can be replaced with lemons. If it's too sweet, add a little bit more club soda and lime juice to your taste. Perfect drink...
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Ferns

Hardy Ferns are the most ornamental of foliage plants, and their near-infinite diversity  guarantees that every garden can make good use of them, they are a must-have for shade gardens. Ferns require little care and will thrive in  many locations that would discourage fussier plants. They are also deer-resistant. Most prefer slightly  acid, woodsy soil and require shade. They are...
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Cucumber-Tomato Salad

I look for easy ways to use fresh veggies during this laid-back time of year, so here is another simple recipe for when you have extra cucumbers and tomatoes. This is a light tasty salad from my childhood. Usually we use sunflower oil, but it can be replaced with olive or vegetable oil, or alternatively mix the vegetables with sour...
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