Sorrel our traditional Christmas drink made from the calyx of the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa).
The calyx is removed and rinsed in plain water then covered with water with flavouring spices such as cinnamon, cloves and a couple leaves of West Indian bay leaf. Some people add ginger as well. This is brought to a boil, taken off the heat and then covered left to simmer overnight. The next day it is strained and sweetened to taste. If it is too strong more water is added.
The finished product! Sorrel ranges from smooth to acidic in taste depending on the variety grown. It is very similar to a cranberry like taste.
It has been very dry as it is the start of our dry season and I decided to water some recently planted fruit trees. In between watering, I cooled out with some snacks and tried reading a classic...didn't finish and will let you know.
Sunflowers are all around my garden, it is a shame they don't last too long.
These petunias are forever blooming up a storm.
My garden poinsettia with the snow on the mountain in the background will remain like this until March.
This is the flower of Muntingia calabura, aka Jamaican cherry. Suriname cherry and Singapore cherry. It is a small red cherry like fruit with miniscule seeds and tastes like bubblegum.
Garlic vine (mansoa alliacea) with a few blooms.
Raspberry ice bougainvillea
Coral bougainvillea
This pergola is the latest project I am working on with my gardener.
Osteospermum aka African daisy, these were the last three I got from a nearby nursery. I have tried growing these from seed but they didn't grow well so I gave up until I saw these.
These double petunias look like pompoms, were given to me by my friend Nelcia. Thank you Nelcia!
Kalanchoes brightening up this planter.
Happy New Year to you and am hoping that things will change for the better for everyone. We are officially into our dry season. There is very little rain so the island is becoming less green. Those of you in North America The United Kingdom and Europe keep warm and I wish you all an early spring.
I am working on a garden project and will reveal the whole thing when done.
To see more blooming gardens please go over to Carol's blog at maydreamsgarden
