I am incapable of launching into bullets without some sort of preamble.
New Summer Salad
I made a new-to-me summer salad to take to a friend’s dinner party the other day. A+, delicious, automatic new fave. Of course, because I am incapable of following a recipe as stated, I added blueberries as well. The other slight variations I made, based on recipe comments: I used nectarines instead of peaches, walnuts instead of pinenuts (walnuts are $5.99 at my grocery store; pinenuts are $8.99) (I forgot that I could use pinenuts to make pesto, so maybe I should have shelled out the $8.99), and I added a half teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
Oh! Since I was taking this salad on the road, I had to experiment a little with the best way to keep the nectarines and basil from browning. For the basil, I coated the leaves in a tiny bit of olive oil and gave them a quick chiffonade with a pizza cutter. Then I threw them in a salad bowl with the dry arugula.
For the nectarines, I mixed together two tablespoons of honey and two cups of water, then added the cut nectarines to the mixture for five minutes. After the timer went off, I drained them in a colander, rinsed them with cool water, and laid out them out between two dish towels to dry. Then I popped them into a Tupperware container with the blueberries.
(I found both the honey water and oil coat strategies via multiple sources online, and I was very grateful they worked.)
About five minutes before dinner, I added the dressing to the arugula and basil and tossed everything together until the greens were lightly coated. Then I added half the fruit, nuts, and goat cheese, added a bit more dressing, tossed, and topped with the rest of the fruit, nuts, and goat cheese. It was very tasty and summery and light. I will say that the basil flavor didn’t really pop out at me. I wonder if it all fell to the bottom of the salad bowl? Next time I will do a better job of dispersing the basil throughout.
I was super pleased with how well the nectarines lasted. Here is a photo of them the next morning. The honey/water combo did not alter their flavor or texture at all.
Plant Problems
I am feeling some botanical despair. I love plants, and I have accumulated quite a few over the years. But they are not loving their lives, and I feel responsible. I am responsible. They remind me of Heidi, wasting away in Klara Sesemann’s urban mansion, longing for the sun and sky and trees of her grandfather’s alpine cottage. (Why yes, I am reading Heidi to Carla right now.)
Our house is full of windows, and yet it is not particularly sunny. Worse, possibly, is that the areas available for plants are on the north side of the house and get the least light.
I have tried to do my research and buy only plants that supposedly enjoy low light. And yet… they are leggy and/or dead. Even the African violet I bought – which is supposed to thrive in very little light! – is just barely living.
While part of me aches for these poor living things that are trying so valiantly to hang on under my poor care, and wants to nurse them back to health, I have TRIED. I have googled, I have bought special plant food, I have moved them around to different parts of the house, I have repotted several of them. I have babied them, I have left them alone. Nothing is working. Perhaps it is time to replace them? That feels so harsh!!! And also kind of fruitless, because I fear that the replacements will just die anyway.
You know what IS thriving? This mystery plant in my backyard. We had some landscaping work done last fall, moving things around, thinning things out. This space used to hold an enormous hydrangea that was completely overgrown and so old only the very tips were green. We moved some hydrangeas from the front of the house and they seem to be adjusting well to their new home. We also planted a vibirnum in the place where the old hydrangea used to be. Then, this guy showed up.
I have NO IDEA what it is. It’s acting like a perennial that belongs there, but I have never seen it before. It’s possible that the previous homeowners planted it a long time ago, but then the old hydrangea took over and bullied this guy into submission. Now that the old hydrangea is gone, this little guy can finally shine. This little imaginary scenario, plus some extensive googling, has me thinking it’s a plant and not a weed. My current very non-expert guess is that’s something called an “obedient plant” or some kind of phlox or maybe some kind of aster. I guess we just wait and see if it produces flowers. Unless… do you know what it is?
Physical Therapy Update
I have been seeing a physical therapist twice a week for six weeks for tennis elbow, and just this week I moved to one time a week for the next four weeks. The reduction in pain and the improvement in mobility has been tremendous, and I am so pleased with the experience. Physical therapy is MAGICAL. I mean, it’s also expensive and hard work, but MAGICAL.
It is not, however, a cure. My physical therapist said his goal was for me to see an 80% improvement in pain/mobility. I have zero idea how a person is supposed to quantify such a thing; I still have no idea how to answer the “what is your pain on a scale of 1 to the worst pain you’ve ever experienced” question. But I will say that my arm is greatly improved, to the point that sometimes I don’t even think about it. Sure, I still have some soreness in my elbow. Sometimes I wake up and my arm aches for a while. I definitely still experience pain if I grip something wrong or lift something too heavy or don’t consider the best way to pick something up. But it’s SO MUCH BETTER.
Despite the improvements, it has occurred to me that I may not be able to resume lifting weights for a long time. I miss lifting weights, but I am also not eager to reinjure myself. So I have been dithering a long time about getting some of the same strength training equipment I use at my PT’s office. Two products are currently in my cart: a set of resistance bands with handles and a set of superlong resistance bands. In the office, when I do the exercises the PT prescribes, my arms get pleasantly tired and my muscles feel like they are being challenged. Working with resistance bands really does feel like a workout, even if I’m not sweating buckets or, like, grunting with effort. I am sure I could find some more intense routines online that I could adapt at home.
I’m not really sure why I haven’t just ordered them already. Maybe today.
I am no help with the plants as I have such a black thumb. I do have a jade and spider plant in my cubicle at work to green things up a bit. They are apparently impossible to kill and that has been my experience thus far!
That salad sounds wonderful and the next day picture of the nectarines is impressive! I hope the people you ate with enjoyed your salad! You went to a good amount of extra work to create something delicious and visually appealing!
Alas, I have killed *many* a jade plant. I am terrible with plants. I think the ones I have are alive out of pity.
I hope your plant doesn’t start saying “feed me Seymour”. Do you know that movie?
Ha! That would be something! (Sure do!)
Physical therapy really is kind of magical. I loved going when I had neck issues over the last few years—my PT was so lovely, and I always felt better afterward.
I thought at first you had corn stalks in your garden. We get random plants like that too. I’ve definitely become the kind of person who hesitates before pulling weeds… I mean, why do we call them weeds anyway? Unless they’re invasive or toxic, I’m a little more relaxed about it now. My yard has honestly attracted so many plants I never actually planted.
That summer salad looks delicious.
Right?! A weed is just a plant where you don’t want it. I am very curious to see what happens with this leafy friend!
I’m not sure if this is what you’ll want to hear, but…you need grow lights! There are no plants that will thrive in low light. There are a few that will survive (snake plants come to mind), but getting leggy is like the number one sign that they need more light. I have these [Sansi Grow Lights](https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Growing-Spectrum-4-Level-Dimmable/dp/B0CHDP41CM/ref=sr_1_9?crid=SG25ISSAWZLJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8PfmTQF7y-GcN5UzITxUmfS_lIyuVh6z9wzPR51C_QwPOXIlLqqI8wLoLGaPTDyfxuXLJvzkTjNAjyb2zFmHqzjorcIHPZD4sBKXEh8SFI4Mi08my6QQA6_TzF9noVYbsbANOaZGRttyDV_NqzFt-fJhYLRz83uFtSAlDDIGrpIGCKqmuIDojH5gtzk2fV4yORQCvq5V2p9IzbU578mWQGcwxoQJcjpsRWXYytuNi780NXjHvc9eKKcXwdcuQ0M5OPnSntCeTuKtcJ5J8F5aqpaul4fmRKHFrlFWoeYdAM4.NhzhKlAmooALv4jRq8YFrCK0D7mT4klDa2nbwpTAgos&dib_tag=se&keywords=sansi%2Bgrow%2Blight%2Bpot&qid=1781808536&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=sansi%2Bgrow%2Blight%2Bpot%2Clawngarden%2C135&sr=1-9&th=1) in most of my plants and would wholeheartedly recommend them: some of them I’ve had for years without issue, they’re relatively low-profile, they have a timer function so you can just set them and forget them, they use miniscule amounts of electricity. And the difference between ‘just barely holding on’ and ‘wow, look at you grow!’ is amazing.
I also have what looks to be that same exact plant in my garden, and am also at a loss as to what it is. I hope someone jumps in and names it!
Ugh, that link is messy. AI steered me wrong!
I even had a snake plant that died. 🙁 Thank you for the link — I have definitely thought about getting grow lights, but there are so many options I get intimidated and overwhelmed.
There are SO many options! Some plant influencer years ago recommended these, so I tried them out and haven’t looked back. I’m sure I could optimize my set-up even more, but 1) I don’t want to, 2) this brand has a good reputation, 3) they’re relatively inexpensive as these things go, and 4) they’ve worked really well for me, have lasted for years at this point, and I can absolutely see the difference they make. Give ’em a try! 🙂
SOLD! Thank you. 🙂
OMG Heidi. As a child I loved it so much, and wanted to be frolicking with the goats, sleeping in a little cubby on straw, etc. I reread it during pandemic lockdown and it struck me as very sad and poignant. I mean…her parents die, her father was essentially crushed while building a house (I think?). So her aunt takes care of her. But then her aunt has an opportunity to essentially work in what is basically a spa, so she shuffles a five-year-old to her HERMIT GRANDFATHER WHO EVERYONE FEARS AND WHO LIVES ALONE ON THE MOUNTAIN. Then Grandmother, with her blindness and no teeth and just wanting bread that she can chew. And then illiterate Peter. Crippled Klara. Heidi being forced to be Klara’s companion and, as you say, shrivelling away from lack of trees and sunshine. I mean, it’s a weird story. But I still love it and I love that you referenced it.
In terms of plants, I only have hardy plants that thrive anywhere, because I am emotionally attached to plants and become devastated when they die (RIP Noelle). Snake plants are the best and there are many varieties.
PT made the biggest difference when I injured my hip. I still do some of the exercises!
Ha – yes, if I think too hard about the characters, the whole story is bonkers. Why is Peter’s grandmother so obsessed with Heidi when she has *her own grandson* *right there*???? It’s super weird. And the aunt. What a piece of work!
I MANAGED TO KILL A SNAKE PLANT, NICOLE! And I am not going to buy any more because a) that seems cruel and b) they are apparently toxic to cats, and my kitty likes to nibble on all the greenery. Good thing the kitty is tougher than plants.
Regarding your plants, without seeing them or their habitat, it’s hard to offer advice. But, if your plants are getting “leggy” they probably need to be cut back a bit. And, usually, you can take those cuttings and put the cut ends in a cup of water and they will sprout roots eventually that you can then plant. I do this with my ivy all the time. As for your African violet…how are you watering it? They do NOT like their leaves to get wet and you should either buy a special pot (it’s basically a pot within a pot) or figure out how to water it from the bottom.
I’m not sure what’s in your backyard but it looks suspiciously like a Stargazer lily.
Thank you for the tip about the violet! I will keep that in mind!
I have definitely tried to propagate some of my plants, with no luck so far. I’m telling you, I am very bad at this.
I would agree that the backyard plant looks somewhat like a lily; does it have blooms on it? I’m not good with indoor plants (the outdoors’ ones do great) and I blame that partly on light but mostly on the cat, who likes to nibble on leaves and flowers, some of them toxic to her. The last time I had flowers inside, she made herself sick and cost me $500 and a lot of worry.
No blooms yet, but I will definitely update when they arrive!
It seems like EVERY PLANT is toxic to cats! My kitty loves to nibble on all the plants, so I try to be very intentional about which plants I buy, to ensure they aren’t poisonous. I’m glad your cat is okay!
Your summer salad sounds amazing. What a great trick for the nectarines! I’ve also had amazing experiences with physical therapy – it really is worth it. I’m glad you’re feeling better, but sorry it’s not perfect. I hope your mystery plant produces a huge, amazing flower! That would be fun!
I checked and the plant seems to have multiple clusters of tiny buds, so I am really excited to see what blooms!
I’d bet money on your outside mystery plant being a late summer blooming phlox. Don’t trim them shorter or you’ll prevent blooms. Obedient plant has square stems and serrated leaves, so it isn’t that. And it hardcore isn’t a lily… for sure.
Indoor I use Lord Baltimores advice of “find out what you can grow and grow lots of that”- because if something doesn’t do well I toss it. I basically only grow ZZ plants, orchids, and snake plants at this point… I don’t really do succulents or any of the other plants inside as I just… don’t find the struggle fun. And also indoor palms are literally designed for failure… I don’t think there is a house bright enough for them, honestly. So if those palms are struggling that you showed in a previous post… just know it isn’t a you problem!!
Every time I have a plant issue I wish I could text you, because I feel like you would *know*. (Probably good I don’t have your number, lol.)
I have two houseplants that are doing okay, and I have an anthurium that is most definitely alive, even if it hasn’t flowered in years. So maybe I need to stick with those. (Probably not more anthuria, though — I think they are toxic to cats. My one plant is on the mantle where the cat can’t get to. Yet.)
I will be NO HELP with plants. I don’t keep plants indoors because it hasn’t worked well in the past. Why in the world do some people have a “green thumb” and some people don’t??? I mean it sounds like you’re doing everything you possibly could.
Glad your elbow is feeling better, and soon you’ll be able to get back to tennis! Just kidding. I think the resistance bands sound like a great idea.
I would love if the tennis elbow resolves and I could magically play tennis! (I am uncoordinated to the max.)
Love the obligatory feline! I’m glad the PT is helping. I have a pain chart that gives some adjectives for 1-10 like “annoying,” “Dragging,” “Dreadful,” “Horrible,” “Vicious,” “Tearing” — it helps. Some. But percentages? That’s harder.
Your salad sounds lovely and very tasty too. Good tips for basil and nectarines. Meanwhile, good luck with the plants. I’m definitely the wrong person to ask!
Oh, my cheeks were burning reading about your plants. I can relate, I have an aloe vera plant named The Original Vera that I rescued from outside on the street around 12 years ago and that grew to an agressive size and became leggy and then died of neglect. I was able to rescue some shoots which have also started to agressively grow but which are also being neglected. The circle of plant life in my house is brutal.
One possibility re plants is not watering them the right amount. Are you watering all of them in one go? Plants have different water needs. You could try buying one of these: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=plant+water+meter&crid=TS01WFPDM768&sprefix=plant+water+%2Caps%2C267&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_ci_hl-bn-left_1_12
I’m glad your arm is better. That must be a big relief.
Our house doesn’t get much light either and I find pothos work pretty well. They are our only indoor plants.
I haven’t thought about Heidi is such a long time… I loved it as a kid and didn’t think to read it to my kids. Now I wish I had.
Oh, that salad sounds like heaven. I am going to make it soon, while stone fruit is in season. I love the idea of adding blueberries!
Hooray for PT going well and HELPING. It is such a time commitment that you really do want to start seeing improvements. I’m also wondering when I will be able to resume lifting weights. I miss it so much!
I feel like the physical therapists must have some metrics for that 80% number. My mom just went through PT for shoulder impingement and her PT had a specific metric about where she should be able to raise her shoulder (or something like that). So maybe YOU don’t need to know if it’s 80% better – the PT will.
I also struggle with that “rate your pain on a scale of 1-10” metric. Sometimes I’ll give a number and the nurse will raise their eyebrows, and suddenly, I’m like “was that too high??” lol
That salad sounds amazing. I have tried to like nectarines, and I just can’t get with the non-fuzzy skins, which is hilarious because I know many people (okay maybe just one or two) who are icked out by the fuzziness of peaches.
I have given up on having plants in the house. We are in the same situation – the good places for plants are not plant-friendly – and I just kept killing everything and I can’t do it anymore.
Physio IS magical, but my hand hurts again and it is SO frustrating mainly for exercise. I can manage it otherwise, but so much yoga needs me to be able to be on my hands. Stupid body.
I’m glad PT is going well. I have always loved PT — makes me accountable far more than being told the exercises and then sending me out on my own. Plus they have those great machines. I think I may be starting again soon and I have to say, looking forward to it.
Wirecutter (NYT product-testing staff) recommend these 2 apps:
https://plantnet.org/en/
https://www.inaturalist.org/
I don’t know them, I haven’t used them, but *shrug* maybe upload the picture and see what the results are?
As for not killing plants, I literally threw out all of my plants but one earlier this summer. They were not growing, nor were they actively dying, but I was so. darn. tired. of trying to get them to grow. Maybe if/when I eventually move to an apartment that does not face northwest…So, long story short—you do not want plant advice from me. 😉
I love that you are having magical physical therapy! That is good news.
Have you tried ZZ (Zanzibar) plants or sansevieria (snake plant/MIL’s tongue)? They are both easy and require minimal light and minimal water. I promise!
I used my plant ID app, and it says you are currently growing Hairy Willowherb, which is mostly considered a weed. So congratulations, I suppose?