Got Basil?

Everything else in Texas may be dying and turning brown due to the excessive days of 100+ temperatures and no rain, but I have one thing growing like crazy.  BASIL.  I actually shouldn't be surprised.  I planted a new plant this year thinking that it is an annual and wouldn't come back.  I was wrong.  Way wrong.  Either it seeded itself well or last year's root system didn't die off.  I have it growing in at least 4 different bunches and around the pool equipment. 

Today, I harvesedt two batches.  About 12 cups of leaves.  The plan-PESTO.  I should have enough pesto for the entire year.  Here's the classic recipe. 

4 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Can't wait to have it on my grilled Ahi tonight!

Smiles from the Garden

Last year we put in tons of hours putting in plants.  This year we are reaping the rewards.  Meet a few of my favorites and rare ones.

This is a Balloon flower, because of the way it buds.  Last year, we only got a few blooms and then it died...I thought.  This year, I have a glorious little  patch of interesting purple blooms.

This plant is a new addition this year, because I thought the Hostas got too much sun and didn't do well last year.  But, I spoke too soon, because the Hostas came up with vigor.  So now they are accompanied by 3 of these interesting Leopard plants, obviously named due to its yellow spots.

Nothing new about this set, but it is amazing how vigorous everything is growing--Yellow Sundrops, Pink Scullcaps, and Purple Veronica Royal Candles.

And you can't forget the mint in the container which I haven't transplanted or touched in at least 5 year.  It just keeps coming back!