Autumn, so far, has been a close to perfect season, a pleasant mix of sunshine and rain, with a very gradual cooling of temperatures to ease us into cold weather ahead.
Last month, as the first pansy and viola transplants began appearing in a nearby garden centre, I approached a table with a few of these transplants on display to discover a true gem among the violas.
Delft Blue has long been my favourite viola. European Fleuroselect Gold Medal winning flowers can be counted upon to be reliable growers with beautiful blooms. Delft Blue is no exception. The exquisite little flowers have dark violet blue back petals with white faces brushed in violet.
I bought a small flat of the Delft Blue transplants, and two varieties of pansies to pot for the patio along with my own transplants, seeded in July, of two more violas.
Placed next to the glass patio doors, the sprightly little blooms bring considerable pleasure. Few flowers deliver such a long bloom season — through the fall, during mild winter weather, and into late spring.
Apple treats. My two dwarf trees delivered a fine crop of crisp and juicy, sweet apples. free of the apple maggot damage that has marred the harvest in recent years.
The organza drawstring bags I acquired in late winter proved quick and easy to slip over the apples while they were still small and after I’d thinned the fruit.
I made two batches of apple-ginger sauce, which I use also as jam, and froze sliced apples in pie plates, ready for transformation into winter pies.
Supreme treats were apple “popovers” — a recipe that evolved from one for a “Super-Colossal Popover” that was a favourite of my children. I put three ingredients in the container that came with my immersion blender to process into a smooth batter.
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
Heat to sizzling two tablespoons butter in a 375 F oven, pour the batter over the hot butter, and bake for 15 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned. I use a cast iron skillet.
To turn this into an apple (or other fruit) popover, place sliced apples in the hot butter and bake for a few minutes before pouring in a slightly adjusted batter. Use four eggs instead of three and one cup milk (or half each milk and cream). Flavour with vanilla, a few tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The extra egg and milk make for a slightly custardy texture.
GARDEN EVENTS
Orchid show and sale. The Victoria Orchid Society show is hosting their first show since 2020 today (Saturday, Oct. 19) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 20) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall, 4635 Elk Lake Drive. The theme of the show is Escape to the Tropics. Admission is by donation. victoriaorchidsociety.com.
Hardy plants. The Hardy Plant group of the Victoria Horticultural Society will meet on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. Nadyne Berns, a collector and propagator of succulent plants for over 25 years, will present Growing Succulents: Tips for Success. Nadyne will have plants for sale. Cash only. All are welcome. Drop-in visitor fee $5.
View Royal meeting. The View Royal Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Wheeley Hall behind Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd. Entrance off Lyall Street. Robb Bennett, research associate at the Royal BC Museum, will present information on spider species in the province. Non-member drop-in fee $5.
Floral Art. The Victoria Floral Artists Guild is celebrating 55 years of floral design with Floral Art Passion, a public show with floral demonstrations, vase and floral design sales and a tea garden on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, 4635 Elk Lake Dr. victoriafloralartists.ca.
Walk and talks. Russell Nursery, 1370 Wain Rd. in North Saanich, has resumed its popular “Walk & Talks” sessions — brief (20 to 30 minutes), informal but informative talks that take place outdoors, around the nursery. On Saturday, Oct. 26, join Kat for a “Plan for Winter Interest” tour to inspire gardeners with plants that offer beautiful colour and form during winter. Attendance is free and drop-in. Meet under the huge willow tree in the parking lot at 10 a.m.
