The Sap Moon Rising Above Paper Birch and Snow-Covered Hills in Vermont
Be sure to look for the full, Sap Moon (aka the Worm Moon), when it rises tonight at 7:50pm ET. The moon was full at exactly 5:27am ET this morning, as it began to set on the western horizon here in Vermont. With ghostly paper birch reflecting her glow, the show sure was beautiful last night on my hilltop. Find more astronomical news, including full moon facts and lore, at The Farmer’s Almanac here.
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In the hour just before dawn this morning, I pulled on my winter boots and trudged out into the drifting snow to greet the full, Cold Moon as it set on the western horizon. Did you miss it? Well you’ll have another chance this evening. Moonrise tonight is at 4:57pm ET and moonset is at 7:10am ET. If you hurry, you may still have time to catch her glowing beauty as she rises in the pink twilight …
Photography and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina/The Gardener’s Eden. All images, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions), are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Please do not take my photographs without asking first. Thank you!
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Photography and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina/The Gardener’s Eden. All images, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions), are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Please do not take my photographs without asking first. Thank you!
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The Pink Moon (Shown Here, Rising on April 4th) is Full this Friday, April 6th, at 3:19pm ET
Longtime followers of The Gardener’s Eden will recall that this starry-eyed gardener has a particular fondness for April’s Pink Moon. Previous posts (such as this one, here ) have also included links to Nick Drake’s beautiful song by the same name, and various pink-hued flowers; including the moon’s namesake, phlox.
Last night as I was driving home from a late-day meeting with a design client, I happened to notice our nearly-full, celestial neighbor, flirting above the horizon in a pouf of pinkish clouds; perfection between budding trees. And as I rounded the bend between historic farms, there she was again; rising beauty, high above the wet, April fields…
The Pink Moon will be full this Friday —coinciding nicely with the start of Passover and Good Friday— at 3:19pm, and will rise at 7:38pm ET. Of course, at 98% full tonight, the Pink Moon will be a pleasure to watch a bit earlier this evening (rising at 6:20pm ET on 4/5/12). And you can bet I will be raising a glass to the first full moon of this sweet new season (even if it is still just a wee bit nippy outside).
Photographs and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina for The Gardener’s Eden. All photos, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions) are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Thank you!
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January 9th, 2012 § Comments Off on Greeting January’s Wolf Moon … § permalink
An Eerie Golden Glow Twixt Skeletal Trees: January’s Full Wolf Moon
January’s Wolf Moon is full today —reaching it’s peak at 2:30am ET— and will rise this evening at 5:17pm ET (click links in the paragraph below for moon rise and set in your geographic area). I’ve been enjoying many celestial pleasures this month, including last week’s spectacular Quadrantid meteor shower (read more about this astrological event —and mark your calendar for more—by clicking over to Space.com here) and the early evening beauty of our nearby neighbor, Venus as she hovers at the horizon.
Photographs and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina/The Gardener’s Eden. All photos, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions) are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Thank you!
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Waxing On: Maiden Grass Dances by the Light of the Hunter Moon
The Hunter Moon is Full Tonight (October 11th) at 10:06 pm ET, and Oh What a Beauty. Step Outside for a Spell …
After such a rainy year, a clear night for the full moon is a lovely, unexpected treat. And tonight the silvery orb is so bright in the crisp night sky, it’s almost like daylight out there. Autumn bliss: off in the distant hills I can hear playful Coyote yipping, and a Barred Owl asking, “Who cooks for you?” …. “Who, Who, Who???”
Photographs and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina/The Gardener’s Eden. All photos, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions) are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Thank you!
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Apple-Laden Branches: Scott Farm Orchard Contains More Than 70 Different Varieties of Ecologically Grown Heirloom Apples
Heirloom Apple Trees at Scott Farm Orchard
Color, Fragrance, Flavor and Texture: A Stroll Through the Orchard is a Delight for All of the Senses
Vernacular Beauty: The Barns at Scott Farm
Crates Loaded with Freshly Harvested Heirloom Apples from the Hilltop Orchard at Scott Farm
Glass Windows Reflect a Gorgeous, October Sky
The Working Buildings at Historic Scott Farm Orchard in Vermont
Historic Orchard Buildings, Surrounded by Hills and Running Water …
The Orchard Provides a Perfect Setting for a Late Afternoon, Alfresco Snack
The Waxing Hunter Moon Rising Above Scott Farm at Twilight
Photographs and Text ⓒ Michaela Medina/The Gardener’s Eden. All photos, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions) are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Thank you!
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The Sugar Moon: A Maple Syrup Cocktail to Celebrate the End of Winter & March’s Full Moon at Perigee
With the full moon at perigee, Winter’s end and Spring’s beginning, it seems there’s plenty to celebrate this weekend. Last night —eager for a preview of tonight’s celestial events— I took a tour of the local Connecticut River Valley, seeking a spot to watch the big moon rising. I wasn’t disappointed. With the sky still blue and clear, La Luna rose proud and full on the horizon. What a spectacular dress rehearsal. And tonight —with beautifully clear conditions in Vermont— I am looking forward to bundling up and taking my front row seat on the terrace here at home.
Moonrise is at 7:23 pm ET tonight, and as the glowing orb inches over the horizon, objects in the foreground will have a tendency to magnify her already super-sized appearance (click here for an article explaining tonight’s “super-moon” at perigee from Space.com). With the silhouetted maple trees —swollen buds on full view— for inspiration, I decided to concoct a special end-of-winter/super-full-moon, cocktail. And at this moment of seasonal transition*, it seemed only natural to combine the sweet flavor of locally produced maple syrup with the earthy, warm taste of bourbon; creating a special, celebratory drink. Meyer lemon adds a perfect floral note to this delicious, golden cocktail, and offers the slightest hint of sour to contrast with maple’s rich sweetness.
So enjoy the evening, whatever your pleasure. And wherever you may be, I hope the skies are clear and the moon is bright and the new season brings you health and happiness
Cheers! xo Michaela
*The Vernal Equinox will occur at 7:21 pm ET tomorrow, March 20th (23:21 UT), making today the last full day of Winter in North America.
The Full Moon Over Budding Trees
The Sugar Moon Cocktail
Ingredients
(makes one cocktail)
2 Ounces of Bourbon
1 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Meyer Lemon Juice
1 Ounce Grade A Vermont Maple Syrup (+/- for sweetness)
Lemon peel for garnish
Method
Pour maple syrup, bourbon and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, shake, shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a bit of sliced lemon peel (or a twist).
Toast as the Full Moon Rises
Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Lenten Moon, Crow Moon or Worm Moon. Call it What You Will… This One is Sure to be Super!
The Sugar Moon cocktail is an original variation of an old, New England classic known as the ‘Maple Leaf’
Article and photographs (with noted exception) copyright 2010, Michaela at The Gardener’s Eden. All rights reserved. All content on this site, (with noted exceptions), is the property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be used or reproduced without written consent.
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Article and photos are ⓒ Michaela at The Gardener’s Eden
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September 22nd, 2010 § Comments Off on A Toast to the Last Day of Summer: Greeting the Autumnal Equinox with Spiced, Heirloom Apple Cider Martinis… § permalink
Spiced Apple Cider Martini with Dolgo Crab Apple and Cinnamon Stick Garnish
Farewell to summer! The autumnal equinox will occur at 3:09 am UTC (GMT) on September 23rd this year. So —depending upon where you live—autumn will officially begin sometime this evening, September 22nd, or in the wee hours of September 23rd. Here in New England, fall will begin at 11:09 PM EDT. Coincidentally, the Harvest Moon will be full tomorrow, on the first day of autumn. Yesterday evening, I caught the beautiful, glowing orb, just as it rose –nearly full— above the treetops at twilight. Oh, what a beauty…
The Nearly-Full, Harvest Moon…
As if in anticipation of a grand, autumn party, the northeastern fields and forests have already begun to change into traditional fall costume, greeting the equinox with the all the rich hues and glorious textures of the season. Fall truly is my favorite time of the year, but it always seems to pass too quickly. So, I try to soak up as much natural beauty as I can, taking daily walks through local fields and forests, and my own woodland trails here at Ferncliff. Below are some highlights from sunset strolls this week…
Colorful Maple Leaf on the Forest Floor
A Bleached Hayscented Fern in Late Afternoon Light
A Colorful Ash Seedling
Maple Leaves in a Natural Pool
A Meadow of Native Bluestem
I began my week with a visit to Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont (see my post about this beautiful Vermont orchard by clicking here). In anticipation of the autumnal equinox, I decided to pick up some heirloom apple cider, and create spiced-apple martinis; the perfect cocktail to celebrate autumn’s arrival. Heirloom apples have such delightful colors, textures and flavors; ranging in hue from light gold to deepest violet and varying in taste from tartest-of-tart to honey-sweet. A walk through an old orchard is one of the greatest early autumn pleasures I know…
Apple Orchard – Scott Farm, Dummerston, Vermont
The Orchard at Scott Farm
Zeke Goodband’s Heirloom Apple Cider, Lemon and Warm Spices
Zeke Goodband’s apple cider is the best I have ever tasted, and it makes the most delicious base for an autumnal twist on the traditional apple-martini. The golden color of this cocktail is beautifully enhanced by the addition of a pretty, ruby-red, heirloom Dolgo crabapple garnish. Of course, if Dolgo crabapples are nowhere to be found, any tiny red apple —or slice dipped in lemon juice— will do. But, if you prefer a non-alcholic drink, travel back to my post on hot mulled apple cider, another delicious way to enjoy this fruit of the season!
Enjoy the last, golden hours of summer, and the beautiful season of autumn yet to come…
Cheers!
Spiced Heirloom Apple Cider Martini
Ingredients for 2 Cocktails (multiply or divide to suit):
4 ounces heirloom apple cider
4 ounces excellent quality, ice-cold vodka
2 ounces excellent quality brandy (apple brandy if you like)
Place all ingredients in a jar and cover.* Shake well to mix before serving. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Shake and pour into 2 chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a crab apple (or slice of apple) and a cinnamon stick. Serve.
*The basic cocktail may be mixed a few hours ahead (in a large jar) if serving cocktails at a party. Keep well chilled and shake cocktails in ice individually before serving.
Spiced Heirloom Apple Martini
The last, golden days of summer – A meadow of native bluestem
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April’s full moon is traditionally referred to as the Pink Moon. Indeed, cerise does seem to be the color of the month, with the flowers of wild ground phlox, (sometimes called moss phlox), viburnum, cherry and apple blossoms and countless other blossoms coloring the landscape and scenting the air. Although this month’s full moon reached its peak last night, the glowing orb will still appear quite round when it rises again this evening. In honor of April’s Pink Moon, (a seasonal marker I eagerly anticipate), I have put together some photos from the month of April, (special thanks to Tim Geiss for his beautiful contributions, as noted), and a special Nick Drake video I found on YouTube. I love Nick Drake’s music, and his song ‘Pink Moon’ has always been one of my favorites…
Article and photographs are copyright 2010, Michaela at TGE and copyright 2010 Tim Geiss, (exceptions noted). All content on this site, (with noted exceptions), is the property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be used or reproduced without prior written consent. Inspired by something you see here? Great! Please give credit where credit is due. It’s a small world and link-love makes for fond friendships. Stealing makes for bad dreams…
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Watching the full moon rise is something of a ritual for me. I note the waxing and waning lunar cycle on my calendar and I pay close attention to the forecast as the moon grows full. Lunar myths and legends have always fascinated me, and I usually to refer to the monthly moon by its name. Although April’s Pink Moon and Autumn’s Harvest Moon tend to be my favorites, I am also quite fond of January’s full, Wolf Moon. When the weather is clear in mid-winter, as it has been for the past few days, evenings in Vermont can be spectacularly beautiful. Sub zero temperatures may be difficult to bear, but they also create some amazing atmospheric conditions. With a warm bowl of soup and a dramatic celestial show on the horizon, I’ve come to embrace and even enjoy my cold nights on the mountain…
January’s Full Wolf Moon
Dried Grass and Staghorn Sumac on a late afternoon in January
Cinnamon colored remnants in sparkling snow at sunset
Creamy Garlic and Potato Soup with Fresh Herbs
(makes approximately 4 quarts of soup)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup garlic cloves, (about 12 cloves), peeled and chopped to a paste in a food processor
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 cups vegetable stock or chicken broth
2 cups milk (2% or whole, as you prefer)
1 cup of heavy cream (optional – you may sub all 2% milk for low fat diets)
6 cups peeled and cubed yukon gold potatoes
4 whole, fresh sage leaves, (plus extra for garnish)
2 whole bay leaves
2 tsp fresh chopped thyme, (plus extra for garnish)
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
Directions:
Heat oil in a large stock/soup pot over low heat. Add the garlic paste and carefully cook until the paste begins to turn gold, stirring constantly. Add in the vegetable/chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat, add herbs and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer for 20-30 more minutes.
Scoop out the bay and sage leaves, and carefully pour batches of the hot soup into a blender, (do not overfill the blender!). Puree each batch until smooth and return to the saucepan. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes. Add milk and cream and simmer for another 20 – 30 minutes.
Pour the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh thyme and sage leaves. Serve with a side of fresh, crusty bread.
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The Sap Moon Rising Above Paper Birch and Snow-Covered Hills in Vermont
