Springtime in Lancaster County

It seemed like Spring would never arrive this year. It was cold and rainy for too long for those of us who like the cool Spring breezes. But it finally came and in no time everything seemed to be catching up…..and it seems like everything is bursting into full bloom. First it was the daffodils and tulips to pop up to convince us that Spring really was coming. Then the flowering trees, next the lilacs and the iris and peonies, and now the mock orange bush is showing its colors and the Korean dogwood is ablaze with blooms. Many of the perennials are starting to mature and come into bloom as well as the gorgeous red poppies that are so graceful as they sway in the breeze.

The veggie garden is also producing with lettuce for cutting, the asparagus has been put away in the freezer – the fresh cuttings were great grilled with some parmesan cheese on top. The hulled peas are being harvested now and the succulent snap peas are ready for a tasty meal.

The weather has warmed up quite a bit so it’s an ideal time to sit in the gardens to take in all the beauty or to sleep away in the hammock underneath the shade of the trees. It might also be a good time to have some rhubarb punch available to quench your thirst on these warmer days. It’s so easy to make, so I will include it here for you to give it a try.

RHUBARB-LEMONADE PUNCH                                                

3 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
½ cup sugar
6-ounce can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
3 cups water
16-ounce bottle lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled

In saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, lemonade concentrate, and water. Cover and cook about 10 minutes or till rhubarb is very soft. Strain to remove pulp; chill the syrup. Just before serving, pour rhubarb syrup over ice cubes in punch bowl. Carefully pour in carbonated beverage. Makes 6 cups.

We have 40 Authentic Bed and Breakfast properties here in Lancaster County that would be happy to help you find local farm markets where you could purchase some good fresh produce to take along back to your home. Buy fresh – buy local is a good way of getting nutritional products into your diet. Give us a call at 800-552-2632 or visit us at www.authenticbandb.com to choose a bed and breakfast here in Amish country and enjoy our scenic landscapes.


Posted by Ruth at  Flowers and Thyme Bed and Breakfast