Peas and Fava Beans

Ah....springtime!

Rain pours from the skies, peas blooming in pinks, purples and blues, life is abundant!

I'd like to share a fantastic springtime recipe with you from Jamie Oliver's, Jamie at Home.

 Smashed Peas and Fava Beans on Toast. 

You simply must try it! The flavors, or maybe I should say, flavours, are just too perfect! The lightly dressed pea shoots, freshly snipped from the garden, delicate flavor and texture of the fresh mozzarella and smashed peas and favas is perfectly balanced. Eating fresh from the garden and seasonally from the market is golden!

Pigeonnier

I've recently learned of a really cool architectural structure - a Pigeonnier. Traditionally used in France during the 17th and 18th centuries as a Pigeon House among the wealthy. The buildings are tall, narrow and open on the bottom to allow the Pigeon droppings to fall to the ground where they can be gathered and used to fertilize the garden....pretty darn cool, huh?!

A current client learned of Pigeonniers, organized a tour for herself in New Orleans to learn more about them. She absolutely fell in love with them and their potential in her new garden. She intends to have one built in her garden where she'll listen to and watch the winter rain, escape the summer sun and enjoy a cocktail. Here's a picture of a Pigeionnier from an article in the Old House Journal.