After planting and pruning, water tree thoroughly and give it a pailful of water every week during spring and summer months, except when it rains. Use a little less water then but equivalent to pailful. To keep moisture around your tree and keep weeds from growing, spread a mulch of ground bark or wood chips about 3-4 inches deep around trunk, with a shallow moat of earth made to hold water until it is absorbed. If you follow a few precautionary planting tips such as those above, you will be far ahead in your quest for healthy plants and abundant harvests.

So get ready for those apple, cherry, or pear dessert ideas. Enjoy! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

AMAZING FRUIT SALAD

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 pint fresh hulled strawberries or raspberries 2-1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

2 cups seeded watermelon chunks

2 bananas, sliced 1/2”

2 tbs. lemon juice

2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained 2 pkgs. (3 ozs. each) cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1-1/2 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

1/4 tsp. grated lime peel

Toss bananas and lemon juice to keep from browning. Place in a glass bowl. In a layering effect, place pineapple, blueberries, one half of strawberries, oranges, kiwifruit, watermelon, and remaining strawberries/or raspberries. In a bowl, with a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar slowly and continue beating. Add lime juice and incorporate, then lime peel. Lower speed, and add one-half of whipped cream. Mix until blended. Lower speed again, and add remaining whipped cream. Pour dressing over fruit allowing it to drizzle inside bowl. Chill for at least 1 hr.(br> *****

If you decide to grill hamburgers and assorted sausages serve your condiments in hollowed out red and white bell peppers. Serve sugar cookies that have been cut into star shapes and sprinkly with red/white/blue sugar. You have a meal that everyone will truly enjoy.

*****

If your family is geared toward seafood, try grilling swordfish steaks. Grill vegetable packets of eggplant, zucchini, and red bell peppers alongside swordfish. Serve fresh blueberries and strawberries that are sprinkled lighted with sugar for dessert. *****

For added treats, serve cherry tomatoes instead of tomato slices, cucumber sticks, and assorted melon balls. Your favorite potato salad recipes adds to your meal, as well as a pretty plate of deviled eggs. Brownies, vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce, or even wedges of a moist chocolate layer cake will end your meal in a grand way. *****

Enjoy Memorial Day Holiday and have fun with family and friends. Enjoy!

Oh, by way, when did you say dinner is being served? ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May