Happy May Day

I hope wherever you are this first day of May has a spring-like quality to it.

Speaking of “days”, www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/May.html reports that the 2nd week in May is Wildflower Week. I love it, since at least in the East where I live, this is the height of the wildflower season.

Many years ago, I decided to go on a Wildflower Hunt. In a period of 6 weeks (from the last week in April through the first week in June) I visited over 20 Connecticut State Parks, Preserves and Nature Centers searching for the elusive and mysterious wildflower. And, it was during this 2nd week in May that I found the most wildflowers, all on a one-half mile trail. The surprising number of 35 was thanks to the two friends who accompanied me, along with their three wildflower guidebooks.

This amazing place is The Botany Trail at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust in Woodbury, Connecticut. Here is what I say about the Botany Trail in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket:

“This hunt also appeals to novices in the group. In fact, anyone who enjoys a spring walk will savor every step along the one-half mile woodland trail interspersed with a pond, streams, and open meadow. Wildflowers are everywhere, from the common phlox and violets adorning the edge of the trail to the pink lady slippers hiding in thickly-wooded areas and wild columbine flourishing near shaded rocks. Indeed, at every turn there is startling evidence of both the bounty and beauty of this nature center. My personal favorite is a cluster of painted trillium, the tip of each perfect white petal delicately brushed with a palette of pale pinks. What an exquisite contrast to the monochromatic woods and stone fence sharing this space.”

Another favorite of mine is Connecticut College Arboretum Native Plant Collection in New London, Connecticut, for two reasons. First, the variety is large but the hunt is easy due to the identification markers along the boardwalk trail, and second, because the 25-acre collection of trees and shrubs in addition to wildflowers makes this a destination suitable for all seasons. By the way, May 16th is Love a Tree Day and I can’t think of a better place to find a tree to hug.

Although I didn’t have any youngsters with me I have often thought this would be a wonderful way to introduce them to wildflowers. They will love getting into the "hunt” using a color-coordinated wildflower identification book to identify a blossom they found. This is a fun, no-cost outing that parents and children can enjoy together.

Events and Food Talk

I hope everyone is taking advantage of the summer-like weather this weekend and spending time outdoors, preferably with a picnic. Although my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket, is all about combining a picnic with a day trip, or event, picnics do not always have to be lengthy or complicated.

Yesterday, I had chores that mostly kept me inside, but I knew I couldn't let the day go by without getting outdoors, so at lunch time I walked to a nearby luncheonette, ordered a sandwich and ate outside at a nearby picnic table with a view of several different flowering shrubs and trees. It was a perfect break in my busy day.

Occasionally, I surf the web to see what I can find on Events and Food, and this time, I have an event for both April and May.

http://www.foodreference.com/ is a website for food facts, fun, festivals and more. Under Food History for April, one of the featured foods is pecans, so I decided to share one of the most popular recipes in my book, Loaded Oatmeal Cookies, with pecans of course, and other surprises. It can be found on my website, http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/ by clicking "What's in our Picnic Basket" and scrolling down to Featured Recipe.

May's event is from Chase's Calendar of Events, a book I enjoy perusing at the library on occasion. The first full week each year is National Wildflower Week, "a week to encourage the observation, cultivation and study of native wildflowers as a means of deepening humankind's relationship, responsibility and commitment to protect and care for the ecological integrity of Mother Earth."

Coincidentally, I just wrote about this favorite past time in my last blog on April 3rd. Check it out and plan your own spring wildflower hunt, either at one of the sites I mention, or at a park or nature center near you.

Ah, the joy of spring in Connecticut!