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May 15, 2014
     
Out on a Limb
....the birds of the air can perch in its shade. Mark 4: 30-32 

The Mustard Seed


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This newsletter has some growing techniques and a recipe for Basil. Basil is one of many herbs that is so easy to grow that it can be grown in a pot on your patio, deck, or near a sunny window, in a window box, or in your garden, whichever suits your needs best! I always like growing it near the kitchen so I can pluck off the leaves to add to my favorite dishes. Most people think of Basil in regard to making pesto, but it spices up any dish, so try it in an omelet, your favorite pasta, or even minced and sprinkled on potatoes or meat.

 

When I use herbs like Basil, I can't help but think about our faith. Like our faith, a little Basil can make a big difference, adding not just a pleasant aroma, but also bringing out the full flavor of your food (or life :-) In Matthew 5:13, Jesus compares our faith to salt, indicating that it must be fresh and alive in order to make a difference. In Matthew 5:14, He continues on, saying that our faith is not just like a spice, but it is also like light, the light of the world. When I think of light, I recognize that where there is light, there cannot be darkness, the light dispels the darkness and erases the shadows. When my sin is exposed to the light, I must face it and deal with it, which is always for my good and God's glory!

 

So, as you try out some new recipes and mix in some Basil or other spices, reflect on your spiritual life: Are you a pleasant aroma to others? Do you add flavor and spice to other's lives, improving them and making their lives better? If you are a believer, is the light of Christ emanating from you or is it hidden? Unfortunately, as I reflect on these same questions, I recognize I am a work in progress, with lots of work to do and not as much progress as I would like. Often, I tend to be selfish, focused on me rather than the Lord. Jesus finishes His thought on salt and light in Matthew 5:16 by gently reminding us that our lives are about Him, not ourselves..."In the same way, 
let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and 
praise your Father in heaven."

 

Oh may it be so!!!
 
Carpe Diem for Christ,
Mark Halla
Steward

 

  

Basil 101
 
Its highly fragrant leaves are used as a seasoning herb for a variety of foods but has become ever popular as the main ingredient in pesto.
 
Have you been looking for a way to better the taste and increase the health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of basil! Basil is an excellent source of vitamin A and magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by encouraging muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To:

Grow Your Own Basil

Care should be taken not to plant basil outdoors until after the last spring frost has passed. It prefers full sunlight (6+ hours a day of direct light) and a warm climate, meaning more than 70 °F (21 °C) during the day and no colder than 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The herb should be planted in soil that drains well. It does best in soil that is combined with compost.

Basil seeds should be sown thinly and covered with approximately a quarter-inch (0.5 cm) of compost or fine soil. Keep the soil moist and free from weeds. 

(www.growing-basil.org)







 (click above for the website)

 

2 oz. butter

 2 tblspoon olive oil

 1 bunch basil leaves (generous handful)

 1 bunch parsley

 2 cloves garlic

 1 whole green onion

 2 pinches of salt to taste

 1 pinch pepper to taste

 1 loaf Ciabatta or french bread

 1-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(up to 2 cups)

 

 

Preparation Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the bread and cheese, in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cut open the loaf of bread and spread both halves with the basil butter. 
3. Put the halves together and wrap in aluminum foil. 
4. Bake for in a 400ºF oven for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the bread, separate the halves and load them up with Parmesan cheese. Return them to the oven and either crank up the heat to 500ºF or put them under the broiler.

6. Cook until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get brown. Serve! 

 

by: kitchenlovenest on www.tastykitchen.com
 
The Buzz 
 
Herbs are great to mix in with annuals
for texture, color and aroma!

 

Upcoming Classes:
 
FREE Gardening with Earthworms class with 
The Worm Farms of Minnesota!
Date: May 24, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN
 
Join us on Saturday, May 24th, for our Free Gardening with Earthworms class with The Worm Farms of Minnesota! The Worm Farms of Minnesota will be sharing the benefits of incorporating Earthworm castings into your garden. 
Walk-ins are welcome.
 
 
RSVP to our events on Facebook and invite your friends! 

 

 

 

 

 

The Crew 

 

Have you ever thought of

planting herbs in with 

your shrubs?

 

Our designers offer a creative flair that tailors your 

landscape to your needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Want to Order Your Plants Online?

We have partnered with Monrovia Nursery

and now you can order your plants online

and pick them up at The Mustard Seed!


Click here to see how it works.

 

 

Staff Profile
Name: Caroline Mayer

Family Info: My parents; Ann and Andy, one older sister, one younger brother, Chloe the dog, and my second family in Colorado: Aunt Sarah, Uncle Mike, Sophie and Stella.

Position With Company: Office and Garden Center Manager

Hobbies: Snowboarding, sketching, running, eating, napping, water sports

Food: I loveee pineapple

Goal This Year:  To fulfill 100 hours as a tattoo artist apprentice 

 

 

 

 

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The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center 

6055 Hwy 212, Chaska, MN  55318
952-361-9954
The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center at Halla Nursery
10,000 Great Plains Blvd.
(Pioneer Trail & Hwy 101, Chanhassen)  
952-445-6555  
www.TheMustardSeedInc.com

Seasonal Hours:
M-F 9-8 p.m.
Sat. 8-5 p.m. 
Sun. 11-4 p.m.

 

  

 

 

__________"Rooted in integrity and founded on faith..."__________