Summer PASTA SALAD

By Thais Gonzalez

The magic that I find about pasta salad is the versatility. You can practically add many different ingredients that we always have available for the most part. If you feel like adding meat; ham, pepperoni, shredded chicken it will do. If you feel like adding vegetables; chopped carrots, zucchini, sweet peas, etc will be fine. Take the time to prepare this pasta which is very appropriate for the spring and summer times and be as creative as you would like it.

• 1 pound elbow, tricolor rotini or bow ties pasta.

• Salt and pepper.

• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil.

• 3 chopped tomatoes.

• 1/2 cup of black olives.

• 2 tbsp. lemon juice.

• 1 large avocado cut into thin slices and sprinkle with lemon juice.

• 8 ounces mini mozzarella cheese balls.

• Extra basil to garnish salad.

• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar.

• 1 tsp. sugar.

• 1 tsp. classic yellow mustard.

• Pinch of salt and pepper.

• Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl. Prepare pasta following instructions from the package, Mix the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olives, chopped fresh basil and avocado. Arrange on a serving plate. Toss the pasta and add dressing. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

By Christine OliveTallahassee

Who could ask for anything more? Zinnias are proven performers with beautifully bold blooms that go all season long, adding eye-catching color to potted containers and indoor arrangements alike.

During summertime, children are out of school and the sun is shining brightly. The warmer weather is perfect for wearing short sleeve shirts and enjoying outdoor activities. However, it can get hot and shade provided by patios or trees is often preferred. During this season, an ice-cold lemonade is a refreshing drink and the sun provides the opportunity to get a tan. Additionally, the scent of sunscreen reminds us of the vacation season.

Even though spending time outside may not be as appealing due to the heat, it is still possible to maintain a beautiful landscape. Potted containers are an excellent way to showcase a variety of seasonal plants with minimal effort.

In the summer season, potted plants are an excellent way to add color and fragrance to your garden. You can use them to create beautiful arrangements for your indoor spaces as well. We have compiled a list of favorite plants that are perfect for outdoor containers and can be snipped and used in vases or dishes to bring their vibrant colors and fragrances inside. These summer staples transition seamlessly from outdoor to indoor environments, making them a versatile addition to your gardening collection.

Whether you’re in the market for a set of glazed containers, a fresh assortment of blooms for your pots, or would like a custom container designed just for you by our onsite designers, Tallahassee Nurseries has everything you need to make your summertime blooms a success.

Grab a wine slushy, stroll under the shade canopies of decadesold oaks, and soak in summer!

Blooming spring through fall, Angelonia adds bold, vertical interest in containers with its upright stems of lavender, pink, white and purple hues. In floral arrangements, it does the same!

Classic and timeless, you can’t go wrong with having lavender outdoors or in! In containers, it provides a tall, whimsical element; indoors, it provides a beautiful purple hue and wonderful fragrance.

An easy-to-grow, long-lasting herb that adds texture to sunny containers before being picked for use in the kitchen. Rosemary is wonderful added to poultry, steak & fish dishes, and has a lovely, earthy aroma.