A unique hibiscus blooms in Kona.

Zucchini is among the most prolific of summer vegetables, in large part because it’s so easy for even beginner gardeners to grow. It’s especially popular here in Pittsburgh, where thin, fried ribbons of the thin-skinned squash served with a side of marinara sauce made its tasty debut in the 1950s, and is now considered a classic appetizer in red sauce Italian restaurants.

Ripe tomatoes are in season. Here’s an easy way to use them. To keep their fresh flavor, the tomatoes are not cooked. Their juice and seeds are blended into a sauce and mixed with mayonnaise. The remaining tomato pulp is cut into cubes and added to the sauce.

One of the best ways to build flavor is layering, or using one ingredient in two ways or at different stages of cooking. Using the zest of a lemon in cake batter, for instance, while using the juice in a citrusy glaze.

White coral lines a path through a lava field.

of 7.0 is considered neutral. Anything lower indicates acidic soil; higher, alkaline.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a butterfly. My money says the fluttering insect you’re envisioning has black-veined, reddish-orange wings outlined with white specks — the iconic attributes of our beloved American monarch butterfly.

Have you ever heard the saying, “you either love it or hate it, there is no in between”? People usually use the phrase when talking about something unconventional or controversial they adore (or loathe). While I believe things are rarely black and white (we all know I need more shades than that), I know I’ve used this “warning” while trying to get my friends and family to try out some of my favorite things, for example, the humble circus peanut candies (if you know, you know). It is a way to acknowledge that a taste or trend is not for everyone, and that passion is expected and even welcomed. Life would be boring if we all loved the same things!

A sign from Kainaliu’s earlier days remains today.

Let’s admit it, the world is getting hotter and this affects our island gardens. Hawaiian landscapes certainly have enough lava rock but may be lacking in water elements like streams, ponds, lakes and ocean frontage. In many other parts of the world, rock and water elements are used in the landscape to create a natural feeling and add interest to the design. Balinese gardens usually include not only naturalistic forms, but often, sculptured elements as well. In Japan the stone water basins that stand outside the teahouses are an example of rock and water used on a small scale. In almost any garden, the gentle sound and sight of water running over cool stones is refreshing.

A reef manta ray hovers over a cleaning station in Keauhou Bay.

A cardinal snacks on a sunflower in the Kona Palisades.

The last light of the day is seen over the horizon from Makalawena Beach.

A colorful pink quill bromeliad grows on a log.

Ice cream is the best of desserts any time of year, but it really hits the spot on a warm and balmy summer evening.

NEW YORK — If Paul Hollywood needed any evidence that he and “The Great British Bake Off” have become pop culture icons, he just needs to turn on Netflix.

Just back from a trip to Chile, where I was introduced to several delicious quinoa salads. It was a surprise to learn there are hundreds of different types of quinoas. The most common ones are white, red and black. With these flavors in mind, I created a quick vegetarian salad for a summer dinner.

Paul Hollywood uses bread flour in his scones, which might seem surprising, but it’s a popular choice in professional kitchens because the high protein content gives the scones a boost. This recipe is tried and tested over many years and he says he’s never had any complaints. The Queen Mother said they were the best scones she’d ever tasted, he says. Just a couple of things to bear in mind: Don’t overwork the dough — you want it nice and light. And don’t twist the cutter when you lift it off or they won’t rise properly in the oven.