Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1500237
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 MAY 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 868. Sicilian Snapdragon THE Sicilian snapdragon (M. papoċċi bojod) is one of those plants that flower virtually all year round. But spring still has that je ne sais quoi that makes them bloom more vigorously. The Sicilian snap- dragon grows happiest on near-vertical surfaces – like rubble walls – with plenty of cracks where soil can collect and where the plant can lodge its roots. Despite the foreign name, the plant is just as native to Malta as it is to Sicily – indeed, until recently, the species was ac- tually endemic to just these two islands (it has since spread to other regions). As for the Maltese name, we all know the "papoċċi" con- nection: that big lower petal bears more than a passing resemblace to a comfy-looking, velvety, pale yellow house-slipper. Join our sustainable cooking class in June! Want to learn how to make a killer humus? Curious about the secrets of a falafel? Discover the joys of vegetarian cooking with Chef Martin Viera. Dive into the world of mezzes which you can easily replicate at home, this workshop will develop your vegetarian cooking options. Martin Viera discovered that vegetarian food could be delicious in In- dia over 10 years ago. Since then, he has patiently learned the secrets of vegetarian home cooking, exploring the cuisines of India, the middle East and other regions. Although he's not classically trained, Martin has delighted friends and family with his cooking and is always looking to improve his recipes. During the cooking session, Chef Martin will guide you through the steps of making Lebanese tabbouleh, chickpea hum- mus, beetroot hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, tzatziki & garlic yoghurt with carrots. The workshop will be followed by a dinner al fresco at our Floriana garden. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the sunset and meet new people as well! Victor Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 756: https://foemalta.org/event/sustainable-cooking-class/. Donations will cover the cost of the food. Registration closed by 2nd June 2023. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Opera in the City - The Three Tenors 28 June Place: St. George's Square, Republic Street Opera in the City – The Three Tenors is an evening of world- famous operatic tunes. This is the third concert in the series, following the great success of the first two editions. An annual event in the Valletta Cultural Agency's programme, with the participation of three Maltese tenors of international fame, Nico Darmanin, Cliff Zammit Stevens and Alan Sciberras. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Essence Of India - Dance Show 3 June Place: St Agatha's Auditorium, Rabat Essence Of India - Is a dance performance which is totally inspired by the exotic country of India. All the choreography is inspired by different aspects relating to India, such as its religions, food, fauna and flora. The performance promises to be a colourful spectacle of different genre of music and dance , Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Commercial, Hip Hop and Classical Ballet. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK The Eurovision Song Contest generated nearly £20m in extra revenue for a retail complex. Liverpool One said it saw an additional spend of £19.9m in comparison with the same period in 2022, a rise it said of 23%. Sam Smith has cancelled upcoming concerts in Birmingham and Glasgow on doctors' advice, after having to stop Wednesday's Manchester gig just four songs in due to "a vocal cord injury". A spokesperson for the "heartbroken" star, 31, said on Instagram that medics recommended a "complete vocal rest". Footfall increased by 31.5% with an estimated 680,000 visits to the complex between 7 May and 13 May. "If they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice," they explained. "If they take some rest, they will be able to perform again."