When Weeds Whisper

The pleasure of your company....

2011-11-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

....is cordially requested at a Launch Party for How David Met Sarah on
Friday, December 9, 2011, at 7:00 PM at the Phoenix Rising Arts Collective in Thomaston, CT, at 135 South Main Street in the old Seth Thomas factory building. We hope you will come and celebrate with us! Meet the "real" David, have your book signed, see amazing exhibits by local artists, and nibble on delicious holiday treats supplied by Passiflora Tea Shop.

Urtica dioica radix - Nettles Root

2011-10-23T11:38:00.001-04:00

It's autumn in my little corner of the world and that means it's root-digging season. With this help of friend Sheena I was able to, among other things, start a jar of Urtica dioica radix (Nettle root) tincture.

I've not yet worked with this root, so I'm not in a space where I can share much about my experience with it, short of digging the roots. It didn't take long to get to know this part of the plant. I have an intimate and loving relationship with the aerial part of the plant, but the roots are new to me and I'm already glad that we've met.

Once the lovely, pale roots were cleaned, I quickly learned that chopping them up was best left to the kitchen sheers. Clearly, this is one tough cookie.

My reason for wanting to play with this medicinal rests in its affinity for men's health, specifically to prostate health. I love the men in my life, and if the aerial parts of this plant offer any clue to the actions of the rooted parts, I suspect they will love the men in my life also.

~ rose

Sweet Solidago

2011-09-07T08:58:00.002-04:00

It's been such a busy summer. In fact, it perplexes me to consider that autumn's full arrival is only weeks away. I've been busy growing food, eating food and preserving food. And, in my world, food includes herbs. I dry … ferment … can … freeze … infuse in vinegar, oil, alcohol and honey …

Speaking of honey, I was recently guided to make a small batch of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) infused honey. This is a first for me, and I'm sensing it will come in handy in the coming months for something renal or respiratory related, for lungs or kidneys that crave a little toning sweetness … or (and this really resonates for me) to soothe and comfort the heart-center as we journey into the heart of darkness toward and into the season of winter.

Whether we use her botanical or common name, she speaks of the sun.

Solidago expresses sol (sun) and dago (dagger), the dagger of the sun … that cuts through haze, mists, fogs and the deepest darknesses … all the while allowing shadows to emerge with clarity and crispness, forms in which we may nurture sustaining and loving relationships with them, for they are a loving part of us. Goldenrod, which blooms with summer's waning, expresses the staff that we may carry into the west, to steady our footing and offer golden light and warmth as we head into the solitary cold and darkness of winter's realm.

To make a infused honey is, like so much of herbal Medicine (the people's Medicine), so simple. Fill a jar with your herb of choice, cover with a nice local, raw honey, cap and label with contents and date. You can place the jar on a high shelf, out of direct sunlight and forget about it until you have a need to remember. Strain it and use it at will. I often process my jars in a dehydrator, giving them a several hours at a low (110F) temperature over the course of several days. Some folks process their herb and honey in a crock pot on the low setting for a few days. As I say to my students, this is not rocket science … trust your guidance, your intuition … trust your experience … and have fun.

~rose

This may be of interest ...

2011-08-14T08:53:00.002-04:00

...to readers of this blog. I have a new blog called Hecate's Gate. It's a chronicle of my journey into menopause and hopefully, well beyond :). I'll be talking about weeds and other green energies and hope you might have an interest in checking it out. Hope to see you there :)....Annie

they say, "eat me, eat me."

2011-06-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

At least that's what the ones I've been listening to have been saying to me. Recently, you might say I was guided to take a closer look at how I've been feeding myself. I realized that, especially given the hit I've taken to my heart chakra, I could be eating a whole lot more green food.

So I've added greens - fresh greens - to every meal, including breakfast. And I don't have words enough to tell you how much better I feel.

Weeds I've Heard From...

2011-05-25T12:56:00.000-04:00

I haven't been doing much writing or reading lately: what I have been doing a lot of is weeding....weeding and rambling.

Weeding is a good way to do nothing as long as I don't care how many weeds are still left when I'm done. And on my ramble this morning, I saw wild phlox, buttercups, honeysuckle, ragged robin and forget-me-nots.

Garden Update

2011-05-23T10:56:00.003-04:00

I haven't been raptured. I'm okay with that. I just planted a garden. I'd like to see it through.

The tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, and eggplant are all doing fine in their pots. I transplanted thyme, oregano, parsley, and lovage into some of the tomato pots, and they seem to be liking their new homes. Kale, broccoli, cabbage, garlic chives, and red onions are all looking great in the raised bed. The L-shaped vegetable bed is quiet except for the pumpkin and loofah transplants.

Then there are the direct sown seeds. The snow peas were the first to poke through the surface. Yesterday, I noticed there were also radishes of the French Breakfast variety, kohlrabi, and chioggia beets sprouting. With this week of thunderstorms, I had some fears that some of the seeds would get washed away. I was dumping excess water out of pots, and checking the beds daily. Today, there are Scarlet Globe radish, Black Spanish radish, Sylvetta arugula, golden chicory, and Amish snap pea raising up little leaves.

A neighbor noticed me and called out a good morning. He asked me how we built the bed. He wants to build his own.

The bed is about 36' long. It's 5' wide for half of it, and 3' wide for the other half. This is because of the fence the bed is against - the raised bed fits the shape of the fence.

Beds are generally 4' wide to make it easy for you to reach in for sowing, weeding, harvesting, staking, etc. We used untreated wood for the bed (chemically treated wood is a bad idea for a vegetable garden). It's pretty easy to take a drill and secure wood together at the ends. You can get four 8' long pieces of 2" x 10", cut two of the pieces in half, and have a 4' x 8' vegetable bed. Instead of going through the back-breaking work of turning over sod, lay down layers of newspaper. Once the soil is put in, everything growing underneath it will die.

For soil, I used GreenCycle. They delivered a mix of organic topsoil and compost to my driveway. We then hauled it all over, using tarps, to the beds. It was hard work, but I had some wonderful friends helping me out.

Pictures coming soon.

2011-05-16T10:53:00.003-04:00

It finally happened - my dirt arrived.

Four yards of organic mixed topsoil and compost! Don't you just want to lay in it like a pile of leaves? ;)

First, I painted the bed.

Malai "helped." The pots are for tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, herbs, and dwarf sugar peas.

Then, with actual help of course, the bed was filled! Here there will grow cucumbers, okra, kohlrabi, lettuces, zucchini, onions, leeks, thai basil, spinach, radishes, and broccoli.

We had dirt leftover, so a whole new garden bed was created!

All those daylilies and other things near the foreground of the photo were up against the house. I moved them to the end of the fence and created an L-shaped vegetable bed. This is where the corn, pumpkin, loofah, beans, and peas are going. All that's needed now are some trellises!

It was a lot of work. Digging, painting, carrying, and planning. Couldn't have done it without the help of family and friends, so thank you to them. At the end of the day and after a shower, Lover and I settled into our couch not wanting to move again. Our chihuahua and Munchkin cat curled around us, and we held cups of hot gomaichu (a great tea with a woody, savory flavor). Worn, accomplished, clean, and sore, I felt completely content.

It's been a slow start, but next year will be better. Now that the beds are in, I can plant cool weather crops like brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) and peas early on. The onions, tomatoes, and peppers will get started with the grow-light and heat mats, and everything else will get put in as soon as the last frost pasts. Gardening....ahhhhh. Rejuvenating.

Dandelion Petals

2011-04-29T16:12:00.002-04:00

The dandelions are blooming. I nearly squeal with excitement when I see their sunny heads raised to the sky. I harvested a small bunch today and sat in the shade to lovingly pluck the petals. Now, I sometimes add these to pancakes and biscuits, sprinkle them on a salad or garnish a soup with them … but these ...

… these were bagged up and placed in the freezer. As the dandelions continue their blooming - and they will - I'll keep harvesting and adding to the freezer bag. When I have enough (whatever that turns out to be) I'll start a batch of dandelion wine, or liquid sunshine, as I like to call it.

They're beautiful, aren't they?

First books, and now seeds...

2011-04-17T22:03:00.000-04:00

Libraries. Quiet enclosures of knowledge, history, words, pictures, listening pleasure in the form of compact discs, and viewing pleasure in both DVD and VHS format. Who doesn't love a well-stocked library?

Now, catching on in various parts of the country, are seed-lending programs via libraries.

Fairfield Library is doing a seed-lending program. The idea is that you "borrow" heirloom seeds, sow 'n' grow, benefit from the veggies and green, and preserve seeds from the plants. In the fall, you bring the preserved seeds back and return them to the library. How cool is that?!?!

(toilet paper roll seeds)

The program is sponsored by the Fairfield Woods Branch Library and the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm. Funding for program is provided by the Fairfield Earth Day Committee. Seeds were donated by Bakers Creek and Comstock Seeds.

Hopefully this is a trend that will continue to catch on and spread to libraries everywhere. Here's to spreading the independent food movement.

More on First Harvests & Taraxicum

2011-04-14T09:49:00.003-04:00

I've been nibbling Taraxicum officinalis - dandelion greens for days now, and adding them to my salads too. Yesterday, between the rainfall, I harvested some spring roots that were growing in the garden paths.

This morning, to chase the chill out of my little hut, I scraped the roots clean and roasted them in the oven until they were good and dry (at 325F for as long as it took - I wasn't watching the time keeper). I do a snap test and often remove the thiner roots from the oven before the others. I usually have a jar of roasted roots tucked away somewhere in my little hut.

I ground some in my blender and decocted (simmered) them for a while (more than 20 minutes, less than a full hour - again, I wasn't watching the time). I strained the brew and sipped this divine beverage as I do my tea and coffee and bourbon - straight up, neat, nothing to hide or mask the essence of this delicious brew. Some folks like to add milk or cream, honey or sugar, just as they would for coffee or tea.

Some folks prefer an infusion, but I like the decoction.

Dandelion root is, among other things, a source of vitamin A, C and D, and some of the Bs too. It also offers up minerals like iron, potassium and zinc and is honored as an antioxidant and as a tonic to digestion and liver function. It is a bountiful and generous ally.

This is just one of the many ways that that dandelion offers its blessings to us. Try it sometime - in any season - it's yummy and good for you!

First Harvest

2011-04-14T07:15:00.000-04:00

On my ramble through the gardens, I noticed a few places where dandelions had the grace to grow. I can never find them in the lawns in time to actually eat them, so I was very happy to see some very green and tender leaves in places I could easily retrieve them.

So yesterday, I dug out my trusty trowel and went hunting for the first salad of spring. :)

Spring Rain

2011-04-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

I took a walk yesterday. All around the gardens, in between the raindrops, the first official spring assessment feels to me like visiting old friends you haven't seen in a while. The weather was so extreme this past winter, I was happy to see so much apparently has survived.

The crocuses, the hyacinths and the snowdrops are blooming. The silver willows have burst gold. In patches, the grass is turning emerald green, and the branches of the lilac are swelling with fat buds. The waterfall is foaming and Mr and Mrs Duck showed up exactly a month ago.

This spring has a particularly poignant edge to it. It's a week ago my father died. For years, my father wished he was well enough to travel, well enough to come and see the beautiful place where I live.

As I splashed through the puddles and inspected the beds and the bushes and the buds, I felt very strongly that this year, at last, he has.

It's Thyme

2011-04-12T09:34:00.000-04:00

Thyme for this blog to wake up!

To the listeners, those that contribute to the posts here - it's springtime! And the green world is raising her voice and begs for her wisdom to be shared.

So, let's share.

Thyme

2010-11-07T13:18:00.002-05:00

I brought my thyme plants inside for the winter. I have beautiful pots for them. I thought I could enjoy a little fresh herbs this winter. That is until Boo (our cat) discovered they were there. Apparently Boo finds the plants quite tasty.

Never Enough Garlic

2010-07-24T15:46:00.003-04:00

The garlic harvesting has begun in my little corner of the world, and I'm delighted. The only downside is that I really didn't plant as much as past years. But then again, even when I plant more - much more - it's still not as much as I would like. I mean - really … can you ever have too much garlic?

I still have a half pint of garlic honey I made last year. I only used it once during the winter, when I thought a cold was taking hold. I think I only took one or two spoons full on a single day and promptly forgot about the suspicious symptoms - because they vanished. I made the garlic honey by crushing fresh garlic, placing it in a glass jar, covering with good, local honey and simply let it sit an macerate for a few weeks. Actually, I probably put it in my dehydrator on low heat for a few hours each day for several days … but I can't remember. In any event, either method is perfectly respectable.

And, for the record, it's good on toast too. That's how I used the other half pint!

Nature Speaks ...

2010-06-16T16:45:00.002-04:00

... in such beautiful symbols.

New Moon in June ~ A Weed Walk

2010-06-13T10:06:00.005-04:00

Motherwort blossoms ...

... valerian blooms ...

... comfrey flowers ...

... cleavers bloom and seed ...

... elderberry buds ...

... black currant ripening ...

... red currant too ...

... blueberry making its way ...

... strawberry offerings ...

... potato buds ...

... egyptian onions.

CHA HerbFest 2010!

2010-05-12T11:00:00.004-04:00

Just click on the images to open larger views of the program.

Hope to see you there!

my babies are up!!!

2010-03-27T07:43:00.001-04:00

all the little seeds i planted have sprouted!!! (well, maybe not ALL of them... but LOTS!!!) just had to share!!!

Nettles are Up!

2010-03-26T16:11:00.003-04:00

While clearing and burning the cut brush from under the cedar yesterday we discovered the beautiful Urtica dioica - nettles! - flourishing away. The tallest of the plants are about two inches high and I suspect that when I get back from easter travels they'll be ready for a first full harvest for a nice nutritional simmered side dish. Oh, how nice to have this to look forward to when I return!

Bud Walk

2010-03-24T06:29:00.002-04:00

The time has arrived for my daily bud walks. Each day I walk around my little yard and see what is peeping out of the soil or budding on the trees. The bulbs I planted last fall are popping up in front of my deck with buds heavy and almost bursting into bloom. The star magnolia received some TLC this weekend and I was careful not to touch her heavy buds. Soon, soon white star flowers will burst along her bare branches - this is my youngest daughter's "God tree."
What's starting to bloom where you are?

speaking of leeks

2010-03-16T06:25:00.002-04:00

last night, my Book Group ladies came over for our monthly meeting. it was a bit of a spontaneous decision to have it at my house, and i wasn't planning on making much of an elaborate meal. but it was so wet and rainy and just plain miserable, i thought the ladies who were brave enough to come down the driveway deserved something in the way of a reward.

i foraged around in my fridge, and this quick and delicious soup waiting for them:

Cream of Leek n' Spinach Soup

3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs minced garlic
6 - 8 leeks, chopped thin
2 bags fresh spinach, baby preferred
2 boxes organic veggie broth
2 cups light cream

croutons for garnish... i like pumpernickel because i think they look nice against the soup.

chop the leeks into thin little rings and saute in the olive oil with the garlic until soft and transparent. add the broth and allow the mixture to come to a slow boil. reduce heat to a simmer. add spinach. when spinach is bright green, add a few tablespoons of broth to the cream. allow to mix, then add cream to soup in small batches. DO NOT ALLOW SOUP TO BOIL once you add the cream. if you wish, you can puree this soup.

only one of us read the book but everyone loved the soup!

The Wisdom of Garlic

2010-03-11T19:17:00.005-05:00

It's a season of mixed emotions. For me anyway. Not sure how the other Listeners feel. Anyway, the leek seedlings are thriving and the celery and celeriac are sprouting nicely. That's wonderful. Even so, I'm down to my last heads of garden garlic. That's sad. I have a dozen or two left from last season. And that's good. But my point is - every March I am amused and tickled at how the garlic knows - deep in its heart - that the days are lengthening and that spring is coming. They begin to green and some start sprouting.

Every March I pick through my heads of garlic to sort those that are swelling in anticipation from those still hanging in, so that I can use them before they really begin to sprout. So today I made a batch of Mojo de Ajo and as it roasted my kitchen - heck, the whole hut - smelled of divine allium.

There be some garlic infused vinegar in my future too!

Leeks are Up!

2010-03-08T16:46:00.005-05:00

My leeks are just poking their little heads up and I started more seeds today - fennel, peppers, onions, impatiens and wormwood.

baby lust

2010-03-01T06:29:00.002-05:00

she did it again. i happened to be having breakfast with a Certain Someone and she mentioned the s-word.... seeds.

im going to be starting mine, she said, in an off-hand, off the cuff kind of way, that makes gardeners with only pale green thumbs like mine turn chartreuse with envy.

and then i read the previous post, and almost drooled. since our breakfast, there's been a seed tray and soil, and packets of seeds sitting on my kitchen table, awaiting inspiration.

tomorrow, when my grandson comes over for his weekly visit with nana, i think we have a Project to work on.

happy march!

Nature's Foreplay

2010-02-28T13:22:00.006-05:00

Here in my little corner of the world we are somewhere in the vicinity of 9 weeks before the last winter frost, and as I assimilate the meaning of this projection I tingle with anticipation. For dedicated gardeners, this is the season of Nature's foreplay - torturous and delightful.

I am blessed with a south-facing full-glass sliding-door and so I set up my shelves there and begin my seed-starting efforts. Today I started two little flats each of celery and celeriac. The seeds of both are tiny, though not the tiniest that I've worked with. To give you a sense of scale, the spoon you see here is neither serving spoon nor soup spoon, it is a tea spoon.

I make slight depressions in the center of each planting cell with a chop stick - my seed starting magic wand. In that depression I gently drop, with a blessing, about three of those celery or celeriac seeds.

I lightly shift the starter soil to barely cover the seeds and water them in with a gentle dribble. Now ... I wait. I wait not only for these sprouts to make their appearance, I wait to start planting more. I think tomorrow I'll start some leek seeds, and the day after some onion, and the day after maybe some cabbage for an early planting - though that may be pushing it. I may have to hold myself back.

A little strategic seed starting every day this early in the season helps to temper - for me - the torture and the delight that I experience as winter begins this shift to spring.

An Autumn Cordial

2010-01-22T09:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I strained and decanted the apple-cardamom cordial that I started in autumn when I was blessed to pick all those wonderful organic apples with a new and wonderful friend. The chopped apples and cardamom seeds have been macerating in brandy since October and the fragrance is truly divine.

Generally it is at this stage of cordial-making that I will add sugar in one form or another. Yet at first taste of this elixir I knew that the apples had already added the perfect balance of sweetness.

So into the cork-bottles it goes, to be labeled and shelved for a several more months where all the constituents may mingle in free-flow, get to know one another intimately, and mellow out to become a most delightful autumn beverage. Or summer. Or whatever.

Sláinte!

PS Hey you whisperers - you know who you are (see the list over there on the upper-right ~~~>) ... what green blessings are you witnessing and experiencing these day? Hmmmmm?

Leeks & Celery

2009-10-29T18:59:00.004-04:00

I harvested these lovelies today in the October sunshine and made a vegetable stock with the upper leek leaves and the outer celery stalks. I then made an amazing soup with roasted leeks, potatoes and a garden acorn squash ... some carrots too, not to mention the delicious wisdom of fresh sage. I adapted this "recipe," using what I had on hand. It was a perfect meal to close this perfect autumn day.

Horseradish

2009-10-14T19:46:00.003-04:00

I harvested, blessed and bathed the lovely garden roots.

I peeled their skins.

I chopped the roots and placed them lovingly in my very, very old food processor.

I gave them a whirl, added some infused viola apple cider vinegar and sea salt and gave them a few more whirls.

I packed it in a jar and placed it in the refrigerator and there it will please me for months to come!

What I've been up to lately....

2009-10-12T15:40:00.014-04:00

What I've been up to lately....
Made some tinctures with my new labels...aaahh feels good to get things organized again!

Harvested a few more flowers and herbs...

To my surprise there is still more brilliant colors in the garden...

Green Blessings my herbal friends!
Ruth :D

OK Now, Who am I?

2009-09-06T21:22:00.003-04:00

I am Origanum vulgare, but you can just call me Oregano.

Who Am I?

2009-08-22T08:24:00.006-04:00

Here is a bit of my flowering top. I'm so pretty.

Need more info? Well, here ...

Does that help?

Who am I? I *am* Lobelia inflata!

Hey Listeners!!!!

2009-08-22T08:23:00.000-04:00

Post something!

Surely there's some Green in your life you'd like to share ...

Imbibing Green

2009-07-02T08:37:00.004-04:00

If you've been following my blog, What I Made Today, then you already know that I've been fermenting in a sea of ... well ... fermenting herbal brews! This image pretty much captures the state of my little kitchen, as I scurry into my little acre between raindrops, for fresh pickings to experiment with! I have to say, it is GREAT fun!

This past week I've bottled a gallon each of Melissa Ale, Cardamom Ale and have batches going of Melissa Mead, Rose Petal Mead, "Emergency" Mead, Chamomile Ale, Green (tea) (solstice) Rain Ale, Sarsaparilla Ale and Sage Ale. Little gallon batches each!

Next up is Ground Ivy Ale, Bee Balm Petal Ale ... and then ... the fruit meads!

And if this strikes your fancy, be sure to join me In the Garden today (and every Thursday) at 11:30 AM, eastern at Blockhead Radio! I'll be brewing up more green, fermenting talk!

Slainte!

i dont know about anyone else...

2009-06-28T13:43:00.002-04:00

... but mine are SCREAMING WITH LAUGHTER at me! :)

My Ides

2009-03-15T19:05:00.004-04:00

Today, a walk around my little acre yielded these friends. Nothing foreboding about these meetings.

Daffodil - just peeking ... so delicate and powerful.

Smooth chickweed - Stellaria media.

Mouse-eared chickweed - Stellaria ... I'll be back with that one!

Plantain - this one, Plantago lanceolata.

Nettle - Urtica dioica.

Cleavers - Galium arpine.

Dandelion - Taraxicum officinalis in the vegetable garden!

Russian kale in the vegetable garden.

Arugula in the vegetable garden.

Sweet Cicely in the vegetable garden.

Strawberry!!!!!

Chinese leeks, AKA Garlic chives in the vegetable garden.

Chives in the vegetable garden.

Second year onions in the vegetable garden.

Garlic in the vegetable garden.

Temp Rises and Heart Soars

2009-03-07T23:58:00.001-05:00

We got our first real taste of Springs arrival today. Temps were in the 60s and it took everything in my power to go to work. I can feel the Earth stir. I can smell the dark rich soil under the light blanket of snow....if I stop and listen I can hear the trees rejoice and the seeds start to vibrate in there winter beds, ready to burst forth and climb there way to the light. Everything around me sings the song of Spring and my soul wants to dance with the rhythm. Can you hear our Mother's call...would you join me in the dance?

Tea

2009-03-04T05:59:00.002-05:00

Two nights ago we were talking at the dinner table and somehow it was mentioned that the tea from the beautiful evergreens in our yard made a great tea full of vitamin C. My son asked if he picked some would I make him a cup to try. So after dinner out he trudged in the snow to pick hemlock greens. Everyone enjoyed a sip of tea.
Last night he asked if tonight I could make some white pine tea. Sure. Now, the girls were excited and all three children ran out in the snow for the greens. I made sure that they knew they had to thank the tree for its gift. This time collecting more they all enjoyed a cup.

Green Blessings to a Generous Spirit

2009-02-21T08:30:00.006-05:00

Subject: Michael Roland Shaw Moore

Michael passed on yesterday.

Michael Roland Shaw Moore

January 9, 1941 - February 20, 2009

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, teacher, musician, herbalist.

So very beloved.

Mailing address for Donna Chesner:

620 West Limberlost #24

Tucson, AZ 85705

herbal remedy

2009-02-15T06:30:00.003-05:00

Hubby has a cold. He decided to stay home from work last night even though he was starting to feel better to ensure he continues to feel better. His buddy was supposed to ride along with him so he called to cancel. Harold asked, "Doesn't your wife have some medieval stuff she can pick out of the back yard for you."

Hey Listeners!!!!

2009-01-14T09:39:00.001-05:00

What cha been up to this January???

Jack Pine or Spruce

2009-01-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

The trees dropped their trimmings ...

I collected them ...

I steeped them ...

And enjoyed a selfless, nutritious and delicious gift of Nature.

Ashe. Ashe.

Comfrey & Chickweed Balm

2008-12-26T17:27:00.005-05:00

I made time in my dispensary today. The room is still a shambles, but I cleared enough workspace to get at least a few balms made. When it comes to herbal balms, I use one jar or another for one thing or another every single day.

Today was for using up a 2007 preparation of infused oil of Symphytum uplandicum herba (comfrey leaf) before it began to show any signs of breaking down. It was still lovely and clear and so I mixed it with a bit of infused oil of Stellaria spp. (chickweed) and added a touch of lanolin and the bees wax. Once heated and well blended I waited for it to temper a bit before adding just a few drops of essential oil of Lavendula angustifolia.

I think I may be in for a sweet foot rub this evening!

Oh ... and I'm sipping a very hoppy dark home brew at the moment.

Yuletide Spirit!!

2008-12-21T09:47:00.007-05:00

At last the world around me seems to reflect the point we have reached on the Wheel of the Year. A soft white mantle of snow covers the Lady. Everything around us seems to be a sleep. Yet far above our heads he stirs, the Sun Child born again. The days begin to get longer and I raise my Glass in his honor......
This lovely little Spirit is made from Sky Spice Vodka, Disarrono Amaretto, milk and then garnished with whip cream and ground Cardamom and Ginger.

Red Clover Today!

2008-12-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

I'm just finishing up my quart of red clover infusion. I'll soon be bundling up to head outdoors to get a jump on the shoveling, but none to worry - I have that aromatic spice blend already brewing to warm me when I come back in.

That lumpy bowl you see is a plaster vessel I recently made (see here). The outside is speckled with calendula petals which I covered with a wash of yellow ochre and a glittering gold, and today I put a gloss glaze over it. It will serve as an offering bowl in my upcoming Yule honor. Ah, the power of working intuitively and trusting the song of the green voices!

what's brewing

2008-12-16T10:32:00.002-05:00

today im bundling up on the couch with a pot of oatstraw-lavendar tea....and my newest manuscript which is now officially ten chapters and 23,000 words long!!

Warming Brew

2008-12-11T17:56:00.003-05:00

It was cold and damp today.

So I put a wee bit of cardamom seed, cut cinnamon bark and 5 cloves together in a canning jar. I poured boiling water over them. They steeped. I poured and strained ...

... and warmed my cockles. Whatever those are.

I continued to pour boiling water over these hard botanicals all day long. They continued to steep and imbue their sweet and warming verve into my beverage all day ... and into the evening ... and into tomorrow. If you prefer, you can simmer these toothy herbs together over low heat to speed up the process and make a strong and vibrant brew in just 15-20 minutes.

What did you sip today?

Nettles ... Imagine That!

2008-12-09T17:48:00.002-05:00

Yes ... the ubiquitous infusion of nettle leaf ... Urtica dioica ...

I drink this infusion several times a week. Today I brewed it early and started sipping only minutes after the brew was poured. Then ... I added more boiling water and continued sipping throughout the day until the last was poured into the cup only moment ago.

A wide range of the nutritional gifts are ingested this way, methinks.

Slainte!

What I'm sipping lately

2008-12-08T14:40:00.003-05:00

I've been enjoying more tea. A sit down relax cup o'tea. Some of my massage tea that cleanses after a good massage, And some of my nutri-tea. A blend with nettles, comfrey, hibiscus and rose petals among other things.
I'm hoping to keep up the sipping slowly as my vacation ends tomorrow.
And what are you sipping?

What I'm Sipping ...

2008-12-08T08:36:00.007-05:00

Well ... right now I'm sipping a brew of Cafe arabica (commonly called coffee) ... but that's not the point . . .

To you Listeners, I have a challenge: Offer a post from time to time with an herbal beverage that you are enjoying - with or without a photo. In this season of increasing cold, I know you all are sipping warm and nourishing and enjoyable beverages. In this season of celebration and festivities, I know that many of you are sipping warming and enjoyable herbal beverages of the spirited kind!

So share your sippers with us!

To Those Who Listen With Us: Post your comments and share your green-inspired beverages too!

Slainte!

Listen Up Listeners!

2008-12-04T08:22:00.003-05:00

I know that in this season of winter, much of Nature recedes (reseeds) into the spiral of darkness and quiet. Even so, as I stood in Nature yesterday there was much chatter ...

... and oddly enough one voice asked about this blog. The query?

"Why so quiet?"

Physalis alkekengi

2008-11-11T06:37:00.003-05:00

Do you recognize this plant? You are likely seeing it now, around these parts anyway, in harvest decorations. I most often hear this plant referred to as Japanese lantern. The common name I use is ground cherry.

It's a lovely perennial around here that will take over a garden if you let it. It makes creamy white flowers in summer and then bright red-orange fruits that are hidden within the lovely, lacy, papery orange husks.

The berry within is so beautiful and its nature mirrors - for me - the many lessons and stories of this darkening season. I nibble on these autumn fruits and find them delightful. Some folks don't care the tart autumn flavor, and I've heard that too many can cause tummy aches. I've never experienced this and - quite frankly - too many berries of any kind are likely to inspire tummy upset.

Phytolacca americana

2008-10-26T17:17:00.003-04:00

Commonly called Poke 'round these parts, this plant is BIG medicine. The berries and the root. I hope you can see the root communicating this fact in this photo.

If you still have any doubt about what BIG medicine this plant holds, or the respect that it deserves, go harvest a root.

October Honor

2008-10-15T18:54:00.006-04:00

I gave thanks and offered honor as I harvested two more trays of calendula for drying today. This could be the last calendula harvest of significance.

I gave thanks and offered honor as I harvested the last of the catmint for drying.

I took the milkweed pod from the Platt Hill walk and set it outdoors. I gave thanks to the spirit of the plant as I asked that a few (or several) seeds plant themselves on my little acre.

I enjoyed a pot of a new favored tea ... sweet basil and peppermint as I gave thanks and offered honor for all that I am.

Platt Hill Weed Walk

2008-10-06T17:48:00.005-04:00

I found Crataegus spp. dropping leaves and offering up ripe berries. You might know it as hawthorne.

I found the fading plants and changing leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, commonly called witch hazel.

I found an Asclepias spp. seed pod, the common milkweed 'round these parts and was reminded of harvesting the young stems in spring to simmer like asparagus.

I found two species of oak growing side by side.

I found beautiful sugar maples in the midst of their drama.

I found beauty and bounty and recall and dreams.

Aloe spp.

2008-09-30T14:59:00.006-04:00

This is one of my green allies in full bloom! With just these images of the buds and blossoms, can you name the plant?

Hint #1: I bring this plant indoors to overwinter.

Hint #2: I consider this an essential plant for every home.

Hint ##: May be useful for Halloween costuming.

It's an Aloe.

Unidentified Plant

2008-09-21T14:52:00.005-04:00

Hello Fellow Herbalists,
I wondered if anyone can identify this shrub with purple berries for me. Is it something that can be used, and if so, what parts?
Thanks!
Ruth :)

Taste!Organic Connecticut

2008-09-13T08:54:00.004-04:00

Taste! Organic Connecticut

Sunday, September 14, 2008 - Coventry, CT

10am - 4pm

Topmost Herb Farm

Coventry, CT
Rain or Shine

Directions to Topmost Herb Farm

Menu & Food Information

Fall Festival - Organic Farmer's Market - Children's Activities Educational Workshops - Music - Craft Vendors

Food! Food! Food!

Admission: Pay at the Entrance Tent

$5 for ages 12 - 80

Free Parking

No Pets Please!

September Blossoms (& Berries)

2008-09-08T10:14:00.006-04:00

The Earth, the Air...Well mostly the Air

2008-09-08T00:12:00.004-04:00

Todays projects include beading and spirit..the melding of the elements....Those that run through our veins the earth that is our Body...the Air that is our Breath...the Fire that is our spirit...Thank you Rosemari for a bit more inspiration!

Lavender, Damiana and St. Johns Wort the sequel?

2008-09-04T16:18:00.002-04:00

Alright it seems that my last post was uploaded incomplete. This is what it should have said:

I have had a great evening puttering about in the kitchen. Tonight I set in front of Cauldron and Flame or Pot and stove >wink<
It was a night of infusions. Oil infused with St. John's Wort and a Honey Cordial infused with Damiana, Lavender and Rose “witch“ I have playfully named "For the LOVE of Honey". I thought it was appropriate with it containing 3 herbs that all have love or lust inspiring energies. I made the first batch of the Cordial a few weeks ago to bring with me to BTW. I must admit that both creations were inspired by Mz. Giai incarnate Rosemari. Rose taught me how to create the Oils and I recall her telling of a special brew she gifts to the lucky and newly Handfasted as a gift for the Honeymoon. Both of these creations are gifts. The Oil will be going to a friend of mine who I met at Between the World last year and he is having a bit of trouble. He moved to Ohio and is having trouble getting his license switch over or whatever. Along with job issues and a horrible ex. He is a Massage Therapist. A job he loves and I really feel that it was his calling. I dont find it at all surprising that he has had nothing but difficulty in the new jobs that he has taken in OH. They dont fit. He found what he needs to be doing in this life time and until he gets back to it I think the Lord and Lady will do whatever they need to to get him back there. I thought that this would make an excellent gift to help him through and remind him of what a powerful Witch, Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner he is. The second ( Cordial) is to be shared with another friend hopefully very soon. Well not to soon because it needs to rest a bit and time to allow its Magick to meld. But soon because it has been to long.
Until we meet again may the Old Ones light your crafty Path!!!!!
Rowan

Cooling Aloe

2008-09-04T10:26:00.005-04:00

I love the way aloe adheres to the skin, creating a perfect cooling bandage for burns.

I "filet" the leaves, trim the spikes and freeze them in strips. They work cooling wonders! Plus you get to pretend you are the creature from the black lagoon or some such entity as you heal and mend.

Lavender, Damiana and St. John's Wort oh my!

2008-09-03T21:00:00.003-04:00

I have had a great evening puttering about in the kitchen. Tonight I set in front of Cauldron and Flame or Pot and stove >wink<>wink<

Until we meet again may the Old Ones light your crafty Path!!!!!
Rowan

thoughts, ideas and know-how appreciated

2008-08-30T06:49:00.003-04:00

last weekend i took cuttings from the holly trees at my grandmother's house, the ones that were planted on the day i was born. leaving those trees is the one thing that makes me feel very sad when i think about selling the place, because in all likelihood, they will be cut down. originally, there were three, but one was cut down almost thirty years ago - right around the time i married my ex.

the two left are male and female and the female makes the most beautiful red berries. now i have twelve - more or less - cuttings, six from each tree. this week i have been allowing them to rest in the shade underneath the big pines beside the party-house. the cut edges are soaking in water and rooting hormone.

my plan today is to get the rooting mix... whatever it's called... as some sturdy pots. i hope to nurture them inside all winter, in a sunny southern spot that didn't exist a few months ago. (this has given my wish to have the renovations completed a new urgency.)

i have absolutely no idea what i'm doing, except that i would dearly love to have at least two trees to plant come spring. if possible, i would love to give any extras as gifts to people i know will cherish them, since i have learned it is best to be choosy about who one gives one's plants too, especially if you feel they should included among your children.

so if any of you glorious goddesses and gods of this green world have any understanding of the proper propagation methods of trees... please share?

What is this?

2008-08-29T19:37:00.003-04:00

Anyone?

I found this plant and rhizome while cleaning one of my gardens today. Anyone know what it is?

The WHC According to Rose

2008-08-27T14:32:00.012-04:00

In addition to the weedwalk already mentioned, I took some other workshops at the WHC and I thought I’d better share some simple highlights with you while they’re still fresh in my mind and heart.

I should begin by saying that travel was shared with the most delightful crew!

The lovely Kate Gilday of Woodland Essence shared a bit of Tree Medicine and Essence with us. I always enjoy time with Kate, be it in song or in the woods. She inspired me to tap a maple in the spring, if for no other reason than to sip the raw sap.

A workshop with the very talented and motivational Leah and Chloe of Appalachian Rising got us moving and vocal in no time. By the end of this workshop some 50-60 woman danced together in the open field and sang harmonies to dazzle the gods.

I made time for the offerings of Mz. Imani, for she is an amazing woman, an inspired teacher and great motivator. Oh, and awesome drummer too. And singer of chants and playful spirit and toe-wiggler. Her Drum Circle was much more that “just” drumming and Helping the Heart of Humanity Heal offered the wonderful opportunity to take an active role in creating sacred space with other woman for the Saturday evening Wild Women’s Fire Circle. Time with Imani is time in blessing.

Sunday evolved as mostly free time for me, after helping clear the Fire space of drums, torches, candles and such. A hearty breakfast was followed by Spiritual Bathing with the amazing Rosita Arvigo, where we not only learned about a bit of history and herstory, and the how-tos, we actually all partook in spiritual bath together in the dazzling morning sunshine. Then, I wandered off to break camp and pack the vehicle with my stuff. Once done, I sat in quiet gratitude in that space our tents had occupied and this led me to follow spirit to the lake where I floated and swam until they “closed” it. Then lunch and closing circle.

I had packed my drum and thought I would opt to observe and witness the closing ceremonies. I took a front row seat on the side opposite the drummers and quickly gave it up to join them, as one of Imani’s drums called to me. I sat in awe and gratitude and love and humility in a giant tent filled with astounding feminine power.

There’s more and I could go on, but this is more than enough for this venue.

For any woman, I recommend this conference. It is nourishing, regenerative, restorative . . . you get the idea and it truly has something for everyone.

Let's Start with a Weedwalk

2008-08-25T12:02:00.008-04:00

I took a weekwalk with Bevin Clare at the WHC and was reminded of just how much I love a good weedwalk and how much I appreciate the perspectives and experiences of others who walk in Green wisdom. There's no way I could convey all that she shared here on this blog, nor would I choose to, for I rely on your empowerment to follow-through on learning about such things as you are guided. Of course, If you ask me, I will do my best to relay Bevin's wisdom to you as I recall it . . . or my own experience with the plant, should I posses such a thing.

Trillium in fruit on the floor of a New Hampshire forest in August, out of focus but still lovely.

Sarsaparilla in the same neighborhood.

Hamamelis virginiana shading and loving the floor-level residents.

Mitchella repens, or partridgeberry if you prefer, a long-respected womb-ally.

Coptis spp., commonly called goldenthread . . . with bitter golden yellow roots that speak to the berberine it holds within.

The lovely Lucy Mitchella holding a specimen of Monotropa uniflora, a big medicine in my book and a plant to be honored and harvested with the greatest care and respect, so that we may continue to have it for years to come.

My apologies for the less than meaningful ID photo of this plant, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Looks like those darn botanists and their name-changing got to this one, for it seems that I can only find it listed as Artemisia artemisiifolia. Funny that, for it is a plant that my friend Bruce and I were puzzling over in May. We agreed that it must be one of the Artemisias, but didn't know which one. I wonder now how it is that neither of us recognized the common Ragweed.

Apocynum, or dogbane and a lovely woodland aster in bloom. I was nibbling aster petals all weekend.

Lycopus spp., or bugleweed, a non-aromatic mint.

Beautiful, elusive Scutellaria lateraflora. She deserves two photos. Enough said.

Last, yet never least, Achillea millefolium, the beautiful and multi-gifted common yarrow. There were others, but this is a good representation methinks.

And then . . .

looking forward...

2008-08-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

to hearing all about the Women's Herb Conference!!! :)

Schizandra chinensis

2008-08-20T12:14:00.005-04:00

My Schizandra berries are just starting to ripen. They are sweet-tart and astringent with distinct, yet subtle bitters.

This beautiful vine, native to Asia, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family. It's probably best known as a traditional Chinese herb, commonly called "wu wei zi," which means five taste fruit. Just watching it grow in my gardens gladdens the heart and speaks to it celebrity as a heart tonic, though it has many traditional medicinal uses.

What do you have growing, blooming, ripening in your gardens?

Calendula officinalis

2008-08-19T20:59:00.001-04:00

A Romp at Platt Hill

2008-08-09T19:29:00.003-04:00

. . . with my friends and allies!

artemisa annua

2008-07-30T08:08:00.002-04:00

one of my favorite herbs, artemisa annua, is springing up all around my house. last year i mananged a bumper crop that grew to over six feet high, a patch of heavenly hedge that threatened to overtake the rhodendroms.

get rid of it, proclaimed Beloved, and so this spring, i did, assidiously plucking out all the errant seedlings of this years' crop. but artemisa annua is not only the herb that summons friendly spirits, it's tenacious and persistent as well.

i see it springing up all over, in the corners and the cracks, its foliage feathery and fragant, with a vaguely lemon-apple scent. it is just a common weed, the botanical directories tell me, orginating in europe and asia, but how fitting for a plant that feels like a familiar.

how could it not? artemisa annua by any other name is called sweet annie.

Inula helenium

2008-07-23T19:02:00.003-04:00

Commonly called elecampane 'round these parts . . . just coming to bloom. From the moment this herb rooted on my little acre it identified itself as a sentry. I know we are in high summer when it starts blooming.

Sacred Weeds

2008-07-23T16:05:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my neighbor gave me these babies . . .

. . . young nicotania, or tobacco if you prefer. She explained that the seeds were sown in a manner traditional to native intentions, rendering the harvested plant matter suitable for sacred works. I am grateful for this gift.

Today a package arrived in the mail from California. No ordinary package, this, for the fragrance and energy met me as I opened my mailbox. Fresh white sage, grown with intention, from a syster's garden to me.

The energy and fragrance is astounding!

Tell me I'm not blessed.

Allium & Althea

2008-07-22T23:14:00.002-04:00

I harvested about half my garlic today. Beauty, eh?

This little marshmallow blossom asked me to slow down . . . breathe deep . . . witness the beauty of life all around and with me. So I did.

Tincture of Achillea millefolium

2008-07-21T20:07:00.003-04:00

Finally harvested a small bit of yarrow from my little acre today. It sits now, macerating in good grain alcohol. And even after only a few hours, the emerald color seeps in, and with it all that healing magic too!

the view from the Far Side

2008-07-11T06:56:00.003-04:00

the second harvest of chamomile has yielded a whole tin of tea, and, inspired by Beloved and his efforts, i have managed to garner enough dried lavendar for at least two pots. the lavendar bushes seem inclined to (agreeably) make more. i've also begun to harvest and dry the white sage.

the bee-balm, yarrow and echinacea are all blooming in glorious shades from garnet to pale pink, and rose's rhubarb seems to be adapting to its new spot. her chinese leeks are threatening to overtake the chives. the black-leaved basil, varigated sage, rosemary and pineapple peppermint are all happy in their pots. the oregano and thyme are rioting. the new marjoram i put in to replace the old stuff seems to be doing well, too- its blossoming tiny little flowers. when the sun is hot in the afternoons, the scent of all the kitchen herbs fills my bedroom.

the betony and anise i got a few years ago are both thriving - one of them - i think its hte betony - is making big purple heads the bumblebees love. the motherwort doesn't look so well, but she's hanging in there - bless her. i hope next year is better for her. the mugwort and sweet annie are fighting it out with the fiddlehead ferns for space along the edges.

predictably, my red geraniums are bursting, and the dill died.

2008-07-09T22:43:00.007-04:00

My babies are growing up sooo fast...lol. Well not all that fast but I am still very excited about it

Monarda and St. John's Wart

Echinacea

Calendula

Heirloom Tomatoes

Just thought I would show everyone. I don't have pets or kiddies to show off so....

First Name Basis

2008-07-04T12:54:00.005-04:00

A stroll around my little acre this morning leads me to many welcoming friends.

Arctium

Achilles

Phytolacca

Schizandra

Actea (formerly named Cimicifuga)

Inula, Monarda, Solidago and others

Urtica

Leonurus

A whole tribe of Thymus

Morning Harvest - June 29

2008-06-29T10:38:00.003-04:00

Another hot humid day and I have a craving for chicken soup! I know, I know, that's more of a winter food, but I guess that's what my body needs. What better place to look for special herbs to put in my soup but right from my own garden. Other herbs and flowers in the basket are for tinctures and oil infusions.

June Roots

2008-06-26T10:50:00.006-04:00

One hybrid and cultivated ...

A tiny thinning from the main vegetable garden so that others may have the elbow room they desire. Despite the little nibble that is was, it was yummy nonetheless.

Didn't know carrots had elbows, eh? Ah, the things we learn!

The other a wild thing . . .

A beautiful specimen. I might chop it, roast it and make a hot brew with it. Or I might chop it and make a fresh plant tincture with it. Or just simmer and serve it as a food with some sweet carrots to balance the bitterness.

Dandelion root. Taraxicum officinalis. It too has elbows. :)

The 21st Annual New England Women's Herbal Conference

2008-06-24T12:59:00.004-04:00

Just curious . . . who's going to the New England Women's Herbal Conference this year? Or . . . who knows someone who's going? I know there's car-pools forming in the east, the west and northern sections of state!

What a wonderful line-up of presenters! I realized (only moments ago) that it's only two months away. Time to start getting psyched!

Tussilago farfara

2008-06-24T06:55:00.006-04:00

This common roadside plant is most known and best recognized in early springtime, when the flowers bloom. It is a contrary! Blooming first and then growing its leaves!

Also known as Coltsfoot, this herb, like so many that joined us from Europe has made itself quite comfortable in the wilds of North America. The botanical name suggests its most commonly known traditional use, for tussis means cough in Latin. The common name refers to the shape of the leaf, which resembles a . . . colt's "foot," helping us to identify the plant in the wild, especially after flowering. Early European botanists actually identified the spring and summer plant as two separate plants. It's a trickster!

Being a plant medicine for the RAPID respiratory system might suggest a treatment plan to mirror that RAPID verve - one of short duration. Funny, too, that this plant - just like comfrey and borage, contain the liver toxic PAs that we really want to avoid lest we damage ourselves. Not only did our ancestors seem know this on some level, but the plant tells us too - in some very simple ways.

It most often grows - these days - along roadsides where we wouldn't be inclined to harvest, and where the earth needs healing. The flowers bloom and fade rapidly too, over the coarse of only a couple weeks. The flowers bloom in early spring, opposite the year-wheel of the common cough season.

Liver toxic PAs aside, the flowers do make an amazing cough syrup, layered in a jar with brown sugar and left to macerate in a dark cabinet 'til a cough calls upon it several months later when it may be strained and used. It's a good medicine to know about, yet I would be inclined to use another herb for my cough in its stead and protect my liver!

But it's still beautiful and humble, clever and contrary and a worthy plant we can learn from!

This photo was taken at the Summer Solstice in Cornwall Hollow, CT.

Chickweed and Pumpkins

2008-06-23T19:39:00.002-04:00

I was excited last night as I watched Iron Chef America and saw Mario Batali make a chickweed salad. Yummy! I yelled to my hubby, "See, see that is why I let it grow!" Ah, but it is not as robust as the pumpkins that decided to grace us this year. Last year we put in a new deck. As the pumpkins we picked from a friends garden started to soften I set them in front of the deck. I thought they would add some nice compost to the area I needed to plant come spring. Come spring hubby tilled the soil and a few days later we noticed a few plants. They seem to grow six inches or more a day and we have quite the patch. If we have as many pumpkins as plants we may have to open a stand. I am in awe each day as I check on their progress.

Red Clover, Red Clover send...

2008-06-19T21:29:00.000-04:00

The way the Green World works always amazes me. After harvesting Heal All and then discarding it because of self doubt and fear of poisoning myself and others, I set out to find more today. Following the familiar path to the little field beside my house I was in awe at how much everything had grown. The Bedstraw is in bloom. Its tiny white flowers scattered along the path way looked like snow had come earlier to Connecticut. The wild grasses that were once inches from the ground almost surpass me in height. Every thing has changed rapidly. Walking through the high grass every step released a cloud of pollen. I search amongst the small yellow butter cups and other lemon colored flowers but Heal All was no were to be found. It was almost as though it had made its appearance to me early on and having lost patience is now hiding . Leaving me to wait another year to seek its wisdom.
With some disappointment I turned my attention to the statuesque Mullein. Hoping that it would be in bloom and I would be able to gather some of its flowers to make an oil Infusion. I am afraid that I arrived to early. The Mullein has tripled in size but is not yet in bloom. I have a friend who get frequent ear aches and I was hoping to make the oil for her.
After puttering around a little more I stumbled across Red Clover. I have been searching for some time for this pretty pink flower. I feared that I wouldn’t find any around my house. White clover is scattered every where but it is in frequently mowed areas and close to motor traffic. There were very few blossoms and of the few that were present most had faded or browned. Strike three I thought. I continued walking along the edge of the woods. I followed the Hedge listening the birds sing. My eyes catching glimpses of chipmunks and rabbits. I found a beautiful brown feather that shimmers with green and grey. The weather was gorgeous. Warm and breezy. I wandered onto the gravel path that leads behind the industrial park. A rocky line cut between the receive docks and the wood lined river. I decided to see were it lead. It turned out to continue past the building to the road and the beginning of the nature trail I had found before. I was about to follow the road home when that little voice told me to check out the first section of trail to find out how much it had changed as well. It was mostly the same. The Violets have evaporated and small vines are beginning to make there way onto the path. I made it to the opening and turned to follow the field back home when I tripped on a thin stalk that was in the middle of the path. I looked back at it and told it to be careful then continued on. I glanced over to my right and noticed that along the path a large amount of Red Clover was growing. Vivid pink flowers seated a top 3 round leaves. The bees danced from blossom to blossom sipping away. I was amazed and slowly began to gather the Clover. I backtracked taking a little from here and there not want to over harvest the area. Talking with the bees. Wait for them to finish in one place before I step over. It was long before I noticed that the beginning of the Red Clover patch lined up perfectly with the stalk that had tripped me. Having missed my chances with Heal All this season I seemed to have “stumbled” on to a new Ally. The way the Green World works always seems to amaze me.

Who Knows What Lurks in the Heart of the Basket ...

2008-06-15T18:29:00.006-04:00

. . . the Shadow knows.

Hahahahahhaaaahhahah! ::snort:: OK, so maybe it's not that funny. But the point is, do you recognize this harvest?

And whether you do or not, if you'd like to learn what I made with this harvest today, you'll just have to go see What I Made Today!

2008-06-12T21:23:00.002-04:00

Greetings,
Thank you for inviting me to join this blog group.
I have so much to learn and little to offer at this point, but I am glad to be here.

I am not a frequent poster and I have yet to learn how to post photos, but
I will look forward to reading this daily.

Thank you,
Lee

Virtual Weed Walk

2008-06-12T19:37:00.002-04:00

After watching a video interview with Susan Weed I stumbled on to www.learningherbs.com and found this cool Virtual weed walk. It is a mini quiz. It give you a written hint and photo and then when you hit the red clover at the bottom it tells you the answer and the next set. I thought it was fun. I got all but the last one. It has a couple of free ecourses as well that I am checking out also.

I would also recommend checking out the interview I mentioned. That is at www.susanweed.com .

Blessed Be,
Ry

Who Are THOSE Weeds???

2008-06-11T23:56:00.004-04:00

The five herbs along the sidebar here are now labeled with their botanical names (and one common name).

I hosted a give-away game on my What I Made Today blog that involved guessing these herbs, but I think the cross-blog exercise fostered more chaos than order. J

My work here is done.

2008-06-08T10:17:00.007-04:00

HerbFest was grand. Just this morning I shared with a friend (that I have yet to meet) that I've been going to this festival for so many years now that it is like a sweet family reunion. I so enjoyed the day . . . drumming with community, taking and facilitating weedwalks, browsing the vendors, meeting new people and little sprouts, making new friends and relaxing in the shade with old ones, being entertained by the fabulous sounds of Echo Uganda, eating yummy food, offering a glimpse into one facet of Plant Spirit and much more.

Every year I purchase at least two special Green gifts for my little acre. This year, as I drove to Coventry, I discovered I'd forgotten to put on my earrings. If that's not a sign from Spirit, I don't know what is! So, I bought some lovely citrine earrings, set in silver, as well as three special Green gifts (plus one other gifted gift).

Can you name them?

Starting at the upper left and moving clockwise, they are:

Rudbeckia “Henry Eilers”
Asarum canadense – Wild Ginger
Nicotiana “Only the Lonely"
Caulophyllum thalictroides – Blue Cohosh

Arnica montana

2008-06-06T15:07:00.004-04:00

Early this spring I tried starting Arnica seeds with no luck. ::shurgs:: I'll try again, no doubt. Yet I mentioned this as part of a response I made on Henriette's eList and was contacted by a fellow blogger and (as it turns out) a kindred spirit who sent me Arnica plants straight from Montana. How freakin' cool is that???

Well, I'm glad the weather has been drizzly, for I think this has helped these little plants along. Here's what they looked like the day I got them in the ground:

As you can see, some of the little plantlings traveled better than others. Yesterday, when I checked in with them they all seemed a bit stressed. Today however, they've all perked up a bit. All of them! In any event, these little plants, sent to me by Tammie Lee are very special somehow, and I will tend them well.

The very thought of making my very own infused oil of arnica is quite thrilling! I dented my shin this week (really - it was dented) and not a bruise, thanks to oil of arnica (and SJW too)!

The Greatest Benefit to Mankind

2008-06-04T09:31:00.004-04:00

The subject of this book has surfaced a couple times this past week, so I thought I'd post it here in case this would be of interest to anyone outside the inquirers (who are also here).

The book is The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity by Roy Porter.

It's a fascinating yet simple read that offers some interesting connections (cultural, social, economic, political ...) around the evolution (as it were) of modern Western medicine.

You can glean a bit more at the link.

Dandelion Sap

2008-06-02T22:07:00.002-04:00

Susan Weed to the rescue! (Healing Wise) I incurred a large painful blister(1"x 0.5") on my index finger while weeding my garden today. She suggested applying dandelion sap to the area and the result was astonishing. The fluid inside the blister resorbed immediately allowing the blistered skin to readhere to the layer below. I have next to no discomfort except for the feeling that the area is delicate and I'm taking pains to avoid traumatizing it further and the site is only slightly reddened. Unfortunately I ran out of fresh dandelions. I would have liked to reapply the sap from time to time throughout the day. I do have a supply of Taraxacum tincture which I continued to apply and the skin on my finger continues to heal. One would NOT be able to tell that I'd had a large blister there earlier in the day. I am in awe and filled with gratitude--I have a flute recital Wed. and I was able to rehearse with my pianist this evening without the finger being an issue. Lora

comforting comfrey

2008-06-02T10:23:00.002-04:00

i've used this lovely green gift from rose both last night and this morning, and my knee continues to improve...thank you, rose! more details... including how i hurt my knee...can be found on my blog! :)

CHAI's HerbFest - This Saturday!

2008-06-02T07:03:00.004-04:00

Saturday, June 7 - Rain or Shine - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Admission $10 ~ Under 12 or Over 70 Free ~ No Pets, Please

Workshops • Weedwalks • Vendors • Kids Activities • Directions

Download an HerbFest Program Flyer here!

~~~~~

I know, I'm preachin' to the choir.

Hope to see you then!

Of Teachers and Tomes

2008-06-01T22:00:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of learning and being a being who has recently taken his first foot steps on the path that is Herbalist, I was wonder if all of you would tell me what 2 or 3 books or resources that you couldn't live with out. I am looking to start a reference library of my own on the subject. Maybe Library is to grande a word but you get the point. I have a few but would love to know what pages you turn through the most when looking for answers related to the green world.

Blessed Be,
Ry

Convallaria Bouquet

2008-06-01T19:51:00.009-04:00

It gladdens a heart in need . . .

More than you might want to know from ...

This is a plant that I've not yet used as a physiological medicinal. Yet, to gaze at its simple elegance and inhale its mighty fragrance is, without doubt or question, medicine for the heart.

Yellow Shamrock

2008-06-01T07:45:00.009-04:00

To my pleasant surprise I discovered another beautiful plant near my garden--one that goes unnoticed because it is usually hidden in other grasses and plants. I had to do a little research and surfed the web to identify the pretty plant known as Trifolium dubium or by the common name "Least Hop Clover" or "Yellow Shamrock." Here is a nice poem dedicated to this plant by Katharine Bates:

"Our wee, gold-dusty flower, the yellow clover,
Which once in Parting for a time
That then seemed long,
Ere time for you was over."
http://www.paghat.com/hopsclover.html
I asked myself what can this be used for, and only found one website that stated "A poultice of the chopped plant has been applied to cuts to stop the bleeding." Has anyone had any experience or used this plant for healing purposes?

one of my favorite ways to waste time

2008-06-01T05:57:00.001-04:00

www.freerice.com... for every word you get right, they donate so many grains of rice. i don't know how it works exactly... but in ten minutes i managed to donate 5000 grains of rice....

When Weeds Whisper

The pleasure of your company....

Urtica dioica radix - Nettles Root

Sweet Solidago

This may be of interest ...

they say, "eat me, eat me."

Weeds I've Heard From...

Garden Update

Dandelion Petals

First books, and now seeds...

More on First Harvests & Taraxicum

First Harvest

Spring Rain

It's Thyme

Thyme

Never Enough Garlic

Nature Speaks ...

New Moon in June ~ A Weed Walk

CHA HerbFest 2010!

my babies are up!!!

Nettles are Up!

Bud Walk

speaking of leeks

The Wisdom of Garlic

Leeks are Up!

baby lust

Nature's Foreplay

An Autumn Cordial

Leeks & Celery

Horseradish

What I've been up to lately....

OK Now, Who am *I*?

Who Am I?

Hey Listeners!!!!

Imbibing Green

i dont know about anyone else...

My Ides

Temp Rises and Heart Soars

Tea

Green Blessings to a Generous Spirit

herbal remedy

Hey Listeners!!!!

Jack Pine or Spruce

Comfrey & Chickweed Balm

Yuletide Spirit!!

Red Clover Today!

what's brewing

Warming Brew

Nettles ... Imagine That!

What I'm sipping lately

What I'm Sipping ...

Listen Up Listeners!

Physalis alkekengi

Phytolacca americana

October Honor

Platt Hill Weed Walk

Aloe spp.

Unidentified Plant

Taste!Organic Connecticut

September Blossoms (& Berries)

The Earth, the Air...Well mostly the Air

Lavender, Damiana and St. Johns Wort the sequel?

Cooling Aloe

Lavender, Damiana and St. John's Wort oh my!

thoughts, ideas and know-how appreciated

What is this?

The WHC According to Rose

Let's Start with a Weedwalk

looking forward...

Schizandra chinensis

Calendula officinalis

A Romp at Platt Hill

artemisa annua

Inula helenium

Sacred Weeds

Allium & Althea

Tincture of Achillea millefolium

the view from the Far Side

First Name Basis

Morning Harvest - June 29

OK Now, Who am I?