A time of warm (hot?) days, fresh spring produce, gardening, and nature bursting forth in all it’s abundance. Strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, radishes, and spring greens are in the markets and it’s time to get serious about getting the garden in order. In this newsletter, I’m going to cover how to get better sleep, the many […]
In the early days of the pandemic I had the news running on a never-ending loop with the latest dire predictions, tragic world scenes, hoarding shoppers, and political mismanagement. After three days of increasing worry and insomnia, I turned off the screens, took a nap on the porch in the sun, did some garden clean […]
February will bring us our first glimpses of spring. Buy yourself some blooming tulips, daffodils, or primrose for your interiors. To be greeted with fragrance and a beautiful pot of color is so uplifting. We need to add touches of wonder to help override the anxiety and hyperactivity all around us. Enjoy the last true […]
Juniper has been used since ancient times for its cleansing properties. Used to purify temples and protect from witches, today the smoke from juniper branches is used in sweat lodges. It is said to cleanse the air of bad energy and make it easier to commune with the spirits. The berries are highly aromatic and […]
I love the holiday season for all the long-treasured activities. The sumptuous array at the Christmas Eve appetizer party, the Nutcracker Ballet, the zoo and botanic garden light displays, and the lighting of the Yule log. Count your blessings, not your deficits, get out there and celebrate! Instead of succumbing to the annual onslaught of […]
Mint is one of those plants that enable a love/hate relationship. As a cook I love it, as a gardener, mint is usually pushing the boundaries. It is a great groundcover for cool, wet places. There are several different mints available these days. Lemon, lime, chocolate, peppermint, and spearmint to name a few. They all […]
Violets are some of the first flowers of spring and are both edible and medicinal along with being quite lovely with a delightful fragrance. There are many varieties, from pansies to perennial violets to the wild violets that like to infiltrate lawns and moist cool spaces. They will grow in sun to medium shade and […]
Herb of the Month – Parsley Parsley is a wonderful little plant. It is one of the most adaptable of the culinary herbs. Used with fish, meats, pasta, veggies, eggs or to garnish a plate, this little herb brightens up any dish. Parsley was held in high esteem by the Greeks, who crowned their top […]
Herb of the Month – Cayenne My first intimate encounter with cayenne came when, as a budding herbalist, I found an article that recommended sniffing a pinch of cayenne up the nose for congestion. I was having a dinner party and was quite congested so I gave it a snort. It did indeed clear up […]
Herb of the Month – Sage Sage is a savory seasoning for poultry, pork, winter squash, pear and apple dishes, cheeses, stews, and chowders. Antiviral and astringent, sage has long been used as a healing herb. Sage leaf rubbed on unhealthy gums will help tighten and disinfect. Sage tea is a delicious remedy for sore […]
I love fall, it is my favorite season, Harvest festivals, turning leaves, the farmer’s markets overflowing with fresh fruits and veggies and cooler days all add up to a marvelous month. It’s time to start stocking up for winter. Collect the garden harvest, dry herbs for teas, seasoning blends and kitchen remedies, and prepare the garden […]
The Book is (finally) published! Find it HERE at Amazon.com or if you are attending one of the below classes I will have books in hand. Perfect for summer and fall imbibing. Step into the herbalist’s kitchen and discover how easy it is to create fresh, artisanal beverages and delectable finger foods from the garden with […]