In Mid September I flew out to Central and Eastern Europe to meet with medicinal plant producers, and to learn more about the botanical wealth of Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria. For 2 and 1/2 weeks it’s been a fantastic, educational, illuminating and inspirational trip, and dear friends in each of these 3 countries rolled out the red carpet for me: Thank you beautiful, noble, grand people, … Read More
Labor day weekend: the last chance to celebrate the joys of summer, and an opportunity to prepare for a busy work season ahead during fall and winter. I am getting ready by making some tincture with fresh plants from the garden, which I will strain and use in 1-2 months. Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a sun loving, climbing, perennial vine and an important ingredient in beer … Read More
Cats are wonderful animal companions, which keep mice at bay. For both reasons I would not do without them. The kitty litter box I do not like. Both of our cats go outside, but at least one prefers to use the box all year; during rainy, cold seasons both resort to it. Since the dogs tend to eat the garden cat feces findings, which makes them … Read More
Herbal tinctures, also called extracts, are made from plant material macerated in alcohol, a process which extracts the active compounds from the botanical. Tinctures are an excellent form of herbal supplements for anybody who can consume alcohol, because they are easily administered, and immediately absorbed into the system. Due to the high alcohol content tinctures are not suitable for animals or small children. Tinctures are easy … Read More
On my evening stroll with the dogs I came upon a white spider, which was dining on a honey bee, inside a Mullein flower.
I truly wish there was a quick answer to that question. But unfortunately it is complicated. Conventional The term ‘conventional’, when used to describe agricultural methods, was invented by the synthetic fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and other agricultural chemical products industry. It emerged as part of the global chemical industry boom experienced after WW2, and is now domineering agricultural practices globally, reaping billions of dollars in profits … Read More
Place one of those onto your work desk to brighten the day. This country nosegay is composed of Yarrow (Achillea nobilis), Echinacea pallida + Echinacea purpurea , Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), Artemisia sp., Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula x Grosso), Catmint (Nepeta cataria), Oregano vulgare hybrids, and Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) flowers, and it is as fragrant as it sounds.
A couple of days ago it was last call for the remaining red currant berries hanging on the bush; they had to be dealt with, or would be spoiled.I had a bottle of brandy in my pantry, so I decided to preserve this fruit crop by making an Aufgesetzter, which is basically the same thing as Rumtopf, but made with brandy instead of rum. ‘Aufgesetzt’ simply … Read More
Summer is here, and the harvest season begins. In the Pacific Northwest we are blessed with a climate suitable for a large variety of fruit crops, which are offered at farm stands. My own garden currently produces strawberries, red and black currants, blueberries, red and black raspberries and gooseberries. It is time to start preserving some of this bounty for the winter. Canning is too labor … Read More
Matricaria recutita is known by the common name of German or True Chamomile, a late spring/early summer flowering Annual plant. This is the Chamomile which is used as a tea herb in form of tea bags, loose tea, and tea mixtures. Most commercial sources come from cultivation in Egypt, or are wild harvested in Eastern Europe; both are offered with organic certification. This cool season … Read More