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Wonderful Wildflower Jam With Red Clover & Pineapple Weed

devon 5 Comments

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Wonderful Wildflower Jam With Red Clover & Pineapple Weed

Devon Young 5 Comments

Whoever said that jams need to made of entirely of fruit? Red clover & pineapple weed make for clever wildflower jam with surprising caramel apple flavor!

I declare this the year of the wildflower jam!  Truth is, I have been putting flowers in jam for a long time now.  Lavender in blueberry, rose in raspberry, elderflower in strawberry – and it has been a good thing.  This year, however, was my first foray into the world of jams and jellies based entirely on flowers – and most specifically, wildflowers and so called “weeds”.  My first adventure with my Wild Rose Petal Jelly was stupendous, full of rosy goodness.  Elegant, really…  Intrigued, I turned my sights on weirder and weedier things.  Red clover and pineapple weed jam – we have another winner! These two lovelies are some of my favorite sights and smells of summer.

Wildflower Jam Ingredients

Pineapple Weed

(Matricaria matricariodes) Pineapple weed reminds me vividly of visits to Great Granny and Grandads’ farm where it grew profusely in the tractor tracts in between the gardens and orchards.  The sweet pineapple perfume on a warm sunny morning whilst on my way to pick berries or cherries, corn or beans –ahh, childhood memories…  On my own farm, pineapple weed springs up in the tractor path and outside the milking stall – this is a weed that loves to be trampled and smashed to bits.  Reliably hardy little weed.  Pineapple weed is closely related to our favorite medicinal chamomile, identified by  its finely dissected, almost lacy foliage and the bold greenish-yellow “button” of a flower.  Unlike its sister, pineapple weed flowers have no noticeable rays (petals), and the “button” is somewhat cone shaped.  Although I have not found “scientific” literature detailing its medicinal properties, it is thought to possess gentle sedative action similar to chamomile.  Pineapple weed smells, well, of pineapple and offers a delightfully green apple flavor to the palate.

Red Clover

(Trifolium pratense) Red clover is a much heralded medicinal, rich in minerals and isoflavones that support women’s health, and it is a favorite cover crop for area farmers to reinvigorate a fallow field with nitrogen.  Just across from my farm is probably 50 acres of this valuable resource – but it is heavily sprayed and useless to me as an herbalist and forager. There are a patches of red clover in my lawn, but nothing appreciable. Imagine my joy when I fell upon a free seeded swath of red clover adjacent to an organic farm near my favorite foraging spot!  Almost waist deep and weedy – THIS was the red clover that I wanted.  Red clover flavor is subtle, somewhat grassy and a little bit sweet, not unlike a pea, but more floral.

Preparing & Canning Wildflower Jam

For the purposes of this wildflower jam recipe, I gathered the flowers of these foraged beauties.  Gently tug at the conical buttons on pineapple weed to release. Don’t get too worried if a little foliage comes with it too.  My recipe calls for about a cup of the flowering pineapple weed tops, rinsed, drained and patted dry.  The red clover, while easy to harvest, is a bit more tedious prior to processing.  I gathered enough to fill one of those flimsy plastic grocery bags I keep in my rig for impromptu wildcrafting.  I rinsed the individual florets under cool water in attempt to flush away the wee beasties hiding in the clover petals.  So. Many. Tiny. Flea. Beetles.  After rinsing and draining, I pulled the clover petals from the central portion, discarding the green parts for chicken food.  My big bag o’ clover yielded about three cups of separated petals.  The process is time consuming – but this red clover and pineapple weed jam is worth the effort.

It is important to bring up the point of acidity, in respects to canning, here.  Many fruits have ample acid making them safe to water bath can with rather small additions of lemon juice.  Since flower bits are more or less pH neutral, a safe recipe will call for a bit more acidity.  After declaring this the summer of wildflower jams and jellies, I invested in a small, inexpensive handheld pH meter.  Properly calibrated and maintained, this handy little tool should help me to develop new recipes for years to come – more wildflower jam and jelly coming at you.  In order to safely preserve foods in a water bath canner, the pH of the concoction must be 4.6 or lower (pH of 4.7 and higher must be preserved using a pressure canner to prevent botulism risk).  This recipe was well within the safe zone, measuring in the mid 3’s.  Perhaps I was overly generous with the lemon juice, but the bright citrus note only enhanced the flavor of the wildflower jam. Again, here I am using Pomona’s Pectin due to the low relative sugar content and overall lack of present pectin.  In this case I used a combination on wildflower honey and a bit of organic sugar to sweeten the jam.

The resulting red clover and pineapple weed jam is nothing short of delicious.  Imagine caramel apples and flowers…  Perfectly suitable for toast, I love this wildflower jam slathered on biscuits or cornbread.  This wildflower jam is kind of rustic and really wonderful.  Just another way to eat the weeds and relish doing so!!!

Wildflower Jam Recipe

Wonderful Wildflower Jam

With a "nubbly" texture and a caramel apple flavor, this wildflower jam with red clover and pineapple weed is clever and delicious. Makes 4-5 half pints.
Note: The calcium and directions for the calcium water in this recipe is included in the Pomona's package.
5 from 2 votes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups red clover petals
  • 1 cup pineapple weed flowers
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup raw organic sugar
  • 4 teaspoons Pomona's Pectin
  • 4 teaspoons calcium water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare clean and patted dry clover by removing the petals; rinse and pat dry the pineapple weed flowers.
  • Place 4 teaspoons of pectin and 1/2 cup sugar into a small bowl, mix and set aside.
  • Place prepared flowers into a heavy bottomed saucepan and add water, honey, lemon juice and calcium water. Stirring frequently, bring the wildflower mixture to a slight boil.
  • Add sugar/pectin mixture slowly, stirring well to combine. Return to a slight boil and cook for approximately 2 minutes stirring constantly.
  • Ladle into prepared jars. Wipe the rims, and screw on prepared lids and rings, finger tight. Process in a water bath canner at a full boil for 10 minutes (for half pints) or 15 minutes (for pints).
  • After processing, remove jars from canner and allow to cool for 24 hours. Check for seal and store in a cool dark spot for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.

Wildflower Jam


Devon Young

Devon is a writer and author on subjects of holistic and sustainable living. She has a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and her books, The Backyard Herbal Apothecary and The Herbalist's Healing Kitchen, were published by Page Street Publishing in Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 respectively. Her NEW book, The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary, dedicating to growing a medicinal landscape publishes March 2024. Devon's work outside of NittyGrittyLife.com can be seen at LearningHerbs.com, GrowForageCookFerment.com, AttainableSustainable.net, and in the magazine The Backwoods Home.

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5 Comments

  • Susan June 17, 2018 at 5:06 am

    I absolutely adore your passion and exhuberance.
    Reading your recipe of pineapple weed and red clover…I have oodles of pineapple weed but no red clover. I live in the Rockies at 8300′ and not much soil.
    Would you choose dried red clover or find another plant?
    I must say that you are a gift to the planet.
    I thank you.

    • Devon June 19, 2018 at 8:12 pm

      Wow! Thanks. You’re the sweetest! I would avoid using dried red clover as it won’t quite give the end result of the fleshy, toothsome fresh clover petals. I would maybe just go “all in” with ALL pineapple weed since you have oodles. Yummy stuff!

  • Tailith Sky July 3, 2019 at 9:02 pm

    What is calcium water?

  • Susannah July 11, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds utterly divine! I can’t wait to try it. Such a wonderful idea!!

  • Lois Luckovich October 16, 2022 at 6:25 am

    5 stars
    What can I use in place of Calcuim Water?

  • Leave a Reply

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    About Me

    About Me

    Meet the Nitty Gritty Mama, Devon!

    I am an herbalist, farmer, cook, and forager. I get my hands dirty and am not afraid to do things the "hard way". Sharing my Nitty Gritty Life with you! Read More

    Devon

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    • 📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗

It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. 

My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal.

Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be.

I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗

So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘

And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby!

https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507

#herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    • About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all.

But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung.
And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks.  Maybe I needed to be humbled.

But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. 

So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.”

So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! 

As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary?

Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing 

https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/
#herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    • As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. 

Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. 

I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making!

You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies!

#herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    • My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days.

But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake.

A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now.

#baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    • 2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter.

The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire.  A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. 

She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. 

I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. 

Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    • First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚

Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking…

This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘

Tap link in bio for recipe.
    • The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears…

Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light.

Writing this book was my “light.”

I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself?

In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation.  After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. 

So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? 

Yes I can, and you can too.

Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born.  This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME.

So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live.

The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer.

#herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    • Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart.

A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful.

I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy.

#goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    • Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks…

I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension.

After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. 

I felt a pang of disappointment.

But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. 

So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me.

#potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗

It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. 

My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal.

Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be.

I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗

So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘

And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby!

https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507

#herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗 It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal. Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be. I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗 So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘 And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby! https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507 #herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    3 weeks ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/9
    About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all.

But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung.
And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks.  Maybe I needed to be humbled.

But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. 

So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.”

So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! 

As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary?

Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing 

https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/
#herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all. But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung. And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks. Maybe I needed to be humbled. But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.” So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary? Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/ #herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    4 weeks ago
    View on Instagram |
    2/9
    As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. 

Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. 

I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making!

You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies!

#herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making! You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies! #herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    3/9
    My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days.

But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake.

A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now.

#baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days. But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake. A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now. #baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    4/9
    2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter.

The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire.  A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. 

She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. 

I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. 

Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter. The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire. A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    5/9
    First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚

Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking…

This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘

Tap link in bio for recipe.
    First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚 Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking… This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘 Tap link in bio for recipe.
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    6/9
    The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears…

Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light.

Writing this book was my “light.”

I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself?

In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation.  After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. 

So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? 

Yes I can, and you can too.

Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born.  This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME.

So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live.

The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer.

#herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears… Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light. Writing this book was my “light.” I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself? In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation. After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? Yes I can, and you can too. Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born. This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME. So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live. The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer. #herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    7/9
    Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart.

A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful.

I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy.

#goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart. A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful. I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy. #goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    7 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    8/9
    Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks…

I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension.

After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. 

I felt a pang of disappointment.

But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. 

So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me.

#potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks… I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension. After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. I felt a pang of disappointment. But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me. #potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    7 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    9/9
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