Garden Gladness

A couple weeks ago.

When things were lush and green.

And harvesting was really just beginning.

Admiring everything in bloom and the bees happy dance.

Harvest: Food is your Medicine.

With the unending anticipation of moving (and not an exact date... yet.), my garden space has been set free a bit. I have done very little planting and most of what grows are perennial or re-seeded from last year. Except the garlic. That I made sure to plant last fall.

There are always a few staple plants I make sure to plant. I tend to be more of an herbal gardener, I encourage herbs and flowers (many of which are considered weeds) to grow and to use both in and as food or medicine. Among the verdure springing forth from the earth are staples, such as sage, thyme and basil, as well as lavender, lemonbalm, calendula, anise hyssp, chamomile, and echinacea. Plus a few wild volunteers, like the St. John's wort, mugwort, evening primrose... But aside from these plants whose delicate leaves and flowers I harvest, I always try to plant garlic. Even if it is just a few cloves to have a few homegrown bulbs.

It was difficult a few years ago when I moved in winter and had to leave my whole garden, many of the plants I had for over 10 years and had moved with me from a handful of different locations. I had a relationship with these plants, I tended them and harvested them year to year and they provided me with sustenance and healing. But then there are times to let go. It is good to start fresh and to develop relationships with plants who grow wild.

So now these few plants growing out in the yard are extra special.
So the other day I noticed it was time for the garlic to be dug up. There is nothing like harvesting your own food, with the intention of well being and nourishment. And as I slowly moved through the little spaces where plants weren't growing to harvest the garlic bulbs, I thought about what I would use it for. Of course some will be used as food, added to pizzas, sauces, stir fry, etc.. But some will be made into remedies and added to honey for fighting off colds and flus in the colder months.

The garden is such a wonderful sanctuary. A place of calm and peace. Regeneration.

Do you have a garden space?
What things do you grow?

Garden Majesty

The garden will be minimal this year, while we are preparing to explore and transition.
I hope it won't mind...
There are still a few left-over kale plants that have exploded and become regal kale bushes plopped dead center of all the vibrantly growing herb perennials.

On the list of "old friends" coming back for another round, another year are the endless sea of calendula (which spread themselves like wildfire each year, HOORAY!!!), lavender, anise hyssop, echinacea (for the bees!), thyme, oregano and sage. There are also a few carrots and parsley plants that are growing on  of their own will, we will see what happens. I am also eagerly awaiting verbena to pop up, I was hoping it seeded itself, but I haven't had great luck with this in the past.

The garlic is getting bigger as well! After waiting all winter to see green shoots, but only seeing brown earth and white mounds, it is finally up and off like a rocket! I was worried it wasn't protected enough, but lo and behold! Garlic a plenty!
(well, there is never really enough garlic, if I must be honest...)

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A lovely new friend (via Instagram, how wonderful!!!) posted a couple wonderful photos of herself in her beloved Little Owl "Three Sisters" hoodie in front of a towering lilac bush. It was fantastic, and then she posted this photo below.
Swoon, right?!? (Many thanks, Lo!)
That bouquet, just the perfect little wildflower collection to match the charcoal of the hoodie!

I am so honored she let me use her beautiful photos.
I have to be honest, I have found photographing my screen printed clothing very challenging and have yet to really be satisfied with any of the photos I have taken myself.
So, here is inspiration and a challenge to myself to work harder, to get better, to create photos that are beyond lovely and make you just want to jump in and get cozy, or tug at delicate heart strings.
There. I've said it, now I must work to follow through!

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I have been waiting all winter (and it has been a long one) for these green leaves!

There is nothing like a fresh, herby tisane.

This one will include oregano, thyme and lemonbalm (one of my absolute favorites and one I have a special healing connection to). I am a religious tea drinker, it is part of my everyday spiritual path. It is morning, noon and nighttime ritual. And I prefer tea as my chosen healing modality.

Making a cup of tea, whether for healing or for pleasure, engages the participant. It encourages one to be a direct part of their own wellbeing. You have to prepare, wait, pour, steep, breath in, sip...

Tea invokes fluidity and patience.

It is a balm for the soul.

Slowing down, you can sit and truly enjoy that moment.
True connection.
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It's Happening... Finally!!!

SPRING! GLORIOUS SPRING!!!

I have been tirelessly waiting for signs of Spring. While many around the country are still reporting more snow, there are many that are sharing their finds, evidence that Spring is here... Well, I can now join that club! The garlic is popping up and the lemonbalm has tiny leaves covering where its roots lie. The thyme, which has wintered over very well is perking up some and starting to turn from purple to green. I was trying to see if I saw any calendula sprouts from the seeds that dropped, but I think I am a bit over zealous- not to mention that Bessie Mu has decided she loves sneaking into the garden and running in circles, teasing the other dogs on the outside (rolling my eyes).

Do you have any signs of Spring around you?

In the Garden