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Spring Violets and Infused Sugars

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:33:34 +0000

The violets (Viola pratincola), are in popping up everywhere here in northern Maine. The children and I gather the delicate flowers for a special treat called Violet Infused Sugar. Simple and pretty, we layer blossoms with white sugar and repeat, until everyone grows tired of picking.

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April Article Roundup

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:14:19 +0000

Can you believe that April is gone? It flew by faster than any other month this year. I think it is because we were all so tired of winter that once those first warm days hit, we got out in the garden and never looked back.

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Fun Herb Garden Supplies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:58:53 +0000

It's not always about serious herb garden stuff anymore. For fun, I have compiled a list of items that are not only useful for the herb gardener, they are also fun! Check it out and see if you agree.

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Dandelion Greens and Tonics

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:09:08 +0000

Spring is in the air and as my family likes to say, "Grass is on the plate." I'm sure they mean that in a most loving way. ~not~

Do you eat dandelion greens? They are delicious and as far as wild herbs go, pretty tame. Take a look out in your lawn, they probably are coming up right now. If not dandelion, then most likely at least some of these Spring Herbs. Get out there and see.

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Guest Article: Osha Root

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:22:38 +0000

Today's herb information is brought to you courtesy of Anne Asher, owner of Posturally. Anne has written a great article about the herb Osha Root. Be sure to check it out and let her know that I sent you!

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Hardening Off Herb Seedlings

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:02:45 +0000

Without weather bouncing around like it is, sometimes we forget that before tucking new herbs into the ground outside, they have to be hardened off. . This is an easy but essential task that often has us running out in a moment of clarity and saving a tray of teeny lavender plants before they fry in the midday sun. Marie Iannotti, About.com's Guide to Gardening, has a great article about hardening off plants, that applies to the herb gardeners as well.

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Early Wild Weed Harvesting

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:59:38 +0000

Is anyone lucky enough to have dandelions, chickweed, nettles, or other wild herbs ready for harvest yet? We are experiencing our first warm day to speak of, and as much as I would love to get out there to forage, the green grass is just about all I can see. Soon, very soon.

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How's Your Weather?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:07:40 +0000

We are getting used to being back in rain country after 16 years of dryness and drought. Since rain is still a novelty, it hasn't bothered us that everything is mucky and sticky with mud. It smells heavenly, and there is so much green!
I am going to have to remember what gardening was like back in the day, when seedlings didn't burn up if you weren't fast enough planting them!

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Make Homemade Rooting Hormone

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:51:17 +0000

Well, there comes a time when a gardener has to give in and get started; even if it is a few weeks early. With the extra time, you could play around a little bit with your plants. There will be a cushion of time to correct anything that doesn't turn out well. Why not try rooting your own herbs?

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Herbal Easter Egg Dyes

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:32:42 +0000

As we draw near the ~~day of candy feasting~~ Easter holiday, it is time for that age old tradition of dyeing eggs.

We can use natural foods and herbs to make some pretty colors on our eggs. Don't worry if you only have brown eggs. The colors will be just as nice. If you happen to have little chefs who don't seem to get along well during Easter egg dyeing (cough, cough) it helps to have actually have both brown and white eggs ready to go. Then everyone can have their *own* type of egg. Please don't ask me how I know.

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