After beginning to use more herbal treatments on my farm animals, I realized that I need to also grow Calendula. The correct name for Calendula is Calendula officinalis, and the common name is Pot Marigold. Calendula flowers and leaves are edible and it is a useful companion plant in the garden. Calendula helps repel damaging insects. Until this past year, I had trouble getting Calendula to grow. After reading some more tips on this herb, I planted it in a planter and it took off! Calendula … [Read more...]
6 Healthy Wild Plants to Harvest Now
Healthy,wild plants,herbs and botanicals grow everywhere in spring. Many of the healthy wild plants in your yard have healing properties. From the common dandelion to wild violet, chickweed and berries, wild plants contain healthy nutrients. Many wild plants can be used as greens in salads, or added to a light oil to make an infusion. With the right knowledge, the tinctures and extracts can provide powerful healing without resorting to pharmaceuticals. Adding dried herbs to baking takes … [Read more...]
Grow Sorrel for Chickens, Goats, Sheep and You!
I grow sorrel in my herb garden and usually give the leaves to the rabbits, or add to the dried herb mixtures. This year our sorrel pots are overflowing with the lush leaves. I have been adding it to salads, stir fry, and sauces. The French cook in me is coming out! But, in reality, I knew very little about this plant that was doing so well for us. I had to know more. Why Grow Sorrel in Your Garden? Sorrel, Rumex-acetosella, is part of the buckwheat family. People grow sorrel … [Read more...]
Chive Flowers Add a Nutritional Boost and Flavor
What are chive flowers? Most of us are familiar with the chive plant and the added flavor it brings to soups, salads and other recipes. The pretty puff balls of violet petals growing out from the green grassy chives are chive flowers. Their delicate aroma and pretty color add an interesting flair to food. Chives are a hardy perennial herb that grows well in most places. Chives are in the Allium genus as are onions, leeks, shallots and scallions. The flavor is mildly like onion. To use in … [Read more...]
Forsythia Shrubs Give Beauty and Herbal Health
Our forsythia shrubs have been blooming for a few weeks. Often, one of the first signs of spring approaching is the bright yellow flowers up and down the spindly limbs of the forsythia shrub. Periods of extended off season warm days can cause the forsythia shrubs to bloom early. The plant is fairly hardy, though. It can withstand some moderate late spring cold weather and still keep blooming. Lately, the forsythia shrubs have drawn my attention. I don't know if I was craving the bright … [Read more...]
