Willow fills me up with the forces of Nature it so bravely inhabits. This tree is truly the interface of water and earth. It is an indispensable force in the landscape, in places in need of restoration, as an abundant nectar and pollen source for pollinators, and as a medicine. I am amazed at the... Continue Reading →
Plantain; Plantago major
It is interesting how Plantain (Plantago major) helps to heal the earth and human beings in astonishingly similar ways. When the Earth is trampled on and scarred, Plantain is one of the first who appears with its renewing, restorative energy. When human beings have a wound, a sting, or a disturbance on their skin, Plantain... Continue Reading →
Create Your Own Herbal First Aid Kit
An article written about how to create your own herbal first aid kit that utilizes the local medicines around you. Relevant to Northern Ontario, as well as people who live in North America!
Embracing Invasive Species through Food, Medicine and Bio-fuel
Invasive species of plants are a complicated issue in our present world, spawning much controversy. These plants are introduced usually by humans intentionally or unintentionally, and have very aggressive habits of growing that can overrun native species and habitats. The introduction of them have been responded to by herbicide companies in efforts to eradicate them.... Continue Reading →
Sea Buckthorn; Hippophae rhamnoides
Have you ever questioned your ability to grow fruit in a cold climate? Look no further! Sea Buckthorn, or Hippophae rhamnoides, is a wonder in the landscape I call home. This is a plant that grows with profuse creativity. It thrives in poor soils while fixing Nitrogen, has taste bursting berries full of antioxidants and bioflavonoids, and is extremely cold hardy. This shrub has so much potential for our health, our landscapes, and food security as a whole.
How to Grow, Harvest, and Make Medicine with Elderberry
Elderberries are enthusiastic and energetic growers that can never be tamed. They are extremely useful shrubs that are magnets to incredible amounts of wildlife, medicine makers, foragers, wine makers, and foodies. Learn about making Elderberry syrup, harvesting and growing techniques, and how to propagate this wonderful shrub.
Balsam Poplar
Balsam Poplar! Learn how to harvest, grow and make balm of gilead from this beautiful tree.
White Pine; the Grandmother of the Forest
White Pine! Cultural uses, make tea, steams, harvest inner bark, make salve, harvest pollen, and how to grow
Labrador Tea
Learn about the gifts of Labrador Tea. How to make wild spice blends, how to make cough syrup, how to grow, how to harvest, sustainable harvesting, and how to propagate.
Stinging Nettle; Urtica dioica
Article exploring the extremely nutrient dense Stinging Nettle. Learn harvesting tips, food uses, medicinal uses, and how to grow it in your own backyard. Explore different culinary applications like a spring time pesto, as well as how to make a medicinal tincture.