My neighbor Rita was telling me about these blue Butterfly Pea flowers she ordered in the mail. They are said to have all kinds of miraculous healing and health supporting properties. Plus it dyes your food or drink a lovely shade of dark purple so that’s fun. Rita gave me a jar of dried flowers … Continue reading Purple Sourdough & Margaritas
Flowers
Peonies Make Me Happy
“Peonies” by Mary Oliver This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting readyto break my heartas the sun rises,as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers and they open —pools of lace,white and pink —and all day the black ants climb over them, boring their deep and mysterious holesinto the curls,craving … Continue reading Peonies Make Me Happy
Wildflowers
Since the start of advent, I’ve been walking every evening with my neighbor Rita. I usually walked anyways with the dogs, but she started to join me as part of her Lenten promises to get out everyday. It has been a real joy to walk and visit with her and to have that time out … Continue reading Wildflowers
The poem of creation is uninterrupted
I was visiting a student in Northside last week so I took the opportunity to stop by and see mom at Spring Grove Cemetery. The cemetery is also an arboretum, and this time of year is absolutely beautiful there - flowering trees, wildflowers, spring bulbs... everywhere you look something is blooming. The entrance to her … Continue reading The poem of creation is uninterrupted
Pinchings Tea
A new neighbor friend of mine is studying to be an herbalist. She sent me this message a few days ago: So while I was out picking in the garden, I collected the herbs for the tea. I didn't have any Tulsi but I do have loads of other basils. I picked mostly Thai basil … Continue reading Pinchings Tea
U-Pick Flowers in Sutton’s Bay
I like to support local farms and northern Michigan is a treasure trove of local food. This morning I called a bunch of farms to see what fruit might be in season to pick. Strawberries are ripe but we're a couple weeks out on blueberries, currants and raspberries. Then I saw this little gem on … Continue reading U-Pick Flowers in Sutton’s Bay
Garlic Infused Vinegar
Garlic chives are in bloom now. Did you know their lovely purple flowers are edible? You can add them to a salad for a fun touch and a huge hit of flavor. Or, try infusing some white wine vinegar for a lovely addition to a salad dressing. The other day I picked a basketful and … Continue reading Garlic Infused Vinegar
Honeysuckle Season
It's the time of year when you walk outside and a wave of sweet scent washes over you. Even with days of brush cutting, we have loads of honeysuckle along the edges of our property, all of which is loaded with flowers now. A couple of days ago I got a message from my friend … Continue reading Honeysuckle Season
Lovely Lilacs
There is a beautiful old lilac bush on the edge of our property, along the tree line. A few years ago my husband almost cut it down when trimming brush. I'm so very glad I caught him before he did because this time of year it is covered in gorgeous purple flowers that fill the … Continue reading Lovely Lilacs
Lavender Dandelion Muffins
When I set out picking dandelions yesterday, my intention was to make an infusion for jelly. Arriving home with a basket of the happy yellow flowers, though, I felt inspired to try something new. I got a new cookbook, Recipes From The Herbalist's Kitchen by Brittany Wood Nickerson, and I've been trying out recipes from it. … Continue reading Lavender Dandelion Muffins
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