|
I’ve had a few requests about lavender wands so I’m reposting how to make them. They last for years and making them is therapeutic!  Lavender Wands To make the lavender wands you will need: Gather 15 stalks of freshly cut lavender. Cut as close to the base of the plant as possible. Be prepared to use them while they are still pliable. Thread to tie the stalks together. 3 yards of 3/16 “ wise good quality satin ribbon. Enough time to complete them in one sitting.
 Lavender Wands, Weave Ribbon Around Stems Wrap the ribbon diagonally down the stem, secure at the base of the stem with a couple of knots, then cut the ribbon.
0 Comments
 Lavender sketch in illustrated journal Lavendula officinale Gender - Masculine Planet - Mercury Element - Air I’ve always thought of lavender as an herb of the evening. Lavender is associated with peace, nocturnal wishes, sweet dreams and restful sleep. The fragrance has been used for centuries to create a restful night's sleep.
As we continue to explore lavender's nocturnal charms, keep in mind not everyone sleeps at night. Lavender is also very useful if you plan to stay awake!
Whether you plan to stay awake or sleep, lavender will make your evening more enjoyable! Ribbon Tied Lavender Bundle
Braided Lavender Hearts
Candied Lavender Garnishes
Almond Lavender Cookies Lavender Almond Heart Cookies 1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms I cup (two sticks) butter at room temperature 2 cups almond flour 1 cup flour Combine the sugar and fresh lavender blossoms using a food processor. Add the butter and combine. Next add the flours. Mix until thoroughly combined. The batter will be soft. Chill for 30 minutes. Flour both sides of the dough and place between two long sheets of waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Work quickly. The dough will get soft again as you work with it. Cut cookies with a cookie cutter dipped in flour. Remove all the excess dough and return to the 'fridge. This will make it easier to move your shaped cookies. Gently lift cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment paper. Chill the cookies on the baking sheets for 30 minutes Set oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Once the oven is preheated, bake for about 30 minutes. Begin checking at 15 minutes and don't let the edges of the cookies brown. Cool on a wire rack placed. Glaze 1/2 cup confectioners sugar 1 Tablespoon water. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add a little more water if needed. Keeping the cookies on the wire rack, move them over the sink if your rack fits, or place waxed paper underneath for easy clean up. This can get messy! Use a spoon to lightly glaze the cookies. Top with lavender blossoms. Let the glaze set up and serve.  Stargazer Lily This July, beginning on the 4th, I’m celebrating not by looking back—but by looking up. In these challenging times, I’m choosing to lift my gaze, and my spirits, by searching for stars - the kind that remind us we’re surrounded by beauty, resilience, and wonder. Stars are everywhere. We find them in expected places— twinkling in the midnight blue sky or on the American flag. But they also appear in unexpected ways: in the bloom of a stargazer lily, the shape of a sweet gum leaf, the stitching of an heirloom quilt, or tucked on a shelf in a hardware store or museum. Throughout July, I’ll be sharing these shining discoveries and tagging them on Instagram with a #SearchingForStars. I’d love for you to join me—by noticing, photographing, and/or posting the stars you find around you. Let’s fill our feeds, and our hearts, with light.  Botrychium lunaria Gender - Feminine Planet - Moon Element - Water My grandmother introduced me to lunaria and called it the silver dollar plant. It looked a bit rough and raggedy until we rubbed off the casings around the silver disks and then it sparkled! It has a silvery glow, and finding and carrying it has been said to ensure that money is on the way! Other folk names include the money plant, money in both pockets, two pennies in a purse, the money tree, satin flower, penny flower, and honesty, for the translucence.
 Elegant lunaria! The name lunaria is from the Latin word luna, referring to its round shape and silvery glow, resembling the moon. Moonwort, another folk name, also refers to the moon, and wort indicates it is a useful plant.
 Female Pine Cone Pinus spp. Gender: Masculine Element: Air Planet: Mars You are probably wondering why I’m mentioning “midsummer celebrations” when the first day of summer was only a few days ago. Midsummer is calculated from May Day, so the days are around this time of year are considered Midsummer. And what does Midsummer have to do with pine cones? Pine cones gathered during Midsummer have magical properties. Actually, they are infused with magic all year long - more on that later - but if you find a pine cone on Midsummer’s day, and it still has its pine nuts, you will have the ability to become bullet proof! Simply eat one a day until they are gone. I was in elementary school when I first learned about these powerful protections, but I always felt safe and didn’t see the need to gather them. Times have changed. I’m appreciative of any protection available, and have gathered pine cones today. Pine cones are sensitive to light and open in the sunlight to release their seeds. Be certain to find cones that are not too green, so the seeds will be developed and ready, and not open, so the seeds won’t have fallen out.
 Look for pine cones in areas that are cool and don’t get direct sunlight. Pine cones have other powers. They will increase fertility (I have no interest at all in this, and even if I did, at my age, it would be miraculous, and exhausting.). They also possess the ability to ensure that we live a long, robust and healthy life, and they are very effective in attracting money! Both of these are appealing.
Did you know pine cones have genders? The firm, hard cones we typically think of (as pictured above) are female. The males, called catkins, are soft, and produce pollen. Mother Nature isn’t always predictable and she has a sense of humor. Pine cones have been associated with enlightenment, perception, and awareness for centuries, and are associated with the pineal gland, which is actually shaped like a pine cone. The pineal gland has been called ’the third eye chakra’, the ‘seat of the soul’, or ’the mystic seed’. It is a small gland at the center of the brain, between the two cerebral hemispheres. Like the pinecone, it is also associated with light. It produces melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles, bone metabolism, mental health and mood regulation. The pineal gland has also been affiliated with another chakra, the crown chakra, and is said to have an interconnection to all aspects of a human being, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The history, legends. lore, and gods, goddesses, and religious affiliations of the pine cone and pine tree are abundant. There are over one hundred species of pine, and they are estimated to have been in existence for one hundred and fifty million years. Follow my blog for more on these miraculous plants, as well as others. We are surrounded by, and immersed in miracles!  Rosa spp.Rosa is the Latin meaning for “a flower”. Gender: Feminine Element: Water Planet: Venus The rose, cherished internationally, is a native of the United States. The oldest known fossil was found on a slate deposit in Florissant, Colorado, and is estimated to be 35 million years old. In 1987, legislation was passed to make the rose the National Floral Emblem of the United States. It is also the state flower of the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, North Dakota and New York. Throughout history, the rose has been associated with psychic powers, healing and protection. At one time it was used extensively in cooking, and is currently used in teas and desserts. I’m hoping to reintroduce the rose’s culinary versatility with recipes for edible flowers, so watch for rosy recipes coming soon! Most of all, roses are known for their association with love and romance. In addition to being National Rose Month, June is also the month most weddings are scheduled, and roses are often the chosen flower. Roses are also popular for Mother’s Day, Christmas, and birthdays and anniversaries all year long. On Valentine’s Day, approximately 250 million flowers are sold annually in the United States, and one-third of them are roses! “The rose is the emblem of all ages, the interpreter of all our feelings, the rose mingles with our festivities, our joy, our grief. Modesty borrows the delicate blush; it is given as the prize of virtue, the image of youth, innocence, and pleasure. It is consecrated to Venus, the goddess of beauty, and like her, possesses a grace more exquisite than beauty itself.” ~ From the Language of Flowers - 1846, Illustrated by Kate Greenaway Flowers took on a new role in the Victorian era. The Victorians attributed meaning to flowers, creating an elegant and silent language. Roses were a favorite. Over the years, meanings have been expanded and altered. (Yellow roses once symbolized jealousy but the modern interpretation is friendship, for example). For those of you hoping to add more symbolism and meaning to your rose bouquets, my Ode to the Rose, Legends, Lore and Language, from the archives, will help you choose the color and numbers to customize your message. You’ll also find some fun facts, and fantasies, about the rose. Enjoy!  
 Yesterday my daughter and son-in-law took me on a field trip to visit York County Historical Center in York. PA. Among the numerous exhibits, this was my favorite! De Historia Stirpium Commentaril Insignes (“Notable Commentaries on the History of Plants”) was published in 1543. It features over 500 plants and includes botanical illustrations, structure, medicinal qualities and practical applications. The illustrations are detailed woodcuts. Featured artists include illustrator Heinrich Fullmaurer, Albrecht Meyer, a draftsman, and Veit Rudolph Speckle, a woodcutter. Leonhart Fuchs (1502 - 1566) was a German physician and one of the three founding fathers of botany: Otto Brunfels and Hieronymous Bock, the other two. They gave creditability to the study of plants. The herbal is credited for moving herbals from medieval mysticism to accredited modern botanical science. Can you imagine sitting quietly with this treasure and savoring each page? I wonder if it’s ever taken out of its case. The next time I visit, I’ll check to see if they have turned the page. This is only one of many reasons to visit the York County Historical Center. Actually, you should consider visiting as many historical societies as possible! They are brimming with treasures to remind us to treasure our past and preserve our future. We are so focused on finding evidence of our ancestors, and so, when we find it, we should help preserve it for future family members to see and get excited about." You can probably guess I use herbs in at least one of my rituals to celebrate the Summer Solstice! Litha invites us to relax, celebrate nature’s gifts and soak in the summer sun! This year’s double spring, thanks to the Chinese New Year’s Year of the Wood Snake, made it feel like warmer weather would never arrive1 Now that it’s almost summer, warmer temperatures are on their way in the northern hemisphere1 Below you will find several rituals I have used to celebrate the summer solstice1 1. Make Mini-Herbal Wreaths Supplies to make Summer Solstice Wreaths Plan to make several wreaths to share with friends! You’ll need:
Gather your herbs. Again, be flexible and use what you have available. I used:
Make circular wreaths out of ivy. I plan to wear mine on my head so I checked to see that it would fit! Arrange the herbs on top of the ivy base, then use floral tape and/or wire to hold them in place, weaving around the wreath.  Mini Herbal Wreaths for the Summer Solstice 2. Get Up Early and Watch the Sun RiseInvite friends to join you! If you’d like, wear your herbal wreath on your head and keep it on all day! Have one for each guest! (If they don’t want to wear the wreath, that’s fine. I’ve found some people are reluctant!) Make pancakes the shape of the sun! Ha! Or make sunny scrambled eggs with a few snips of chives and basil! 3. JournalFind a quiet place, perhaps in your Peace Garden (Creating a Peace Garden!) to journal. Write down some of the things you’d like to do during the summer months. Consider your values - health, relationships, creative projects, beauty and order, play and relaxation, for example. Even though many of us take the summer off from formal education, summer is still a great time to include reading, learning and teaching. Have you been thinking about learning to play a musical instrument, becoming more proficient at yoga, or learning to make sushi? Summer is a great time to learn a new skill. What are you planning for your vacation? Will you be traveling or taking day trips? Take some time to dream and set your intentions. 4. Connect with the EarthGet your hands dirty! There is a natural antidepressant called Mycobacterium vaccae found in soil. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production. In other words, playing in the dirt will make you happy! You might want to paint using earth colors. Did you know that the colors burnt sienna, burnt umber, raw sienna and raw umber are rich brown pigments, originally made from natural clays found under ground in the soil in towns in Italy? Make some paints from the soil in your area! Or reach for the siennas and umbers in your watercolors or oil paints. Look for fossils, weed your garden, plant seeds or make mud pies! Have fun! 5. Play in WaterSpends some time in and around water. Ideally, dip your feet in the ocean, a lake or stream. If that’s not an option, a swimming pool or hot tub would be a great substitute. None available? Run through a sprinkler or make water balloons and toss them around! Or go to a Baltimore Orioles game and sit in the Bird Bath section! The way they’re scoring this year, you may well get soaked! (The fans in the Bird Bath section are sprayed with water when players get doubles, triples and home runs!) 6. Light Up the DarknessLight up the grill and have a cookout! If it’s not too dry in your area, you might want to have a bonfire as the sun sets! Light candles , lanterns, torches, or burn incense! 7. Watch the SunsetTake a blanket outside to watch the sunset and stay for awhile to do some star gazing! You might want to consider not turning on the lights or using any electricity in the house after the sun goes down,. One of my friends is planning not to use any electricity in her house after sundown for a week following the solstice. How Do You Celebrate the Summer Solstice?If you have rituals to celebrate the summer solstice, I’d love to hear about them. Please share in the comments below!
 Even though my dad passed when I was 13, his humor, stories and wisdom live on. This is one of my favorites. Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers - and others who are filling the role of fathers. We are teaching every day, whether we know it or not.
Half of 8 is Zero I was in an arithmetic class in elementary school and as I looked at the number 8, I realized that "half of eight equals 4" wasn't the only right answer! This discovery thrilled me and I immediately raised my hand to share this with my teacher and the rest of the class. The teacher was neither impressed nor pleased. She was visibly annoyed. By the time I got home, my dad, a calculus professor at an engineering school, had received a call. He sat me down at the dining room table to have a conversation. His face was expressionless (my dad had made a considerable amount of money in the Korean War playing Black Jack and unlike me, had an enviable poker face). He told me that my teacher had called and given her perspective, quite negative, on my discovery, and he asked me to explain mine. "Well, I just realized that half of eight can be zero," I said quietly, my head down. "Can you prove it?" he asked, and I saw a grin cross his face. He knew I could! So I drew an eight, and covered the top. 0! My dad was not angry. He was pleased! And as I looked at the 8 I realize it could be an E or a 3! And if I turned it on its side, it could be an m or a w! It was then that I realized being creative in school might not be well received. Over the years, many teachers wanted me to **memorize and regurgitate**. Thankfully my dad, a Calculus professor, wanted me to **think**. My life would have been very different if he has scolded or reprimanded me as my teacher had. I have often wondered over the years as I've worked with young people, how many times their creative ideas and potential contributions have been squelched. Seeing things in new and different ways adds such joy to life. Note: I realize this may not seem like a good fit for an herbal blog but all of my creative endeavors are influenced by this concept!  Columbine sketch - illustrated journal Aquilegia canadensis Gender: Feminine Element: Water Planet: Venus Labels are on my mind. I’m in an online gardening group and someone recently posted a photo of a columbine. (Quick sketch of a columbine from my illustrated journal above). She liked it, but her brother told her it was a weed, so they ripped it out of the garden and threw it away.
How often do we allow other people’s perception and labels to determine our actions? Are we so dependent on the approval, or disapproval, of others that we no longer trust our own judgment? Doing this with plants is disheartening, but even more disturbing is we do it with each other. Let’s slow down and think before we react and discard. We might miss something beautiful that has value. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein We are literally surrounded by, and immersed in, miracles. Don’t miss them. |
Planting seeds of inspiration with words, art, and lessons from nature.
Welcome to my Blog!Do you love celebrating nature, botanical art, herbal recipes, crafts, legend and lore? I’d love to hear about your favorites. I’m inspired by words, the alphabet, and things that begin with the letter v- variety, vases, vulnerability, violets, vintage, vacations, vanilla, and velvet. Do you have a favorite letter of the alphabet? What is it, and why do you love it? Categories
All
|
||||||||||||||||
RSS Feed