 If you’ve started a Healing Garden, or if you are harvesting other herbs, you might find this free download helpful! It was originally created for my Enhancing Your Life with Herbs class. Happy Harvesting! 
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 This morning I had three caterpillars on my milkweed plants. My milkweed plants were tiny. I rescued the little guys from the weed pile when I volunteered at King’s Gap, planted them late and never imagined they’d get any attention this year!
This is the only caterpillar left, and it seems to have stopped eating. They move off the milkweed plants to find a safer place when they form into a chrysalis. In ten days they’ll become butterflies. It’s on my calendar!  Milkweed can thrive in almost any environment, regardless of how challenging. It is a beacon of hope, and the sole food source, for the monarch butterflies who magically remember to return to them annually during their migration. Their nectar attracts over 400 insects, including bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators, building a stronger biodiversity. Many of these beneficial insects prey on aphids, leaf hoppers, and stink bugs. Milkweed has been credited in creating a poison that kills lantern flies, but according to Penn State Master Gardeners, this has not been verified.
They have a very deep root system, stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. CAUTION: All parts of milkweed contains cardiac glycosides, so can be poisonous to humans, pets and livestock. Although they have been used for numerous health conditions, from heart disease to respiratory, digestive concerns and skin disease, they are best left to benefit our monarch butterflies and insects. Use milkweed to symbolize hope in times of hardship, to embrace and celebrate diversity, and you can make wishes on the seeds! Behind the Scenes - Art Work for my Root to Rise FlyerThe art work for my Root to Rise flyer unfolded unexpectedly. I was volunteering at the edible flower garden at the Allen Road’s Gardens by the Penn State Extension Office in Carlisle, PA. Bob MacGregor, master gardener extraordinaire, with 69,000 plus volunteer hours, was working in another area of the gardens. I asked if I could take a few poppy pods home to paint - the colors were subtle but intense - ivory, burnt Sienna, burgundy and touches of violet. He said, “Sure! Take the whole thing!” and he ripped a plant up by the root and handed it to me. It seemed unfair to only draw the pods, so I sketched the entire plant. Close ups of the pods with the vibrant colors would have to wait.
When I was looking through my sketches for art work for my Root to Rise flyer, it seemed the perfect choice!   The Lion’s Gate Portal is opening from late July to mid‑August, culminating in the powerful 8/8 alignment of the Sun in Leo with Sirius, the Spiritual Sun. This celestial portal invites us to awaken intuition, release old stories, and manifest higher possibilities. The image above captures the essence of this cosmic gateway—roar, rise, and align with your highest self. Fun note:Some of you may recognize my lion! He was repurpose from our Say Ahh! The Teeth Book  The sunflower’s ruling planet is the sun, making its zodiac sign Leo!It’s Leo Season! |
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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.
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.
 First step in Lavender Wands Cut lavender stems as close to the base as possible. Remove the leaves to use for potpourris or other projects. Gather and loosely tie the flowers at the base with thread. Trim the stalks to an even length.  Lavender Wands, Begin Ribbon Weaving Begin weaving the ribbon, over and under each stalk. |  Lavender Wands, Folding Stems Over Tuck the end of the ribbon into the stalks to secure it. Gently fold each of the stems back over the lavender flowers.  Lavender Wands, Securing Ribbon Continue weaving until you reach to bottom of the flowers. Secure the ribbon in a know but don’t cut it. |
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.
Lavender sketch in illustrated journal
Lavendula officinale
Gender - Masculine
Planet - Mercury
Element - Air
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!
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.
- Sip a cup of lavender tea before bed time. Use two tablespoons lavender flowers in 4 cups of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. (Makes 4 servings). Sweeten with honey.
- Lavender baths are delightful! Place the dried lavender blossoms in a bath bag and place in the tub. Soak for about 15 minutes. There are numerous recipes for herbal baths on the internet, ranging from pure lavender flowers to herbal blends and additions of epson salts, sea salts or oatmeal, so I won't add them here. There is only one way to do this incorrectly! If you read about adding lavender flowers, rose petals and other herbs directly to the water, consider the clean up and use the bath bags (like over sized tea bags made of muslin or cheese cloth).
- A sprig of lavender under your pillow provides a restful fragrance and there is an added bonus! You can make a wish right before you go to sleep, and if you dream of your wish, it will come true!
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!
- Lavender is the only herb I know attributed to aiding those who want to attract ghosts! Simply carry a sprig with you, and ghosts will become visible! It also provides protection so no worries! You'll find more about lavender and other herbs associated with witches and goblins and ghosts, oh my, in my Herbs for Haunting course. Watch for it this fall!
- Attracting love, passion, and romance have long been associated with lavender. It is used in perfumes and oils, love spells, sachets, potpourris, to scent stationery for love letters, and to scent lingerie and sheets. It is also recommended to place lavender in lingerie drawers or when storing wedding gowns and other heirloom quality clothes, to prevent moths and insects from harming delicate fabrics and to add fragrance.
- There are accounts of it being misused though. Prostitutes have reputedly had success luring even the most unwilling clients. Hmm.
Whether you plan to stay awake or sleep, lavender will make your evening more enjoyable!
Ribbon Tied Lavender Bundle
 Simple Lavender Bundle | One of the simplest ways to use lavender is to simply gather the stalks of lavender and tie with a ribbon. It's best to cut them as soon as the flowers are in bloom in the spring. Cut them a few inches above the woody growth so you won't harm the plant. Gather first thing in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun becomes intense. Hang to dry in a cool dark place. |
Braided Lavender Hearts
 Lavender Hearts with Braided Stems | You'll need 6 stalks of lavender Ribbon - I've been using 3/16 inch light pink or lavender satin ribbon for all my projects. It's not too large to over power the lightness of the flowers. Make two lavender braids using 3 stalks for each braid. When they are braided, bend each one into a loop. Put the two loops together to form a heart, keeping the flowers on top. Cut off the stems in the back and tie with a ribbon. |
Candied Lavender Garnishes
 Candied Lavender Garnishes | 12 to 18 stalks of lavender One egg white, beaten until frothy 1/3 cup of granulated sugar Waxed paper or parchment paper Dip just the flowers of the lavender into the egg whites to completely cover, then dip them into the sugar. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and let dry away from heat or sun. Use as a garnish with fruit salad, lemonade, or iced tea. |
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.
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.
Planting seeds of inspiration with words, art, and lessons from nature.
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