Welcome to All Things "Herbal"

Lavender Lemonade

2012-06-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

INGREDIENTS
1 cup lavender flowers

2 cups boiling water
2 cups chilled water
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar

PREPARATION
Set lavender in a heat-safe pitcher. Pour boiling water over the buds. Cover pitcher with a dishcloth and let it steep 10 minutes. Strain and discard the lavender from the water, then return the water to the pitcher. Add cold water, lemon juice and sugar to the pitcher. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until serving.

http://www.mrsmeyers.com//Lavender Lemonade
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/06/lavender-lemonade/

Growing a Garnish Garden

2012-05-23T06:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.herbcompanion.com

10 Tips for Growing a Garnish Garden

1. Start tender flowers indoors and transplant them into the garden after any danger of frost.

2. Harvest flowers early in the morning with clean scissors; take a vase of water into the garden with you.

3. Gently immerse edible flowers in cool water to release insects before garnishing your plates or salads.

4. Flower stems are like straws; they bring water up to the flowers. Recut the stems and change the water every few days.

5. When placing flowers in a vase, keep the arrangement loose and airy, allowing enough free space to allow a butterfly to fly freely in between stems.

6. To encourage new flowers, harvest frequently, just above the new leaf nodule.

7. Experiment with different varieties of edible flowers each season to keep expanding your repertoire.

8. Not all flowers are edible, and not all edibles are tasty.

9. For large blossoms such as calendula, rose, and chive, separate the petals from the flower heads before decorating salads.

10. Decorate the entrance of the Garnish Garden with an arbor covered with climbing roses or ornamental pole beans.

Ground Cover Herbs (from the Herb Companion)

2012-02-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

Scented Ground Covers*

How to Make a Natural Flea Collar For Dogs | eHow.com

2012-01-29T11:32:00.002-05:00

Fleas can be a real problem for dogs and owners. Commercial flea collars are available, but they contain harsh chemicals. Some dogs are allergic to the chemicals in flea collars; these chemicals can cause skin rashes and hair loss. Instead, make your own flea collar with natural ingredients that won't harm your dog.

New Years Eve - 1 Year Blogging

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that it's been a year already. It seems like the older I get the faster time flies. This has been a very eventful and trying year.

In honor of the beginning of this blog and the time of year it was started; I plan to blog my resolutions each and every year to remind me of the things I need to be mindful of. So here's the previous years resolutions:

Resolutions List 2011
-Work on maintaining friendships
-Lose 10lbs.
-Save more money
-Learn something new
-Go somewhere I've never been before. (ex. different state, tourist attraction)
-Research how to get my Bachelors Degree (currently going to school for my Bachelors)
-Relax more
-Spend more time doing things that I enjoy
-Get outside more :)

Resolutions List 2012
-Read more
-Start sketching again
-Learn to speak Spanish
-Lose 10 to 15lbs
-Find an activity that I can do with my husband Jim
-Spend more time with my BFF Jennifer
-Learn to knit or crochet
-Start running
-Start a Community Garden or Bird Sanctuary
-Start a Rock Garden

Let's get started....

How to Root Rosemary

2011-11-26T10:12:00.003-05:00

I've been looking for the best way to preserve my beautiful Rosemary bush for the coming spring, just in case she doesn't make it through the winter. I've found several websites with instructions on rooting-but this link seems to be the most straight forward. The only drawback is the instructions state that the cuttings are to be taken in the spring. I might take a few now and see what happens.

The Season for Fresh Herbs

2011-10-14T14:32:00.000-04:00

I've truly enjoyed growing my herbs this summer, but now I need to know what to do next. Herb Companion.com recently posted an article for those of us who aren't "experienced" herb gardeners and need a helping hand.

Check it out:
Enjoy Fresh Summer Herbs All Year Long

In the Garden with Our State (November 2011)

2011-10-14T05:52:00.006-04:00

By Toby Bost
Photography by Toby Bost

Autumn is here, and your garden still needs special care. Follow these tips to keep your garden and lawn healthy during the autumn climate changes.

1. Even though cooler weather has arrived, planting continues to be a high priority in the Piedmont and coastal regions. Trees, herbaceous perennials, and shrubs are plentiful at garden centers, and our warm autumn soils are conducive to landscape installations.

2. Amending the soil with organic matter is not generally considered beneficial when planting trees. It is more helpful to dig a wide planting hole — as much as five times the width of the root ball or container.

3. Warm-season turfgrass lawns, like zoysia, St. Augustine, and hybrid bermudagrass, are going dormant. Raise your mower’s height for final mowings before winter. Lawns should not be fertilized until next spring. Consider sending a soil sample to the NCDA Agronomic Lab if you have a centipede-grass lawn. These lawns are generally sensitive to overfertilizing. (Note: It is best to rely on soil testing before applying lawn fertilizers in the Cape Fear Basin and similar watershed regions.)

4. Tall-fescue, bluegrass, fine-fescue, and ryegrass lawns can be fertilized before the Thanksgiving holidays. Continue to mow as necessary. Irrigate newly seeded lawns during dry periods of autumn.

Dig and store bulbs and suckers of the tender, herbaceous perennials like alocasia and colaccasia.

5. Groom gardens by deadheading and removing seedpods on perennials and herbs to build root systems.

6. Discontinue fertilizing roses. Continue removing diseased twigs on shrub roses. Hybrid tea rose bushes (cutting-rose types) can be pruned back halfway. Order new rose selections for fall planting in counties east of the foothill regions.

7. In counties in eastern North Carolina, continue planting leafy greens and cover crops as suggested by planting guides. Insect populations are at their peak in the fall, so it is important to scout regularly for hungry insects in vegetable plantings. Floating row covers can offer both insect control and extend the growing season.

8. Inspect junipers and other narrow-leaf evergreens for bagworms. The cocoons should be removed by hand, scissors, or shears as they contain hundreds of eggs waiting to hatch next spring. The two-inch bags are resistant to pesticides.

Remove winter gourds and squash from fields and store inside.

9. Store gourds and winter squash in a dry location for the winter. A mild disinfectant can be used to clean around the stems after harvesting. Keep an eye on these during the coming winter months and dispose of those developing roots.

10. Persistent, perennial weeds, such as brambles, can be controlled with a spray of a glyphosate herbicide product. The active ingredient is quickly translocated into the stems of the weeds and into the roots. Also, spray the cut stems of weedy trees that you hope to remove from woodland gardens. Sweet gum, locust, and persimmon are notorious for resprouting after the trees are pruned to the ground.

11. Fruit-tree disease problems can be lessened by prompt removal of fruit “mummies” left hanging on the trees after harvest time. Also, remove watersprouts and suckers from the trunks of trees. They are less likely to regrow more sprouts if removed in fall versus being pruned away in the dormant season.

12. Consider hiring a registered landscape contractor to assist with major landscape renovations. Reputable contractors are licensed by the state, members of the N.C. Landscape Contractors Association, and licensed in pesticide application. They are also properly insured and carry workers’ compensation on all employees.

Consider composting leaves or layer them on fallow gardens to protect the soil during winter.

13. Construct a compost bin for managing the fall-leaf drop. Some towns allow leaf burning, but you can go green by composting leaves or using them to cover fallow gardens. Homemade leaf compost is excellent for enriching garden soil and mulching existing flower beds. By soaking compost in water, you can make “compost tea,” which can be used as a fertilizer.

14. It’s spring-bulb-planting time! Bulbs are quite an investment for estate and public gardens. Though most public gardens treat tulips as annuals, gardeners can keep them flowering for years by taking the time to create raised beds for their tulips. Rototill beds and incorporate pine-bark soil conditioner and bulb fertilizer. (A pH of 6.0 is recommended, so limestone may be needed in acidic soils.) Some gardeners have discovered that crushed rock or PermaTill® added to the beds discourages voles from eating the bulbs in woodland plantings.

15. Shear hedges lightly, and shape evergreen shrub plantings to deal with wild, rangy growth from the summer season. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter and early spring.

16. Many landscape pests, such as azalea lace bugs and scale insects, produce a second generation of young in late summer. Eliminate many of these hiding pests with a spray of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applied to the underside of foliage on broad leaved evergreens and prized, ornamental shrubs.

17. Add a little color to your front gardens, porches, and patios with a few container garden mums. Japanese mum varieties are especially cold hardy and return to bloom year after year in borders and flower beds.

18. Don’t prune spring-flowering shrubs at this time. The flower buds are now formed, and you will reduce the potential for wonderful spring color in the landscape garden.

Now's the time to save seed from heirloom and other open-pollinated flowers and vegetables.

19. Don’t miss the opportunity to prepare a new garden space for next season. The drier days of fall provide wonderful weather for accomplishing this task. Spring rains put a damper on plowing or tilling when March rolls around.

20. Squirrels can be a menace at bird feeders. Some studies indicate that by adding crushed hot peppers to the bird seed you can deter unwanted squirrel visitors. Lace the bird seed, with red, cayenne pepper. Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, acts as a repellent. You may have to retreat during a four- to six-week period. Your local garden center or birding store may be able to provide a product and information on this subject.

21. Many of our Southern native perennials grow better and require less water than nonnative selections. Visit www.ncsu.edu/goingnative for information on plant selections native to North Carolina.

For more than 30 years, Toby Bost has been a resource to North Carolina gardeners and growers as an agricultural extension agent, a trainer for master gardeners, and an author. His books include The Successful Gardener Guide: North Carolina, North Carolina Gardener’s Guide, and The Carolina Gardener’s Guide. He can be reached through Our State magazine at gardening@ourstate.com

Fall Classes at Running Pine Herb Farm

2011-10-04T18:32:00.002-04:00

October 15, 2011: “Putting the Garden to Bed” will give attendees hands on experience in things to do to get your garden ready for the winter ahead. What to cut back, what to leave, what to mulch, ways to keep certain plants through the winter, and more. Handouts and herbal refreshments for each participant will be given. Time: 10am-12pm. Cost: $15.00 per person. (This class will repeat on Wednesday, October 19, 10am-12noon, if there are at least 5 participants)

October 27, 2011 or November 19, 2011: “Herbal Vinegars and Jams/Jellies for Holiday Giving” will teach attendees how to prepare vinegars, jams, and jellies using some of your favorite herbs to give as gifts or use for yourself. This will be a fun class, sampling many of the above. You will take home recipes and samples of what is made in class. Time: 10am-12noon. Cost: $20.00 per person.

December 1, 2011 or December 3, 2011: “Herbs & the Holidays” is back with more ways to spice up your holidays with herbs. You will learn to decorate your home from items found in your own yard. We will make a simple herbal gift tag for presents, and then head to the kitchen for lessons on holiday baking with herbs. Samples, recipes and more for each participant. Time: 10 am -1 pm Cost: $25.00 per person. (For those who attended before, we have added many new things this year)

December 10, 2011: “Holiday Open House at Running Pine Herb Farm” 9am – 4pm. If you are needing those last minute or hard to find Christmas presents come out to the farm for some of our signature herb blends, dried herbs, jams, jellies and other goodies. We will have many herbal gifts such as dream pillows, sachets, potpourri and much more. Small gift baskets will be available as well. Sample many herbal treats that will be prepared and pick up recipes for them.

Herbally,
Deborah Crumpton

325 Richardson Road, Reidsville, NC 27320

(336-349-5512)

runningpineherbfarm@yahoo.com

Flower & Herb Pressing

2011-09-15T06:59:00.001-04:00

I found a beautiful flower pressing of Queen Anne's Lace on Etsy.com recently and decided to see how difficult the process actually is. There seems to be a lot of steps involved, but it doesn't look impossible. Here's a few links/blogs on flower/herb pressing that I found very informative. I might just try my hand at pressing some of my herbs before winter gets here.

http://www.preservedgardens.com/framing.htm
http://thedrifterandthegypsy.blogspot.com/2009/08/pressed-flowers-dried-herbs.html
http://www.herbcompanion.com/herbal-living/how-to-press-flowers-make-a-plant-press.aspx
http://www.wikihow.com/Press-Flowers-and-Leaves
http://www.ehow.com/how_8445425_press-herbs.html
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/preserved.html

How to Use Elderberry

2011-09-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

Elderberries - Herb Companion

Planting in the Fall (NC)

2011-09-13T06:42:00.004-04:00

Herbs that LOVE the Fall and early Spring weather:

Chervil
Cilantro
Dill
Fennel
Mints
Parsley

There are also some other herbs that if you plan on growing them from seed -- you must throw out the seed NOW for the seeds to germinate and sprout in the spring, since they need a cycle of cold weather. Most of them are non-culinary, but there are some commonly used:

Blue vervain
Hops
Jewelweed
Soapwort
Valerian

Check out the entire post on : http://herbanmeadows.blogspot.com/2007/10/planting-in-fall-in-nc.html

Soapin' with Herbs (by SavonTalk-Saponifier Magazine)

2011-09-11T01:22:00.004-04:00

Three Methods for Using Herbs in Soapmaking

Adding herbs to soap is nothing new, but always fun to experiment with!
They are added for the color they impart, as well as for the attributes they contribute to soap. They can be added using several different methods, as well.

Among the herbs I’ve used in soapmaking, using one method or another, are the following. In parentheses are the reasons I’ve used them.

Comfrey (skin)
Parsley (color)
Dill (color, exfoliant)
Marshmallow Root (mucilage, exfoliation)
Calendula (skin, color)
Chamomile (skin, exfoliant)
Sandalwood Powder (skin, color)
Cornsilk (skin, color)
Plantain (skin)
Chickweed (skin)
Turmeric (skin, color)
Paprika (just a touch for color!)
Lavender (skin)
Annatto Seed (color)
Green Tea (skin, color)
Rooibos Tea (skin, color)
Poppy Seeds (exfoliation)
Cornmeal (exfoliation)

The methods for using herbs in soap:

1. Make a tea with the herb and use it as the water amount.

2. Powder the herb and add it at trace

3. Make an oil infusion with the herb. Make it 4 – 6 weeks ahead by infusing the herb in the oil and then using it as one of your soaping oils, or add the herb as you heat the soapmaking oils and remove the herbs once infused.

You might be asking why soapmakers use different methods, rather than choosing one. The answer is complicated, but in short, the method is chosen because it yields the best results–the best color, the strongest infusion, or is easier to use a certain way.

For instance, Marshmallow root is best extracted in water, so soaking the material in water overnight yields the best mucilage that will make the soap most gentle on the skin, rather “slippery,” if you will. Of course, powdered root will add exfoliation, so if that’s your goal, simply add it at trace.

The possibilities for using herbs in soapmaking are virtually endless. We’d love to hear what herbs you use and how you use them!

Gardener's Hand Scrub from FaveCrafts.com

2011-09-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

Gardener's Hand Scrub | FaveCrafts.com: 'via Blog this'

Homemade Bath Salts

2011-09-10T21:46:00.000-04:00

Materials:
(Makes 16 oz)

You can use any combination of salts but I have found half and half with Epsom salts is the best for me
1 cup sea salt (fine or course can be found in your grocery store)
1 cup Epsom salt
Optional:
1-2 tablespoons of baking soda
1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 tsp glycerin (a lot of times can be found in your grocery store)
10-12 drops of essential oil or Fragrance oil-the best way to determine how much is enough is if you can smell it without bending down to the bowl you are good.
Food coloring added a drop at a time until desired color is reached

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together.

Use 1 to 2 cups in the bath, soak and enjoy.

Herbal Vinegar for Skin & Hair (Herb Companion)

2011-09-07T05:44:00.003-04:00

Mint Vinegar Skin Toner

This toner helps restore acidity to the skin, keeping it toned, healthy and resistant to infection. All skin types benefit from using vinegar. It helps control blackheads in oily skin and cures flakiness in very dry skin. The fresh mint leaves a cooling sensation on your skin.

• 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup distilled water

1. Mix together all ingredients, then pour into a clean container and let sit for 3 days.
2. Strain or filter out all solids and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
3. To use: Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad.

Buddy

2011-09-01T22:15:00.002-04:00

I recently lost my constant companion, a red daschund named "Buddy." He was very special to me. Buddy and I made many trips to the garden together, so I decided to see if I could find a list of symbolic herbs that I could plant near his final resting place. Below are a few that I found.

Aloe: healing, protection, grief, bitterness, affection
Angelica: inspiration, magic
Bay: glory, honor, reward
Calendula: sacred affection, joy, remembrance, grief
Chamomile: energy in adversity, patience, long life, wisdom
Chives: usefulness, why do you weep?
Dandelion: faithfulness, happiness
Dianthus: dignity, woman's love, symbol of Mother's Day
Dill: preservation, good spirits
Dogwood: love undiminished by adversity, durability
Elder: compassion, bad luck, zealousness
Fennel: strength, worthy of praise, flattery
Garlic: protection, strength, healing
Grass: submission, utility, usefulness
Iris: message, wisdom, faith, valor
Ivy: patience, fidelity, undying love, eternal life
Lavender: housewifely virtue, acknowledgement
Lily of the Valley: contentment, return of happiness, let's make up

Marjoram: joy happiness
Mint: eternal refreshment, wisdom, virtue
Mugwort: be not weary, tranquillity, happiness
Mustard: faith, indifference
Nasturtium: patriotism, victory in battle
Pansy: happy thoughts, meditation
Parsley: useful knowledge, feast, joy, victory
Rose: love, victory
Rosemary: remembrance, love, loyalty, fidelity
Saffron: beware of success
Sage: wisdom, long life, esteem immortality, esteem
Sassafras: foundation, considered choices
Sunflower: haughtiness, lofty, pride, pure thoughts
Thyme: activity, bravery, courage, strength
Violet: humility, devotion, faithfulness, forgiveness
Yew: immortality, sorrow
Yucca: opportunity, fidelity
Zinnia: thoughts of missing friends

Using Essential Oils

2011-09-01T05:44:00.004-04:00

From Herb Companion: Make Fragrance Essential:

'via Blog this'

Promote a specific mood inside your home by using a purchased diffuser (a glass or ceramic container and votive candle) to disperse the scent of an essential oil. Follow the diffuser’s instructions. If you do not have a diffuser, simply add a few drops of essential oil to a pan of water and heat it on the stovetop. Try the following basic combinations, or experiment with your own blends.

Relaxing Blend:
• 4 drops bergamot essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil

Energizing Blend:
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil

Cleansing Blend:
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 drop thyme essential oil
• 4 drops geranium essential oil

Place essential oils into the glass bowl of your diffuser. Light the candle to heat the oils and release the scent throughout the room. Use for 5 to 15 minutes at a time.

Herbs from Cuttings

2011-08-27T19:21:00.001-04:00

How to Propagate Herbs by Cutting | eHow.com:

Summer 2011 Mills Garden Herb Farm

2011-08-27T13:47:00.001-04:00

Summer 2011 Mills Garden Herb Farm, a set on Flickr.

Here's a few photos I took while visiting Mills Garden Herb Farm on the day of my Herbal Apothecary Class. Enjoy!

O' Wonderful Sage!

2011-08-23T21:50:00.001-04:00

I recently acquired a sweet little sage plant from my best friend Jennifer, to be added to my herb garden. I was unfamiliar with the herb, so I decided to do a little research & share some of the information I found with all of you.

Additional information:

Sage Uses: Plants and oils.com

How to Create Floral Waters & Colognes (The Herb Companion)

2011-08-23T21:19:00.001-04:00

How to Make an Herbal Salve (The Practical Herbalist)

2011-08-23T06:29:00.000-04:00

Here are a few recipes to try out.

Calendula Salve
(Used for healing cuts/stings/bites/rashes & minor skin irritations*)
300ml olive oil (or other vegetable oil to your liking)
dried calendula flower heads (2 generous handfuls)
30g beeswax, grated

Comfrey Ointment
(Used for aches/pains-do not apply to broken skin*)
300ml vegetable oil (olive or sunflower oil is also recommended)
large handful of fresh comfrey leaves (allow to wilt for a day or so, just so they aren't so 'splattery' in the oil)
25g-30g beeswax, grated for faster melting

Making a Natural First Aid Kit (Herb Companion)

2011-08-09T08:44:00.001-04:00

Upcoming Herb Classes-Mills Garden Herb Farm

2011-08-02T23:36:00.010-04:00

Mills Garden Herb Farm is a little over an hour away from me in Statesville, NC. They are locally known for their certified & naturally grown herbs as well as their workshops offered throughout the year. I have been dying to attend one of their classes and I finally narrowed it down to the two listed below. I felt that the information gained from these courses would help me sell, cultivate, and maintain my herb garden, now and in the future.

I'll be attending each of the classes with my best friend Jennifer, who is also a resident of Stateville. She has wanting me to meet the owner Madge Eggena, for a while now and I'm truly looking forward to it. I can't wait to see what is in store for us in August and September!!

Useful Link: Herbal Uses Index-Mills Garden Herb Farm

MEDICINE MAKING: YOUR PERSONAL APOTHECARY

Date: Sunday, August 21, 2011

Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Prepare your personal apothecary from fresh and dried herbs. In this hands-on class we will make tinctures, tea blends, syrups and vinegars. Everyone will take home lots of samples along with a handout with directions and information on the healing properties of our favorite herbs. After this class you'll be able to harvest the herbs from your own garden and add to your personal apothecary!

Cost: $40 each or $70 for two.

EASY HERBAL BODY CARE

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2011

Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Create your own creams, steams, masks, scrubs, toners and shampoos from quality ingredients. These preparations make ideal gifts for family and friends. You'll also have everything you need for a spa type luxurious facial! All materials will be supplied. Everyone will take home samples and all the recipes.

Cost: $40 each or $70 for two.