Under the Linden Tree

Earlier this month I harvested some flowers and leaves of Meadowsweet to make a tincture. This wonderful plant is most commonly used to soothe an acidic stomach or heartburn.

Do you have a favorite tree?
Next week I will be leading a walk at Hudson Gardens where we will meet a variety of medicinal trees.
Do you know if your favorite tree has any healing benefits?
Registration link in bio

Fun herbal learning coming up soon. Learn more on my website: link in bio.

I first learned about Meadowsweet during my herbal studies with Tonja Reichley. This wonderful plant was my herbal ally during that year long course and I am thrilled to have her growing in my garden. Her Latin name is Filipendula ulmaria and she is on the Rosaceae family.

I have a lot of new friends here, and you may not know this part of my story.

Thirty-five years ago, I left college and my family in Ohio and moved to Colorado to work at Lost Valley Ranch. Some of you who are here today were part of that chapter of my life, and that makes me smile.

What I thought would be a couple seasons turned into four. I fell in love with Colorado, learned the value of hard work and serving others, and met my husband, Bill, who was working there too.

Yesterday we returned to the ranch to watch our son, Wyatt, ride in the staff rodeo during his fifth season as a wrangler. Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle.

These days, when I visit the ranch, I find myself seeing it through different eyes. Along with the horses, mountains, and wide-open spaces, I notice the medicinal plants growing everywhere. Herbalism has taught me to slow down, pay attention, and wonder what each plant has to teach.

I’m so grateful for this place and the way it continues to shape our family’s story.

Morning harvest. I love working with these beautiful plants.

Have you been longing for a reason to slow down this summer?

The Homegrown Apothecary is just as much about connection as it is about herbs.

It’s about spending time in a beautiful garden.
Learning something with your hands.
Gathering in community.
Slowing down long enough to notice the gifts the plants have to offer.

You don’t have to want to become an herbalist to enjoy this class.

Whether you simply love being in the garden, are curious about the plants growing around you, or have been studying herbs for years, you are warmly welcome.

Yes, you’ll learn to make an herbal tincture, infused oil, and herbal honey. But my hope is that you’ll leave with something even more meaningful: a slower breath, dirty hands, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the plants, the earth, and yourself.

Could this be the invitation you’ve been waiting for?

I’d love to welcome you into my garden.

Julie and I still a few openings in next week’s class. Join us to explore plant impressions and fennel glycerite! Registration link in my bio.

Are you truly enjoying summer, or are you rushing through it?

At my Summer Solstice Women’s Circle last week, we talked about the importance of ritual and creating moments to slow down and savor these long, light-filled days before the season begins to shift.

One practice I shared was the idea of a sit spot - a place you return to again and again for rest, reflection, and dreaming. A place to notice the changing light, listen to the birds, watch the plants grow, and simply be.

This is my sit spot.

I’d love to see yours. Share a photo or describe it in the comments.

What are you hoping for more of this summer?

You’ll leave The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary with:

• An herbal tincture
• An infused herbal oil
• Herbal honey
• Practical herbal knowledge you can use at home

But I hope you’ll also leave with something less tangible:

A slower breath.
Dirty hands.
New friendships.
A deeper connection to the plants growing around you.

Sometimes the most meaningful things we take home can’t be tucked into a jar.

What are you longing to bring home this summer?