True Alkanet — The Saga
Before me stood two test-tubes, one full of olive oil, the other containing pure grain alcohol. I dropped a fragment of Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) root into each, and watched as the the fragments drifted down, trailing in each case a tail of bright red pigment…
Read MoreTulsi (Holy Basil) Type Comparisons
How does one disambiguate a subject so complex? Holy Basil, a plant that is gentle and healing to body, mind and spirit should bring happiness, not confusion! The commonality of all types (species/cultivars) is that the leaves may be eaten fresh, used in cooking, or best yet picked, dried, and made into tea.
Read MoreGrowing True Comfrey From Seeds
The flowers of True Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) are generally very richly arrayed and colored dark purple. The leaves are lance-shaped and not so broad as those of Russian Comfrey. True Comfrey is really the nicest of the Comfrey clan in my opinion.
Read MoreWhite Sage: Planting, Growing And Harvesting
White Sage (Salvia apiana) seed harvest has begun, the giant plants lifting their aromatic fronds to the summer sun. I hurry to get a hit before the birds do the job for me!
Read MoreGrowing Mandrake — Beyond The Basics
Growing mystical plants requires a certain amount of consciousness on the part of the gardener, and for best results one allows the plants to call the shots. This is only to the extent of one’s willingness to let go of control. One never really knows where it will all go. Simply wishing the plant to do well seems to be the best approach.
Read MoreWhere And How To Grow An Herbal Groundcover
The urge to muck about and create plant habitat goes hand-in-hand with the urge to grow more and more species of plants that need individualized growing conditions. As your species list increases, you will probably feel motivated to prepare specific plant habitats. After all, making your plants happy is a way to spread a groundcover of happiness into yourself.
Read MoreA Deeper Look at Forest Roots
Sandy loam, a substance created by the breakdown of minerals (rock) mixed with the breakdown of carbon (tree or grass detritus). Sandy loam is what we all want, because it is the best all around substrate for growing the plants we love the most...
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
According to herbalists, Elderberry syrup is a great preventive for colds and flus, an antiviral (helps prevent viruses from replicating) and immune stimulant. European Black Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the best…
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Where and How to Grow an Herbal Groundcover
The urge to muck about and create plant habitat goes hand-in-hand with the urge to grow more and more species of plants that need individualized growing conditions. As your species list…
Read More
True Alkanet — The Saga
Before me stood two test-tubes, one full of olive oil, the other containing pure grain alcohol. I dropped a fragment of Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) root into each, and watched as the…
Read More