Greetings from Wildflower Haven,
I’m grateful to have slippery slidey mud under my boots in parts of the backyard, although we still have a foot or more of snow in spots. Today's rain may melt most of it. I imagine all of the perennials – the roses and lemon balm, the peonies and hyssop, and all of their companions - have been insulated and cozy under the snow this whole winter and are ready to awaken.
March has felt a bit dreamy for me; the ever-falling snow and overcast days have been invitations for rest and quiet visioning. Yet with the vernal equinox just four days away, it’s time to think about garden plans. I’ll be focusing this season on enriching my medicinal herb garden. Last season’s harvest continues to offer wellness support in the form of hydrosols, tinctures, infused honeys, and oxymels. As I plan for my 2026 garden, I’m finding a balance between space, sun, time and energy, and budget. I’ll have a lot to report on next month.
Meanwhile, I’ve been making some yummy and refreshing wellness teas using flowers and herbs and spices. It’s fun to mix and match elements to see what tastes good and is also good for you. My go-to tea for strengthening immunity is elderberry rosehip, but there are so many ways to boost the plant power in the teas as well as accentuate the flavor. I’ve put together an ever-evolving tea bar for inspiration
Apothecary Blend Spotlight
I create a lot of aromatherapy blends for a lot of different reasons, but there are some blends that I always have on hand. I am consistently pleased with the results of using this breathe easy inhaler. It’s simple to use and contains three essential oils that support respiratory health, including the symptoms of seasonal allergies, and symptoms of colds and viruses. It’s refreshing and invigorating, and portable. I keep one in the car and one by the bedside.
Inhalers are a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Here’s a little video I made this morning about using inhalers.
Showroom News
I'm enchanted by James' latest work on display in our showroom. I feel fortunate to spend time near their intricate beauty and positive energy. This is the best photo I could get on this rainy day. Come by and take a look up close!
A Little Moon Magic
Our merry band of moon magic friends came together for a meditation and short discussion on the last new moon, February 17. I love to hear what others in the group share and I learn from their experience as I do from my own. What came to me this month was the word cherish. It’s such a delightful word, and focusing on cherish is giving me the opportunity to deeply appreciate the pleasures and gifts of my life, to hold them close.
When we met again at the full moon to talk about how the moon’s magic was working in our lives, I told the group I wanted to deepen my practice for the second half of the moon cycle. I wanted to understand how to cherish what is difficult or painful, and to be willing to hold that close as well. I’ve always been good at making excellent use of every experience that comes my way. But cherish it? I wasn’t sure.
Soon afterward I had a very intense experience while shopping with a friend. I was suddenly choking, I couldn’t take a breath, I was wheezing and coughing. It was really scary. Physically my only priority was to try to take a breath. But in the meantime, my mind was doing so many things. I was super aware that people were around and were looking at me. I felt self-conscious. And at the same time, I was wondering, if I should die right now, where would I land next? I felt curious. Also, I could see that my friend was worried and I felt concern for her. So all at the same time, I was struggling to breathe, feeling self-conscious, feeling curiosity, and feeling concern for my friend. I was fully alive. And when I think about this now, maybe this is what cherish is all about: to be fully present, to let it all in. To stay. I think cherish simply means to give something your whole attention, without looking away.
The Moon Magic group will begin our gentle and affirming cycle again on the next new moon, Wednesday, March 18. We meet for just about thirty minutes. Let me know if you’d like more information or would like to join us.
Until next time, I encourage you to cherish your moments,
Linda