Greetings from Wildflower Haven,
I don’t know when I have ever seen a June so very full of roses. They’re coming up everywhere I look and in every color. I may be noticing them more because I am continually learning about rose’s particular strengths: her beauty, her resilience and confidence, and her good medicine.
Everybody growing in the garden seems particularly vibrant this year. I’m grateful beyond measure to be able to tend to and receive the gifts of so many beloved green friends. It was a beautiful May/June full of irises and peonies You can see some photos here.
The ornamental grasses are already resplendent, and I see that the daisies and lilies are considering blooming soon. Bee balm won’t be far behind. Speaking of herbs - I’ve got lots more to say about herbs in my apothecary spotlight below.
Apothecary Spotlight
What fun I’m having with the bountiful flowers and herbs in the gardens. They're helping me make some beautiful medicine: tinctures, teas, and infused vinegars, honey, and oil. The support that herbs offer is remarkable. They want to care for us. I’m always grateful I found this path, and there's always more to learn.
I’ve been able to harvest chamomile every day for the past few weeks, and the calendula and yarrow will be blooming soon. Lemon balm is abundant, and my very happy helichrysum will bloom soon. St. John’s Wort is coming up all over the place. I had my first lavender harvest yesterday. Summer is upon us!
If you would like to learn more about herbs and take an aromatic tour of the garden, I am happy to announce that I am launching a weekly Herbal Happy Hour starting Tuesday, June 30. You can read about it here.
My front yard herbal border garden - mostly culinary herbs - is almost complete. Over the past two months, I've removed the sod and amended the soil in a 42’ x 1’ border around the walkway. Once the temperature was high enough, I added the herbs and a few humble coleus for a little color. Although the plants are super small right now, I trust the sage and rosemary and lavender and thyme will thrive and grow – they sure seem happy.
The garden will be named Seven’s Memorial Herb Garden in honor of our beloved dog Seven; the physical labor required has been integral to my self-care before, during and after her passing. I love this photo of Seven with a tiny calendula petal on her nose from March.
Showroom News
I’ve set up a small shop in our showroom featuring some of my most popular Wildflower Haven Apothecary Blends, like rose balm and breathe easy inhaler, and my space enhancing mists. I have testers for everything, and samples of infused oils, honey, and vinegar. It's fun to try new things! I love to take my show on the road and can offer an aromatics and herbal workshop for your friends, family, coworkers, civic group, and beyond.
James will have his Upcycled Glassworks on display and for sale at Andover’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 20 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Stop by if you can.
If you can't make it on the 20th, or want to see more, we have our showroom set up to visit, admire, and shop. Just respond back to this email to find a time. Here is a link to our Upcycled Glassworks Facebook page, where you can check out what’s new. I try to post new work as often as possible.
A Little Moon Magic
Our twice-a-month moon magic gatherings – new moon and full moon - to connect with the moon’s phases are a respite from the often unnatural pace of everyday life. They help us make space for what’s moving in us, and we learn so much from one another’s experience.
Our Moon Magic group will meet next on the full moon, June 29 at 7pm. We meet for just about thirty minutes. If you have questions about this simple practice or would like to join in at any point in the month, let me know, or simply respond to this email with the subject line, new moon.
Until next time, let's dare to enjoy our moments,
Linda