tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15314178287745161702024-03-04T21:12:35.125-08:00Hal's HatDedicated to my dad, Hal Sears. Providing information about herbs and natural health. Horticulture, art, herbs and native plants in Kansas.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-67888767025802573592014-02-17T07:23:00.000-08:002014-02-17T07:23:57.609-08:00February garden update, Posts You Might Like....In the Posts You Might Like category, try this:<br />
Are you interested in prairie ecology? I certainly am, as I design "native" plantings and allow native plantings to inform my more formal residential plans. This blog, The <a href="http://prairieecologist.com/2014/02/11/flowers-of-the-night/" target="_blank">Prairie Ecologist</a>, is by a prairie conservator supported by the Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. He has his family's farm and grassland acreage and he's working to restore it and other huge tracts of prairie back to a stable, prairie state. It is fascinating and interesting to read how grazing land goes back to prairie... and also it has nice pictures. Here is a lovely one:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XfE908P2MUjitgkKDyUxSi1RBChTrM-U3DzGpTtn9lrccJTVc3ROTkVes8j3PmvJd69a761d-M_yprKfhswoCRFKY-cJ6au9ZiV1_olLd-vs4HIdRcxyKL6PURT4uoEMg21FpOexcYk/s1600/evening+primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XfE908P2MUjitgkKDyUxSi1RBChTrM-U3DzGpTtn9lrccJTVc3ROTkVes8j3PmvJd69a761d-M_yprKfhswoCRFKY-cJ6au9ZiV1_olLd-vs4HIdRcxyKL6PURT4uoEMg21FpOexcYk/s1600/evening+primrose.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from www.theprairieecologist.com</td></tr>
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This is a great Missouri evening primrose. It blooms by night and is the plant used to get (wait for it....) Evening Primrose Oil! I know.... Find a place in your garden for 3 or 4 of these this year? They self seed- they want to populate your garden! But know this and you'll be ready.<br />
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February is the month to begin the spring garden. I order seeds that I will direct sow- lettuce, spinach, peas, kale. I will plant broccoli and kohlrabi (cabbage is in this group but I don't have space for it) from plants because they take too long if put in from seed. I will buy these locally.<br />
Potatoes- my neighbor and I are growing these in burlap coffee bags. Putting three seed potatoes per bag and about 6 bags. I order organic seed potatoes!<br />
I realized last night that when I began gardening (vegetable that is) on my own, in a little rental house, I needed some guidance and reassurance. There were so many choices, so many seeds... where was I supposed to start?? <a href="http://www.creighton.edu/fileadmin/user/health/wellness-council/docs/Programs/Vegetable_Garden_Planting_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Here is the garden calendar that got me through it all!</a> Thanks K-State... your resources are invaluable to all of us gardeners out here. I chose some varieties I had grown with my dad, the lettuces he preferred and radishes. Then I branched out on my own. It'll happen...just keep reading and be patient. Amend your soil and don't use pesticides! I say this because when you first start gardening, it's all a learning experience. See what it's like to use no pesticides. See what fails every time (hello squash bugs and powdery mildew on every squash plant ever) and see what works like magic (Helllooo carrots and lettuce and kale and chard and some tomatoes and some peppers and tomatillos and sweet potatoes and peas).<br />
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There you have it- more landscaping updates will be up when I do Jeremy Taylor's radio show this weekend, 10:30 KLWN 1320... use the "Listen Live" button so you don't have to mess with an AM radio! This week I'll be talking about trees, shrubs and plants that stand up to ice/ snow and even the dreaded salt truck. It kills many many many plants... also, how to test your own soil (the quick and dirty way). See you then!<br />
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xoxoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-82720383436713132112014-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:002014-02-11T12:50:54.921-08:00extended break--- winter cave<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit that I just haven't felt like talking. Haven't felt like making sweeping observations or synthesizing new information. So I haven't here. But I am being urged to connect some of you with this wonderful glut of new information I have. This article here really just changed my thinking---well, not changed- <a href="http://bearmedicineherbals.com/a-holistic-view-of-aspergers-syndrome-autism-adhd.html" target="_blank">this article ARTICULATED so many issues for me</a>. I believe parents with children should read this. It will give you hope and inspiration about your kid's physical/ psychological make up. It is about balance and regeneration. If you have brains, guts and heart, read this! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, I've been asked about DMAE as a supplement for ADHD. <a href="http://www.progressivehealth.com/adhd-dmae.htm" target="_blank">Here is a good run down on it-</a> why it works and it safe for many. I'm not in favor of websites trying to sell me stuff, while telling me they are informational. So please ignore that this source is a supplement seller. The scientific info is sound. I have had a very specific reason to use Phosphytidyl Serine and it worked very well. So if you are intrigued, have had fatigue and exhaustion issues, let me know and I'll write up about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, the grey times are getting at many of us. It is time to amp up our nutrition. One of the ways is with minerals. We are all lacking on the local greens front, no? Please make yourself some nettle infusion. It's cut nettle leaf, bought from your natural food store, steep in hot water for many hours. I use 1 oz of nettles for a quart of water. This is a great source of magnesium, calcium and other minerals. It is a great helper in all things PMS and menopausal (pre, peri, whatnot). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you fighting the winter sicknesses? Who isn't? Oh those folks with no kids who work alone and never venture out and are really mellow. If this isn't you, take heed. Here are some FLU -fighting remedies.... this doesn't mean they will work if you have the flu. I have had a flu shot this year and I'm not ashamed of it! These herbal, natural and supplemental goodies work with your good nutrition, your herbal support, your good hygiene practices to minimize your chances of contracting the flu. Here they are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Oscillococcininum</b>:If you suspect that the headache (swollen glands and sore throats are my trademark) and achiness in your muscles is the beginning of the flu, please take Oscillococcininum. It is now available at drugstores as well as the Merc, Vitacost (online discount), Natural Grocers and more. Instead of the whole dosage amount under your tongue at once, I take a 1/4 of it at a time, once per hour or so. If the symptoms are better at the end of it, I know it's working and I will continue for 24 hours. I will rest more, drink more liquids, bone broths, greens and feel better. This has worked for me all season- it also works on kids!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Probiotics: </b>We are steadily taking pro-biotic tabs. It helps gut flora, immunity, and balance (see above article!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Elderberry: </b>We are taking elderberry lozenges. Because elderberry is especially good with kiddos. She's gentle and boosting and reminds the body to stay strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Vitamin D3</b>. The NIH recommends for kids a daily 200IU dose. I give mine 500 IU as there is ample evidence that it is not harmful, fights infections and boosts immunity. I do not give them much if any in the summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extras that help but aren't necessary..... cod liver oil, fish oil (I use gummies. What of it??)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is our flu story this year: my friend since my teenage years contracted H1N1 this winter. She's spent 3 weeks in a coma, fighting for her life from it and the following pneumonia. While she has neither of these at the moment, she is still unconscious, in intensive care and has and ECMO machine functioning for her lungs. She is having dialysis because her liver has begun to fail. I understand and empathize with many of your feelings about vaccines, shots, big pharma... but not right now. It's not a conspiracy- this flu vaccine is actually quadravalent. It deals with the main four types of flu out there this year. It helps with others. It doesn't make a normally healthy and strong person sick. Please consider it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, my youngest got the flu the day she and her sis were to get their vaccines. It was heart-wrenching. She was immediately just flattened. We got her tested that day and they determined it was Type 1- the subtype of this is H1N1. She started Tamiflu and it was amazing. Her fever dropped and it didn't go over 99 degrees. Period. We caught it super early and saved her so much suffering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say a blessing to the Western medicine that has helped save so many lives, while I burn sage and chant and grow my herbs to support myself so I need very little of the Western medicine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>On a separate note, I have had a success story that will illuminate my own frayed defenses this cold new year! Picture this: January, extreme stress, life-changing events and studying for the (dammmmmnnnnnn it) GRE. I realized I had a cold-sore rearing its head. I had to cop to my emotions, my stress, my needs and attempt to mediate it all. I chose an adaptogen to help my immunity, that I could safely take in quantity since this was a crisis. Then I chose to take crisis doses of lysine. I put a little bit of essential oil (clove bud oil) on it to encourage the swelling down- it actually worked! Let me tell you it worked well. I've never had actual success heading cold sores off at the pass. My secret agent in all of this is the big Bear medicine, Osha root tincture. It really worked and it's spiciness allowed so much healing in. I took massive doses of lysine (and got a much better lysine supplement that I am taking at maintenance levels weekly, not daily) and rested, did restorative yoga and meditation. Success! Sorry, it's a pitiful story. But hopefully illuminates. Also, prepare for the GRE for months, not a week. M'Kay? <a href="http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2009/10/herbal-considerations-for-cold-sores.html" target="_blank">Here is the article that brought up adaptogens. </a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be well, keep in touch! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-41703337602369536642013-11-05T09:27:00.002-08:002013-11-05T09:27:49.414-08:00Herbal round up<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>New stuff on the herbal front....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dandelion tincture. </b> We've moved through that crazy full moon and then the dip into waning moon time. Astrologically (whoa, I'm going there. It's an herb blog. I can do it if I want.), Mercury went retrograde and the communication has been dogged and sluggish. I suppose I ought to have tinctured dandelion root at the full moon. But I was staring at the moon. And I was clumsily trying to play ball with all of the super intense Aries energy. I mean.... really? I can't be the only one who was terribly overwhelmed by the intensity of it! But now I'm making dandelion tincture in the new moon, digging by moonlight. Allowing the dark roots to be dark and help me during my hibernation this winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ayurvedic physicality and changing temperature</b>. I've been studying the three ayurvedic physicalities. Pitta, Vata, Kapha.... clearly I'm very fiery and dry and hot and a Pitta. I'm seeking to work with this in mind as I work on my herbal remedies. As all herbs don't work the same way for all bodies, it's important to register what your physiology is and what your issue/ affliction is. This allows me to identify that I frequently feel burned out/ burned up and dried out. What works to nourish and calm my system frequently is nettle. I also have need of demulcent herbs- herbs with a mucilagenous quality. These nourishes my throat and chest (comfrey, slippery elm, licorice root). The Ayurvedic schema is assisting me to identify and experiment here! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>Rosemary</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a big believer in all things rosemary. Not rosemary all the time, mind you. But I believe that a "simple" or "culinary" herb can have as many vital effects as big-time medicinal herb. <a href="http://www.plantsinfrance.com/2013/10/go-get-me-sprig-of-rosemary.html" target="_blank">This article outlines great ways to use it</a>= as a tea, daily, to improve circulation and brain fog. And this also reiterates my use of it externally as a tissue healer. Oh rosemary oil on my legs! It feels so good.... </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVGo1OePw3U/UnkpSbRepiI/AAAAAAAAGBY/ZauqORD4gmw/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVGo1OePw3U/UnkpSbRepiI/AAAAAAAAGBY/ZauqORD4gmw/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Important herbals this month</b>-- I was given a gift of an ounce or so of Osha root. This is big medicine, bear medicine traditionally, is only wildcrafted and grows above 6,000 ft. Osha root is a bitter, a stimulant of the immune system and aids "winter wellness". Indicated for coughs, to make them productive. So I would say that it's good for a dry chest to get the mucus out. It is commonly used in syrup for coughs and respiratory infections. It is incredibly pungent and spicy smelling. Traditionally, it was also used as a burning smoke for contagious diseases. It contains oxytocin and is contraindicated during pregnancy or nursing. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2eP7b3hs48/UnkpSR_xSPI/AAAAAAAAGBk/eGzxsMDNXoA/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2eP7b3hs48/UnkpSR_xSPI/AAAAAAAAGBk/eGzxsMDNXoA/s320/13+-+2" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbally, I'm considering <i>white willow bark</i>. Always good to have some on hand for pain relief. Probably, many of the folks who turn to OTC pain meds don't realize they can have serious liver side effects. I do. I still take them on occasion. However, if we can more naturally ease pain with wildcrafted willow bark, isn't that cool? Please read extensively about this if you want to do it yourself. I am not providing instructions because you need to have a positive botanical plant ID before you gather anything. And I don't feel comfortable with giving you that here- it might be construed as encouragement to gather whatever! As most</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of you know, if you gather anything in the wild, make sure you feel good about where it's planted. If you aren't sure if they spray, don't pick/ dig/ harvest there. If you aren't 110% sure of the plant ID, do not do it. Ask a botanist/ herbalist for help. Ask me. Send a picture! If you are gathering a plant that is over harvested/ endangered, you are part of the problem. Please be conscientious and responsible. What I'm exhorting you to do is tune in to your inner voice and look into the areas that are calling to you. I can identify a white willow. It's calling to me! I'll let you know how it goes. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-71642150911459897492013-09-26T08:08:00.000-07:002013-10-01T13:25:50.886-07:00The Garden Almanac<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some updates to my garden almanac:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to that extended stretch of heat in the first three weeks of September, I've replanted my spinach THREE times. I have a few that are happy now and germinated... but sheesh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lettuce and chard are both doing fine. Since I started them from seed, they got bedraggled by heat and insects. However, they are loving Autumn and looking like troopers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made some Melissa officinalis vinegar (that's Lemon balm) this weekend. It is the simplest recipe ever: stuff a jar full of lemon balm, pour cider vinegar over it. Cap it. Woo hoo. I use it for salad and soup. It is lovely tasting- lightly lemon. Balm is used for mood lifting and lightening the heart. It isn't a heavy hitter on the herbal medicine scale but not everything needs to be. (Harvested it from the kid's school garden :))</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the equinox approached and the season shifts, I am aware that my body is craving balance. I need to feed it more bitter foods, more wild edibles and nourishing seasonal goodies. It's important, for me, not to give in to my basest cravings. I natively crave carbs the minute a seasonal change appears. I mean, I wander my kitchen mulling my possibilities and settle on cheez-its. I then eat them, notice they feel and taste tangy (that's good) but also muddy (like rancid oil). Really self? This is what you wanted? It turns out that sesame oil is a recommended Ayurvedic remedy for my constitution. I make a salad bowl with kale and lettuce and beets and add lots of sesame oil. Better. Left over Vietnamese beef broth with noodles and green stuff- also very very good. Warming, dark, flavorful but balancing. Adding kale gives it a tang and kick that settles my stomach. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CWTLy9QZ5c/UkBTJywTjUI/AAAAAAAAF3U/n-e5O2Fq5Lo/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CWTLy9QZ5c/UkBTJywTjUI/AAAAAAAAF3U/n-e5O2Fq5Lo/s320/13+-+3" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First apple crisp of the season last night. My dad loved the seasonal apple crisps! 5 lb bag of Jonathon apples from the Rees farm near Perry. Perfect tart flavor!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is approaching? Waiting for the sweet potato leaves to begin to yellow. Harvesting all the tomatoes I can and cooking them down. Harvesting okra here and there for freezing. Tomatillos are STILL producing well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made infused oil in the last month as well. I dragged my feet in the summer... so I harvested rosemary and comfrey during their respective bloom times for oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pro tips:</b> Separate your perennials (that is DIVIDE them) now. Use root stimulator to assist them getting acclimated. The cooler the weather, the easier it is to plant!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fertilize grass- Milorganite is a manure-based fertilizer that is non-chemical and fairly natural. Spread it on your grass for a green up and assisting the grass roots!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOW IS DESIGN TIME. Consider design in your landscape. Yes, I'm a designer. Yes, I think design makes everything feel better. You can work within whatever framework you like- permaculture, native landscaping, xeriscape, fancy English gardens.... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bulbs--- because you will love yourself in the spring! I mean it. Great big fancy daffodils will make your March. :) Woodland bulbs I love: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbiuTyPHno0TBdGZBGru3dX_wkE4ih5s-YZElieu-rkdgmdjwJ18mM5KkRPfb540kcUh8xJbiIP4et8s-nMJfcPQJwwiixisheDeEPDkUXf7v1HkMDeiBmQdNH4TW2XB_07SO50AvQEo/s1600/chionodoxa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbiuTyPHno0TBdGZBGru3dX_wkE4ih5s-YZElieu-rkdgmdjwJ18mM5KkRPfb540kcUh8xJbiIP4et8s-nMJfcPQJwwiixisheDeEPDkUXf7v1HkMDeiBmQdNH4TW2XB_07SO50AvQEo/s320/chionodoxa.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chionodoxa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeaSDZwRiS8aHUcOlqOcRz-Cd-IuWLwaiWiohpy-JdpQK3deV-5Hl3XfF0BoXNC0fnTUrgUGDqKfQkgdKmzLlTD8ifDqMt5mBkXlQwlxMtI82X0vA6mTTf8cOgXnrHBMCBEzNOfNEdkY/s1600/galanthus.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeaSDZwRiS8aHUcOlqOcRz-Cd-IuWLwaiWiohpy-JdpQK3deV-5Hl3XfF0BoXNC0fnTUrgUGDqKfQkgdKmzLlTD8ifDqMt5mBkXlQwlxMtI82X0vA6mTTf8cOgXnrHBMCBEzNOfNEdkY/s320/galanthus.png" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">galanthus or snowdrop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grape hyacinth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bulb tips: forget tulips or understand that they aren't the best perennials. I like and am experimenting with:</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-7378563148750908152013-09-04T12:18:00.002-07:002013-09-04T12:52:20.998-07:00This liminal moment: summal, fummer? August 35th?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good morning September.... it's slowly becoming August lite here. Still hot, rapidly whirling toward my birthday and the equinox. I have been gathering the late summer bounty- tomatillos, peppers, tomatoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also begun sowing the fall bounty and back to work in the gardens....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I'm doing: I'm picking up clearance annuals. I've planted dill plants and ornamental peppers and nasturtiums! They are beautiful, enjoy the heat/cool dynamic we will be rocking out with for another few months (?) or weeks.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZQAaso9wzBn3P91vGiOIjjl_84Jum8ZDuwkvi_aDSeJTc5-bPTF15qb2ALZMyxaFey73o537lD_o9dflMidb6-FCqfJsekslSTGweDbrsHRemUPv0626IOtFkumlbaeJpbIfDPKK3m0/s1600/DSC_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZQAaso9wzBn3P91vGiOIjjl_84Jum8ZDuwkvi_aDSeJTc5-bPTF15qb2ALZMyxaFey73o537lD_o9dflMidb6-FCqfJsekslSTGweDbrsHRemUPv0626IOtFkumlbaeJpbIfDPKK3m0/s320/DSC_0480.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On August 15, I planted my first crop of the fall garden. I planted green bibb lettuce and red leaf lettuce. I also planted a row of Ruby Red chard, pulled out my old kale, planted a small plot of carrots and some rows of spinach. As usually happens in this liminal moment, this threshhold moment, some seeds were so fertile and ready to grow that the 90 degree days didn't phase them. The spinach promptly told me to go to hell, though. So I replanted more this weekend. I can take rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seed germination basics: they don't like hot weather and will germinate more evenly in sub 85 degree days! Keep the seed bed evenly moist. If the seed dries out, it's dead. I watered every late afternoon- not ideal, but it works for me. Once you see dichots, keep the watering even and don't let them dry out. They are very tender. If they are being attacked by critter (insect, pests, birds), use a floating row cover to protect. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cho</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ose seeds that are meant for the time you are growing. Don't start tomato or basil seeds in late summer for a fall garden. Don't start melons. </span><a href="http://www.he.k-state.edu/fnp/displays/gardening/pdfs/color%20pdfs/mf315.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Here is a great list of what to start when!</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It is from K-State and is the gold standard. The first pages are how many seeds to plant for the yield you want. Page 3 is the calendar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet potatoes and okra are happy. My calendula needs cool and looks burnt out. The comfrey offered a second bloom and I collected it! The wild original roses, the old ones, are putting on the second show. The nasturtiums like it dry and coolish- so they offer their bubbly presence. And the freaky, perennial rosemary?? It's decided to bloom. I mean, this plant shouldn't be wintering over. But it's moved into sub-shrub territory!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the docket this fall-- I'm going to interview my yoga teacher, Sharyn, and get the good info for you on some of the poses that have been reinvigorating me. What about stimulating the thryroid by locking my throat bandha, jalandhara bandha? What poses might support my liver, kidneys and adrenal glands? <a href="http://bodydivineyoga.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/the-psoas-muscle-of-the-soul/" target="_blank">Also, I found this wonderful article on the psoas muscle</a>. It's a profound eye-opener for me, one of those muscles that does so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/21/4595712/gut-feelings-the-future-of-psychiatry-may-be-inside-your-stomach" target="_blank">Have you read this much-shared article about the link between gut flora (pro-biotics HEEEYEEE!) and mental illness/ mental health?</a> It is really good support for the notion that we, adults, should support our gut flora in as many ways as we can. We should identify and eliminate foods that are allegens to us and which make us feel crappy. Then, we should help our guts repair themselves by eating lots of probiotic foods/ probiotic supplements. I don't actually take any supplement but I do give them to my kids. The second part of the article is that gut flora is made or broken in childhood. FEED YOUR KIDS FERMENTED FOODS- like good unsweetened yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented vegetables (uhm, good luck?). Or use a probiotic supplement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Update on RAGWEED (which I keep writing as rage weed. Yes. Rage. Weed.): the ragweed tea, not infusion, is very helpful to me. I do not have intense ragweed allergies this year. The tea has kept my histamine reaction to a minimum! What I did was make a large jar of it. I pruned off ragweed leaves and put them in hot water. Very complex. Then I steeped it for 20 minutes or so. I drank a couple cups every few days. Pleasant. Surprising.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that some people who have bad allergies to Ambrosia (that's the botanical name for all ragweeds) should NOT DO THIS. But for those of us with sneezing and itchy eyes who seek relief without pills, it's pretty nice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Please consult someone knowledgeable before picking random leaves.... I mean, you know that. But consult me, send me a message with a picture if you don't know ragweed by sight. I'm here to help!]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again a list of what I've linked above:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.he.k-state.edu/fnp/displays/gardening/pdfs/color%20pdfs/mf315.pdf" target="_blank">The K-State garden calendar.</a> All pertinent info about vegetable seeds, when to start, how to gauge yield, perennial/annual status, warm/cool season crop and a basic calendar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bodydivineyoga.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/the-psoas-muscle-of-the-soul/" target="_blank">The yoga, psoas muscle article</a>.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/21/4595712/gut-feelings-the-future-of-psychiatry-may-be-inside-your-stomach" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The link between gut flora and mental wellness.</span></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-25504798091670047572013-08-19T07:18:00.002-07:002013-08-27T13:31:18.680-07:00Happy Ragweed Day!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy-uGSCgVtypHieqwMS5MsTk3vx2dHsBR1WB4-YAa8XrZk5m0XvtDqWq5Uj4VXF7kELiewtcBXFTUWFoactjkO0WJcfUAOVwdduxr-RMJKBA3t-H1utekTaEmtIxG-X1i_lTaOT_AB-I/s1600/ragweed+bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy-uGSCgVtypHieqwMS5MsTk3vx2dHsBR1WB4-YAa8XrZk5m0XvtDqWq5Uj4VXF7kELiewtcBXFTUWFoactjkO0WJcfUAOVwdduxr-RMJKBA3t-H1utekTaEmtIxG-X1i_lTaOT_AB-I/s320/ragweed+bloom.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ragweed in bloom. </td></tr>
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I just learned that August 15th is beginning of ragweed season. This makes sense as I spent a good part of the morning yesterday pulling giant ragweed from Myrna's school playground.<br />
Here is what I want: I want YOU to identify ragweed. I want you to pull it (it's extremely easy to pull)- every kind you see. I want you to breathe easier.<br />
Why? Ragweed is a serious irritant- it causes hayfever in an estimated 15-30% of people. This means nasal irritation, phlegm, itchy eyes, chest and lung irritation and inflammation, etc. You know the drill don't you? Even though I'm not a terribly allergic person, this pollen irritates the shit out of me (sorry)! And it is cumulative... while it might not irritate you as a kid, the more exposure, the more irritated you will get. And then your body has a histamine reaction to this irritation. That is why many people take an anti-histamine. While I understand and do so occasionally myself, I try to stop the cycle so that I don't have to. Histamine reactions in the body can be serious- <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/267004/histamine" target="_blank">Encyclopedia Brittanica ahoy!</a><br />
Where? All open soil can be a potential site for ragweed. It seems to like poor, disturbed soils. It targets alleys, empty lots, and untended garden sites. If you walk into any alley in Lawrence, you'll see it I would guess.<br />
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So how do you do this? I'd recommend long sleeves and whatever else you've got- gloves, pants, shoes. You know. After you're done, wash it all and wash yourself. You will have pollen all over you (hair, skin, etc). Ragweed won't cause an itchy bumpy skin rash- except in the most delicate individuals, I'd guess. So I just pull it out bare handed. But don't do this. My hands are wrecked. Save yourself!<br />
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Kinds: Small leaved ragweed is about 18" high and has fine ferny leaves. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHtvbYhz8zXBRllk86lPvPmCwOETI3hPW0UurUHt02Xy1IHNZdFhyqURevELL3t1NEScQVQSMfsWVumPrqxI84eqiwi-bx0c0mPL9v3uuw2amjlV9RH4GtfGZOlCNiKyuLWwc6zpihFE/s1600/small+ragweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHtvbYhz8zXBRllk86lPvPmCwOETI3hPW0UurUHt02Xy1IHNZdFhyqURevELL3t1NEScQVQSMfsWVumPrqxI84eqiwi-bx0c0mPL9v3uuw2amjlV9RH4GtfGZOlCNiKyuLWwc6zpihFE/s320/small+ragweed.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the small leaved ragweed. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2NZGHdFVVlRkap9yiZPaJDXL8IkiDYzQBNE6vrJgTM4Xk4BM5MyQvjpi5vB_Frav47hh_8T6bPxQqyOcvAHLn0GUcRCJy21C9Z09yU3oUb3ApMbF_xHHyChHEfnyf9TqEFKo4dye81M/s1600/gr-giant-ragweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2NZGHdFVVlRkap9yiZPaJDXL8IkiDYzQBNE6vrJgTM4Xk4BM5MyQvjpi5vB_Frav47hh_8T6bPxQqyOcvAHLn0GUcRCJy21C9Z09yU3oUb3ApMbF_xHHyChHEfnyf9TqEFKo4dye81M/s320/gr-giant-ragweed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A giant ragweed: what those leaves look like. </td></tr>
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This is giant ragweed. Just step into your alley to survey that 5' tall giant staring back at you. It's bloom covered in pollen, right at nose level. </div>
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How do I cope with hayfever you ask? I use homeopathic hayfever tabs from Hylands. These work moderately well. I try to be preventative- don't let your body get really worked up. As I said, it's a reaction that will just crank itself up like a sleep-deprived 4 year old. Head that off at the pass! Take it many times a day. If you let it go too far, you might as well take an Allegra, Zyrtec etc. I'm not even going to research that stuff. When I resort to it, I'm usually so miserable I just don't care. </div>
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Also, this year I really am making a tincture from the blooming tops of ragweed. I've heard this is the most effective but haven't tried it. I will keep you posted on results! Also, I'm gathering leaves to dry for infusions/ tea. I wouldn't try the infusion if you are seriously allergic. But the tea would be a safe stepping stone.<br />
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If anyone wants to do a weed-walk and plant identification walk, please contact me! I have time in my schedule. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-63903272558697005042013-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:002013-07-26T14:00:02.402-07:00Capturing the heat....One of the most fascinating parts of creating a garden is discovering, newly every year, what succeeds against all odds. As a designer, I want to give my clients every opportunity to enjoy THIS time of year. By this, I mean late summer. The cicadas, the start date of the school year in view, the heat, the humidity, the tomatoes, the peppers and eggplants, the mosquitoes and lighting bugs. The argiope spiders! It's the time of year when we begin harvesting what we sowed. It's the time when I remember to surrender to the heat and enjoy the salsa. Iced drinks and fleeting time-- gardens are time catchers. So put objects and plants in them that capture and express the beauty of certain times of year....<br />
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Here are some suggestions for plants that make me happy during this fleeting time.</h4>
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<b>Blackberry Lily</b>--This is an oddball. Used to be rare but I'm seeing it more lately. Actually an iris (Belamcanda chinensis), this guy puts on black berries in the fall and is very decorative. It has very small and airy blooms with that crazy red dot... they don't last long but they sure do tower above everything else and create a real note of contrast!<br />
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<b>Echinacea</b>-- This is the prairie favorite. It does require additional water when the drought settles in. But not too much... those seed heads and the purple flower really inspire and delight me.The goldfinches love them in season and in winter! </div>
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<b>Spurge- </b>Pairs very well with the Blackberry lily because this hugs the ground, has the small minty green "needle-like" leaves and a persistent bloom (directly contrasting the Blackberry lily). Spurge is strange- reported to be invasive in livestock fields yet a really, really great landscape plant. Drought tolerant and nearly a succulent.... Odd and wonderful.<br />
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<b>Hardy Hibiscus- </b>This is a showy mofo. She's loud and tall and her foliage is great. She's worth the wait! Need I say more?</div>
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<b>Tiger Lilies- </b>These came with the house, as far as I remember. As in, they came with the house when my folks bought it in 1979! These are a real lily, 3-4' tall. Now they are in dappled shade but they prefer sun. These small black bulblets are how the plant reproduces!<br />
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This montage of awesome are yellow Rudbekia 'Goldsturm' with Lantana (an annual) in front of them. I need to reinforce right here- this is why you plant annuals! The color and the wow when it's hot and dry. Also, behind them, that mass of grey-green is 'Silver Mound' Artemesia. It's stunning.<br />
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Here are some extras that are not pictured but so worth it in the late summer: Ninebark "Summer Wine" has amazing burgundy foliage and a great structure. Caryopteris is not quite in bloom yet but I always remember why I love this plant right now. Bright blue blossoms, 3' tall stature, grayish foliage. This is one that wasn't probably as cold tolerant at one time. New varieties are really useful and great.<br />
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Also, please enjoy this amazing shrimp/ avocado salsa recipe from the Smitten Kitchen.... <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/07/mama-canales-garcias-avocado-shrimp-salsa/" target="_blank">hubba hubba!</a><br />
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<b>Here are some garden reminders for this part of the season:</b></h4>
It really is time to divide and replant bearded irises. They go into a summer dormancy. Use you garden fork and lift the rhizomes and divide them. Replant them when it isn't over 90 degrees-- other than that, it's pretty simple!<br />
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<b>Warning</b>: the spider mites are out in force. I wrote on the landscape company blog about this topic,<a href="http://www.lawrencelandscape.com/blog/bid/304322/Heating-up-spider-mites-pruning-advice-for-trees-and-shrubs" target="_blank"> so visit there if you're interested. </a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-70791549421368957242013-07-23T11:04:00.000-07:002013-07-23T11:04:09.116-07:00Vitamin controversy- it comes back again.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't even know if I want to set foot into this arena. But given the fact that I write for a small audience, most of whom I know, all of whom know how to get a hold of vitamin/supplement experts (like Tyra at the Merc, myself, etc), I feel like I should say a little.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past month, I've heard the wonk wonk of mainstream media (totally bunko CNN) start the semi-annual banter about vitamins, studies, findings and what is POSSIBLY REALLY BAD FOR YOU. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should preface this all with: I do not advocate mega-dosing on anything. You want to? Ok. It's your body. Find out what could happen first. Mega doses of fried fish or chocolate or booze or vitamin C will all do something- find out what could happen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also just don't like multi-vitamins. Do you know why? As conspiracy watchers (like Boingboing.net, respectable, smart/nerdy and interesting content btw.) often point out, the vitamin industry is unregulated. Now, what happens next in this convo is that the person says they want the FDA to regulate the vitamin industry. Uhhh, that's stupid. The FDA is barely current on medical devices, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. I don't think they have the background, interest or expertise to evaluate vitamins. Leave it to the Europeans. They've done research on this stuff for decades and have great info. Back to multis though: they are based on RDA or recommended daily allowances put forth by the FDA, which is questionable science. The vitamin companies then shove a bunch of lab-made elements into a pill and package it for sale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is another idea: get a reasonable handle on what smart and healthy folks around you take daily. Get a nutritional evaluation done by a doctor or medical professional (my chiropractor is a nutritionist and can do blood work/ spit kit/ urine test to determine where deficiencies lie). Then read up on how to help those deficiencies. My best guess is that nearly everyone needs vitamin D supplementation and fish oil supplementation, maybe B12. Many other deficiencies can be addressed by radical, positive dietary change. I want to emphasize what is at stake in many of these articles-- everyone should not take vitamins. Everyone should pay attention to nutrition and learn more. <i>The SAD (standard american diet) is very very very nutritionally deficient</i>. If this is what you eat, you will need to supplement to get through your day. Wanh-wanh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A brief list of articles mentioning this topic:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/health/vitamins-offit/index.html" target="_blank">CNN about (mostly) megadoses.</a> Gets lots wrong. Is vitamin or supplementation actually Alternative medicine? Hmm, I thought it went with preventative care or health maintenance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/12/health/salmon-cancer-time/index.html?iref=allsearch" target="_blank">CNN is at again in a gross misrepresentation of findings about our friend fish oil!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jolieblogs.com/2013/07/fish-oils-and-prostate-cancer-are.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">A decent blog rebuttal of this stupid article!</a> She is a breath of fresh air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First</b>- always examine your sources. Most mainstream media view vitamins as weird (maybe) necessary pseudo-science (like chiropracty, in fact) and totally news fodder. Traditional doctors are pretty lame at nutrition. NO, NOT ALL DOCTORS (side note: my friend/neighbor's oncologist recommended pro-biotics for him instead of pills to treat stomach issues after chemo and radiation. This is fantastic!). But I've had pediatricians tell me that homeopathy was dangerous, especially for kids. There is proven research from Europe to contest that. "But that tiny amount of caffeine in those Hyland teething tabs is horrible for kids! It'll make them crazy!" Sigh. These are also the doctors who don't know shit about vegan and vegetarian diets. They don't understand how protein works or where to get it, aside from meat. They don't understand the beauty of eggs (really, if you are low in B12, you must not eat many eggs.). Or that there are 2 grams of protein in a serving of kale. That's alot for a vegetable folks. Think on it- brown rice, beans and kale. Add some eggs and you have a lot of available, non-meat protein. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Second- </b>Remember that every body is different. Your experience of stress is so different than mine! I had a bad time earlier this month, got really stressed out and discovered that I needed some B vitamins. How do I know this? B vitamins are used for energy. They are used by the body to process white flour, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and IN STRESSFUL SITUATIONS. I have always, since I was little, required more B6 than the average bear. I'm high strung? I like to drink more caffeine and eat more bread than maybe is good for me? And since I changed my diet to eat less simple carbs, very little flour and less alcohol, I stopped taking B vitamins. I needed help this month and I took it. My symptoms that indicate I'm using more B than I'm ingesting: mouth sores, unhealthy cuticles, energy drops, dark circles under my eyes. [I lost a friend and dealt with it by eating convenience food and drinking more alcohol. Wanh-wanh.] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To this end, with every body being so different, you really have to do some work on nutritional supplements. I hear so many people railing against vitamins because they feel defrauded. Ok, I hear you on that one. You don't know if you are getting what the bottle says you are getting, no oversite or guarantee there. You feel overwhelmed and goaded by opposing information from media sources. You aren't sure, given these opposing POVs, what you actually need. But reading stuff like this right here will help you start to get a handle on what is happening in every body, what you personally need and what your soft spots are! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Third- </b>Can you get what you need through an amazing diet? Yes I believe you can. Is food today less nutrient dense? I don't know. I think the sources on this topic are highly biased and I can't find information that I stand by. I'm a horticulturalist. I reinforce my soil with good compost and no pesticides. I eat what I raise on this soil. I buy vegetables from people who do the same thing. I eat meat that was raised on pretty fields and finished with nice grain from those fields. I do what I can. I eat organic fermented dairy. It seems to be fine, in the short term. Perfect? No. Unknowns? Lots. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do most people get what they need through their diets? Absolutely not! We eat things from boxes that have had "nutrients" injected into them. This makes me uncomfortable! Did you hear the news that Naked juice has to remove the "all natural" from its label? It was found to contain "...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252324; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> Archer Daniels Midland’s Fibersol-2 (“a soluble corn fiber that acts as a low-calorie bulking agent”), fructooligosaccharides (an alternative sweetener), and genetically modified soy." (worldobserveronline.com/2013/07/20)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">That makes me feel lied to and reinforces my belief that the more things I eat with a label, the more dangerously I'm eating. I can just take kale from my garden, add some fruit and some yogurt and make a smoothie. And I won't feel lied to. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Maybe a lot of this post is opinion.... certainly it is. I'm trying to provide information and not useless ranting, though. I hope you take away this: always examine the sources of competing vitamin rhetoric. Try to find out what you really need before you go off trying to take a ton of vitamins. Give yourself a good hard examination of symptoms, needs, etc. Find a medical person to help with outlining any deficiencies you may have. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cover up in the sun- skin cancer is real. Wear a hat! Mineral sunscreen is safest but do what you can. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Nearly everyone needs more vitamin D than they are getting. Get a test at your doctor's office or a clinic to find out how much you are getting and/or need. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Read up on fish oil. I believe in it! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9Q_JwTNDbVZLqzxCjMwQENn56iHJ-Ojg5OPXIpND4pwImeDPUCiZntJX2K75_MVUlp8eHi4PdLBGpBaSWDXFZpdSY5v0CUnpF6idG5tFwbjKU4mMRvGI4Rl_S6VVK0bq1KYI8O2Bk3Y/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9Q_JwTNDbVZLqzxCjMwQENn56iHJ-Ojg5OPXIpND4pwImeDPUCiZntJX2K75_MVUlp8eHi4PdLBGpBaSWDXFZpdSY5v0CUnpF6idG5tFwbjKU4mMRvGI4Rl_S6VVK0bq1KYI8O2Bk3Y/s320/IMG_4637.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Eat good food. Eat it every damn day. Enjoy yourself while you do! Better food = better nutrition = better functioning body machine. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252324; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cheerio..... xoxox</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-80494742844167187722013-07-02T13:59:00.000-07:002013-07-02T13:59:27.019-07:00Japanese gardens: design to realityInstead of posting a didactic blog on Japanese gardens (here's what not to do, here are the basics, blah blah blah), I'll relate my experience, give you the design and then final pictures from the homeowners. It's summer and fun time- let's not be too serious but give ourselves over to pretty plants, cool breezes and cocktails on the patio (lots of bug spray on our ankles).<br />
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My clients here are a wonderfully eclectic pair- kids, grandkids, etc. But they have lived in the past in Japan and harbor a deep love of Japanese gardens. (And who doesn't??) But these two also have the unique experience of actually living in Japan, not just visiting or reading the occasional book. They are also fair gardeners. When you look at the pictures, you'll see that Roger and Sharon are also good craftspeople! They built the pond more than a decade ago (at least 15 years they said), Roger built the Tojo gate, they laid the stepping stones themselves. As well, they installed all the plants and mulch and the extensive drip irrigation system!</div>
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First step in the process was speaking with my clients, extensively, about their needs and wants. Who would use this? How would this be enjoyed? What activities are going to be done in the back yard? In their case, as well, they had purchased trees, had the existing pond and a small retaining wall/ berm. The idea was to create a cozy, enclosed and private backyard that minimized some of the outside interference. They also wanted a separation from their small lawn into the garden area with a gate. </div>
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From there, I researched Japanese design elements. I knew many Japanese garden favorites. But it's always important to shift plant choices to the climate and culture of the garden where they will live. Roger and Sharon have a backyard that faces east. </div>
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Important elements for me: rock, wood, evergreens, groundcover plants, a curved path. We have no gravel or sand. But we have a body of water and the curved rock path. We also have a bamboo gate. </div>
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Hand colored design:</div>
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Roger in his gate: hand tied bamboo.... very lovely! If you would like more information about the design or plant choices, let me know. I can detail them. You get an idea of the plant palette through the design and images, I hope.<br />
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--- Laurel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-37768805861102309272013-06-26T09:38:00.000-07:002013-06-26T09:38:10.759-07:00Big June, the solstice, the supermoon and summerDuring the summer months, it's always refreshing and invigorating when so many circumstances coincide. I'm talking about the full moon, the supermoon (meaning super close to the earth and huge) along with the solstice BUT then you have all of the wonderful big summer medicine, the harvest month for herbs.<br />
This month, this past week I've harvested calendula blossoms for infused oil. I've harvested rosemary for spice and oil. Comfrey for oil. Yarrow and echinacea flowers/ stalks for tincture. I will go back in the fall and do a root harvest for both of those and make a tincture that is a combination of the flower and the root. Pretty powerful stuff.....<br />
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Yarrow- are you interested in this plant? Here is an image of the native white yarrow that we find around here. It can be invasive- which... I don't really find that appropriate here. It can be a garden thug, if you don't want LOTS of it in your garden. It loves to spread! It will populate your lawn if you let it. But that also means it's strong and supple and resilient.<br />
Active volatile oil: azulene and others.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEANfil80FK-IbHJstY1k60jP9B_B8wKtY0UDAPLzIAe1Lex_4YiTKwImI9QUWClVgdRJugTd61tXH49Xw9aVYIfNPc-pcdyB_UuwtAPtn7De5k3vwxaremEMs-f3epQuYU-VV5F08Fac/s1600/yarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="medicinal white yarrow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEANfil80FK-IbHJstY1k60jP9B_B8wKtY0UDAPLzIAe1Lex_4YiTKwImI9QUWClVgdRJugTd61tXH49Xw9aVYIfNPc-pcdyB_UuwtAPtn7De5k3vwxaremEMs-f3epQuYU-VV5F08Fac/s320/yarrow.jpg" title="white yarrow" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Use as an antispasmodic, certainly astringent (due to its tannin content), In addition, I use yarrow against colds, sore throats, infections or suspected upper respiratory/ ear/ throat infections. It is a great topical healer against skin things/ eruptions: bad bug bites, stings, burns (crush and hold against it), also read that it can be used topically to help take down warts. Though I have little experience with it in this form, due to its highly bitter quality, it is a bile stimulator and kidney tonic (blood purifier perhaps). I am drying it this year for an emergency tea (YUCK, bitter, psst, blech) and/or wound healer. Can you tell I have a lot of it?</span><br />
[Interesting side note: just found this on a Google search of Yarrow. It can be used on animals, namely horse, bleeding/ oozing wounds:<br />
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<span style="color: #755534; font-size: 11px;">Wound Aid for Animals is yarrow,</span><span style="color: #755534; font-size: 11px;"> </span><em style="color: #755534; font-size: 11px;">Achillea millefolium</em><span style="color: #755534; font-size: 11px;">, harvested in full bloom, dried and powdered. It is liberally applied to open bleeding, oozing or otherwise raw wounds. I have used it most on horses with moderately severe to gruesome wire cuts. I apply it by liberally sprinkling it on the open wound or throwing it on the wound if the horse is not cooperative or restrained. A large quantity will adhere to the wound. Yarrow is a hemostat — or blood stopper — it works best on lacerations. It does not impress me as a blood stopper on incisions or clipped nails. It does work effectively to stop oozing sutured incisions. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and accelerates wound healing with reduced formation of scar tissue." </span><a href="http://www.buckmountainbotanicals.net/treatments/woundaid.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11px;">http://www.buckmountainbotanicals.net/treatments/woundaid.html</a><span style="color: #755534; font-size: 11px;">]</span></h1>
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Clary Sage: Exotic looking, blooms every other year. Reseeds itself. It is a salvia. Its most common use is in essential oil. Obviously, I'm not making essential oil at home, am I? No. Part of the danger of essential oils is that they are the chemical extraction of hundreds and hundreds of plants to create 1 ounce of highly concentrated oil. The oil then has lots of potency and can be deadly if ingested. Don't leave it around for small people to mess with... I've gotten burns from very concentrated oil.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwdjT7kiVUDdUw7kLXHsAIv3l17qECJEefYoEP-Nh92szi8gJryi_b6i-f-0OhY4cO0g5nKLvkJneL8I6Oue3OWkmSGVj9_aFuv405Vp3RMWJPeqiDw1uP4F_OFz1l0NudNBCVZ83Pvk/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwdjT7kiVUDdUw7kLXHsAIv3l17qECJEefYoEP-Nh92szi8gJryi_b6i-f-0OhY4cO0g5nKLvkJneL8I6Oue3OWkmSGVj9_aFuv405Vp3RMWJPeqiDw1uP4F_OFz1l0NudNBCVZ83Pvk/s320/13+-+2" width="240" /></a>That being said, this plant with its huge leaves and very pale exotic spikes is going into oil. I'm making an infused oil of it- it has a lemony, mysterious scent. In old herbals, it warns over and over not to mix with alcohol due to its intense effects. Or maybe it is a warning TO MIX with alcohol, since it intensifies the effects! But I used the aromatherapy oil during my labor, on a handkerchief tucked into my bosom. It was centering.<br />
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I'm also making oil from calendula blooms- calendula oil is just.... well, it heals everything. Diaper rash to radiation burns- it isn't magic or super fast, but it is a calming, lovely golden ray of sunshine! I dry my blossoms just a few hours to get any water off of them then put them in my oil jar. I did all of this on the solstice- I started the jar last week and am adding to it until the season for calendula is done.<br />
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Also, <a href="http://www.commonsensehome.com/grandma-called-it-medicine-leaf/" target="_blank">this link here is a great article on plantain</a>! My dad was a huge proponent of plantain (the narrow and the wide leaved). I prefer the wide as it is softer, brings down swelling and bites quicker, etc. I do chew it up and put it on insect bites if I'm walking/ hiking OR (here is a major flashbulb moment folks!)-- it grows right near poison ivy most of the time. If you spot poison ivy, or you don't, and walk through it, chew up plantain and rub it on your affected parts. Now obviously, the best thing is to wash off your exposed skin that contacted the PI. Because you're dumb if you don't. But Plantain will help after the poison ivy has erupted and made your skin and life hell.<br />
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Next up is a garden design blog... that's in a few days. I designed a Japanese garden and I had the pleasure of seeing it brought to life! And the Oakleaf Hydrangeas... knocking me outttttt!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-45848199266209695332013-04-11T12:53:00.000-07:002013-04-11T12:53:34.042-07:00Use what you have, love the one you're with, blah, blah, blah.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's cold. And my plants aren't moving very fast. I'm antsy and want to enjoy and harvest and eat and tend! Wow, says Mother Nature, that's really want-y. You might want to slow down and leash up your expectations a bit. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8lr9GbI3ZJcwEvm6zjeSn0FTqsNfKOVqybdgyW2m_ANSdkz-szV3My70ASzCn_xoKJd91AcrYVGbuBJhxuEwNXun2T1rFBfQycN73XCQY1pba2o2kD5UAQnviZnvn0U80gwIZT3UecA/s1600/nettle+tops+sp2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8lr9GbI3ZJcwEvm6zjeSn0FTqsNfKOVqybdgyW2m_ANSdkz-szV3My70ASzCn_xoKJd91AcrYVGbuBJhxuEwNXun2T1rFBfQycN73XCQY1pba2o2kD5UAQnviZnvn0U80gwIZT3UecA/s320/nettle+tops+sp2013.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here is what is available to me right now. Just Stinging Nettle tops.... barely enough for a cuppa. But so beautiful! And her stings are so subtle at this stage or maybe I'm just that primed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do I need to sing the praises of stinging nettles? Country folk can't believe I even touch them but they are good food, especially early in the spring. They are called for if you have systemic arthritic or inflammatory diseases (Hi, John H.). They really help the build-up in the joints that happens... now herbs aren't magic bullets, are they? They are not super charged, lab-generated gel caps. You have to invest, ingest, think health and be your own health. It isn't always anything. But it is all you. It's also all <b>not</b> you- it's not in your control, really. I believe in practice, like yoga, where you visualize your health and well-being. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But also, when you're thinking of having a baby (Hi, Cass! Hi, Sam!), this high amount of iron, selenium, Vitamin K is perfect for the uterus. It isn't raspberry leaf (a prime uterine tonic that works LIKE A CHARM- drink your infusion please preg ladies!)- but remember all those stories of rupture and bleeding after birth and trauma to baby and vitamin K shot? I do. In Greer's birth, I drank large amounts of nettle infusion and it helped me not get anemic (a big issue with Myrna's birth) and I turned down the vitamin K shot because her levels were wonderful. As well, large amounts of vitamin c which help with the absorption of iron. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Miss Cass asked last year how to identify nettles for sure: the serrated leaves, opposite position (one on each side, instead of alternate) of the leaves and the sting. They are easily wildcrafted in Shawnee Mission Park, along hte streamways trail. I spend years in KC, using this in the spring to get my nettles. Look for partially shaded, moist areas. You might find a perfect morel as well! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If wildcrafting them isn't available to you, go to a bulk herb store. Call Whole Foods and see if they have cut nettle leaf. I know they have it at Phoenix Herb Co on Boradway, near the Plaza. Work on making a nice, rich infusion. Make a quart. Drink it in 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is what Dr.Christopher's website says: </span><span style="background-color: #bfb9bd; font-size: 16px;">It is a slow-acting nutritive herb that gently cleanses the body of metabolic wastes. It is one of the safest alteratives, especially in the treatment of chronic disorders that require long-term treatment. It has a gentle, stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, enhancing the excretion of wastes through the kidneys. </span><span style="background-color: #bfb9bd; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going on the radio this weekend <a href="http://www.klwn.com/Jeremy-Taylor/14152225?date=2013_03" target="_blank">(About the House with Jeremy Taylor)</a> to talk about the opening of the Lawrence Farmer's Market- oh yay! I'm also talking about planting blooming trees- picking the right one, the ones blooming now, care and feeding. Join me on<a href="http://www.klwn.com/" target="_blank"> KLWN a</a>t 10:00 to talk with Jeremy Taylor, of course, but also John Pendleton! <span id="goog_1969210102"></span><span id="goog_1969210103"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So expect an apprentice update- her name is Sarah, she told me I could share it. :) I think I'll show her a friendly, sticky, clingy friend this week. You never know where your ally will show up....</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-42204377465363274342013-04-03T07:43:00.002-07:002013-04-03T07:43:43.582-07:00go get it- landscaping! apprentice! nettles! daffodils!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ryXapHXyVg/UVw5QV5aJxI/AAAAAAAAB0I/fEiSbOGe1C4/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="spring flowers, garden design, bulbs" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ryXapHXyVg/UVw5QV5aJxI/AAAAAAAAB0I/fEiSbOGe1C4/s320/13+-+2" title="daffodil" width="320" /></a>I got to be in the local paper this week. <a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/apr/01/go-getter-try-landscaping/" target="_blank">It's the Go-Getter section- Try Landscaping</a>. It's a very basic, to be sure, but HEY! I run my mouth all the time. This just warns the beginning homeowner to research their tree planting carefully, re-mulch to give a fresh perspective or look....<br />
Seriously wish they would have used a real picture, not a shutterstock photo. The paper is really cutting its budget.... this is getting ridiculous. Opinions are like a$$holes- everyone has got one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Va-cfX_uFW2_vNuVyZEk93zH7OCHklN1d4QXyMFuy5cujagfwmehR2C6fduyNUjlUTmeWjVrSbbwyjz2bei18SZI28ZfsiqPVAGREToLKJGSxLEfo3FETqu6oAV87jyFadk1himzlQk/s1600/tansyland+crop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tansy, design, landscape" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Va-cfX_uFW2_vNuVyZEk93zH7OCHklN1d4QXyMFuy5cujagfwmehR2C6fduyNUjlUTmeWjVrSbbwyjz2bei18SZI28ZfsiqPVAGREToLKJGSxLEfo3FETqu6oAV87jyFadk1himzlQk/s200/tansyland+crop1.jpg" title="" width="176" /></a></div>
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If you have questions about your landscape, I specialize in herbal, medicinal plants (obviously) and native/ xeric gardens that embrace your existing garden culture, as well as garden consulting.<br />
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Onto other topics: yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with a friend who is going to be "apprenticing" with me. I'm not averse to leadership but I put quotes around apprentice because I feel like she and I are contemporaries and, while I'm teaching her, I still consider us on equal footing. Apprentice? Well, ok.<br />
We spent some time working on what we wanted to teach/ learn about.... she walked around my messy and organic garden space, looking at all the new medicinal beauties popping up. The echinacea is popping its burgundy shoots out of the ground, the yarrow is pushing forth frothy tendrils, the bronze fennel has brown fuzzy cattails and the comfrey has ears of yellow green right now! The clary sage says loudly, "I DIDN'T GO DORMANT. OMG, I'M RIGHT HERE!". As well, the never-dying rosemary is a broad evergreen shrub! I have to say I'm excited. Oh, and the calendula? Greening up from the roots. :) Happy smile....(properly, I believe calendula is perennial but doesn't survive hot summers well.)<br />
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She and I planted Feverfew (looks like a cross between chamomile and daisy), Holy Basil (Tulsi) and some creeping thyme for strictly garden (not medicinal) purposes. She is keeping hers indoors to sprout, while I'm letting my germinate outside in the cold! The basil won't move for awhile but the other two will be just fine.<br />
As well, this gave me the opportunity to get out my beloved herbal books and assign some reading! I love my books dearly and firmly give away those I don't love. I have my dad's collection, which I find invaluable as well! Next week, I'm taking her, her two kids (4 and 6), my two girls and myself to wildcraft nettles. Folk herbalism at its finest, right there. Can't wait to have some fresh nettles- infusion for me! That bright sharp green with the gentle taste..... Here is a picture from last year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78EeTgTqkr3hRo5-sa2PFGLT5hpNd5MuGFGKPXEpLNCsMrVTFetPtvUIrp1XA0ZHdB3fdDJW5qnOEEVj6_iNnJNse3KuIXodTU1I29USB7wkBW98pfcPMhbPVY2eplwu05QBYQsIizfU/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="nettle, urtica dioica, health" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78EeTgTqkr3hRo5-sa2PFGLT5hpNd5MuGFGKPXEpLNCsMrVTFetPtvUIrp1XA0ZHdB3fdDJW5qnOEEVj6_iNnJNse3KuIXodTU1I29USB7wkBW98pfcPMhbPVY2eplwu05QBYQsIizfU/s320/IMG_0841.jpg" title="nettle infusion" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urtica dioica: great for kidney, liver, bile function. Arthritis, Vitamin K, potassium.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-13954422728516285272013-03-28T08:43:00.001-07:002013-03-28T08:45:25.001-07:00A cold spring but verdant!Easter is this weekend: while I'm don't celebrate Easter as such, I do present it for the holiday it is. It is meant to celebrate rebirth of the son, the sun, the land, the green.... there is a facebook picture going around showing Ishtar and correcting their perception of an Easter that celebrates only the Christian holiday. I appreciate this but it's also, in its own way, incorrect. Easter is, in northern European countries, based on Oestara. Oestara is alternately the goddess figure of spring and the pagan/ Wiccan/ proto-Christian celebration of spring itself. Usually it is on the Vernal Equinox (last week of course) because the date was based on a celestial occurrence that could be noted from year to year. I celebrate the equinox with Easter baskets, decorated eggs, lots of yummy food and too much frenzied gardening! Don't you??<br />
According to Karen Pendleton, down the road of all the asparagus fame, we are at least two weeks behind growing schedule! I bought and am installing floating row covers for my vegetable patch. I grow in raised beds and large trees encroaching on my space. So we push it. And I especially love early season cold/ cole crops. This means I grow lots of lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale. I'm finally to the point where I think my soil is friable (loose, rich) enough to grow carrots. My kids are absolutely in love with snow peas and sugar snaps so I've added lots of those in their honor!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiied052BpMaOrgE1ap6ATxApR1HS4uimuc33OAt5_Uz6Jmt1AVsR4r81k3Ih-7GSlxhy3p_PzgfPyTduhxVKzSV64WJiW5AO12oNQCVyQEgzg_kNB0vfE9TkzjLWB0Kv4Vpv-fRpeGWTU/s1600/floating-row-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiied052BpMaOrgE1ap6ATxApR1HS4uimuc33OAt5_Uz6Jmt1AVsR4r81k3Ih-7GSlxhy3p_PzgfPyTduhxVKzSV64WJiW5AO12oNQCVyQEgzg_kNB0vfE9TkzjLWB0Kv4Vpv-fRpeGWTU/s1600/floating-row-cover.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from michaelweishan.com</td></tr>
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Floating row covers are invaluable around here. Many people use them to keep pests out, as they are permeable, allowing air and water to move through. But I'm using them to get the soil warmed up sooner. Since I'm putting them on seeds that have yet to germinate, I'm laying it directly on soil. I'll suspend them a bit when the seedlings emerge.<br />
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Herb Update:<br />
This season, I'm growing calendula again. Many of my supposedly annual calendula is still alive and green. Well. Huh. I'm planting more since my calendula oil was such a success last year. Golden yellow/orange and vibrant. I didn't dry my blooms, even though reputable sources say "dry the blooms completely!" (Mountain Rose Herbs blog). Other reputable sources (Susun Weed) simply say, eh, dry 'em a bit. I did that. I let them sit for 6-8 hours. It's oil.... nothing to be taken internally.<br />
I have a HUGE amount of medicinal yarrow this year. As in- want a transplant?? Give me a holler, hit me up. I'll say yes. It's a lot. I've got it in front in multiple places and a large amount in a vegetable bed that must be transplanted soon!<br />
I'm sowing St. John's Wort seeds this next week with a new helper of mine. She is a mom of two and on her own journey- and she'd like to learn about herbs. So I'm getting her to come explore with me: we are going to plant StJW, wildcraft nettles in a few weeks, transplant echinacea and yarrow. She's going to start learning about infusions, decoctions, infused oils and tinctures (vinegar, alcohol, glycerine). Doesn't that sound fun? Really- this is giving lots of discipline to personally "get it together". Organize my herbal bookshelves, make up a syllabus and ways to present the information effectively. I'm a natural teacher but an employed landscape designer, so this is wonderful for me!<br />
On another note: here is the powerpoint from the presentation I did at the Flower, Lawn and Garden show in KC last week. Use it as a guide to basic landscape design- within your theme or not! Please feel free to contact me if you have landscape/ design questions! Listen to me live this Saturday on Jeremy Taylor's "About the House" radio show, AM 1320. <br />
<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6OmwD259-sDV2VUWmkzODJIdXM/preview" width="640"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-79546177864766399992013-03-22T06:08:00.000-07:002013-03-22T06:08:20.394-07:00Insulin, carbs, my drama!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudq58rMn9Gg5JJmhBvCInzoCqaSCBEWHxJFBw5ftFKJD-K2jYRGSwUMwxOUMQOIr0QGsFVxfLu9tTmqKzDG0KIqrhxjFCvQg6rwIZBiv4tYNNgbqIbUqGCwGy7YHHiPgRNQyxDCGaIGI/s1600/Whtiebud%252B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudq58rMn9Gg5JJmhBvCInzoCqaSCBEWHxJFBw5ftFKJD-K2jYRGSwUMwxOUMQOIr0QGsFVxfLu9tTmqKzDG0KIqrhxjFCvQg6rwIZBiv4tYNNgbqIbUqGCwGy7YHHiPgRNQyxDCGaIGI/s1600/Whtiebud%252B1.JPG" /></a>The theme for this month, Miss March, is cleaning up my act. My dad would like it- I've started doing headstands, early in the morning! He did yoga basically every single day. He'd sit zazen (Zen Buddhist meditation) and do forward bends, plow, push ups and head stands. He also jogged, ten minutes or so, no big deal.<br />
I'm also on a nutrition journey that is very interesting. My dude and I are off simple carbs- still eating fruits and a few complex carbs here and there (oats, quinoa), definitely starchy vegetables. But I feel very different already. Enjoying kale smoothies with a bit of fruit and yogurt too. Lots of fat, protein, vegetables..... Don't get me wrong, I'm not into deprivation or being hungry. I'm just working to rearrange the cravings and hungry. The science behind this goes a little something like this:<br />
Eat carbohydrates, sugar (even fruit) and your body produces insulin. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. It tells your organs (liver especially) to hold onto the fat, don't use it! Bodily organs, like the thryroid, get very tired from all that insulin. Sometimes, when there isn't enough protein in your blood, your adrenals will start to produce cortisol. You know that shaky energy? That fight or flight energy? That's cortisol. You shouldn't be existing on cortisol. Adrenal exhaustion... the stories I could tell. At one point, my cortisol production was so totally off that I was spiking cortisol at midnight (right when baby would wake to feed). I was screwed up- I went back to my meditation practice and began taking a supplement call Phosphytidyl Serine for a short time. I'd take it at 8:00 pm and it would limit my cortisol production during sleep time. It was a perfect, "get me through a hard patch" helper.<br />
Anyway,when get your body off the insulin train, eat vegetable and protein, your body produces glucagon instead of insulin. This is a fat burning hormone. It tells your liver: Hey, eat up all that fat in there and get the fat in the blood stream utilized! STAT! We want a glucagon ratio that is HIGHER than insulin. Clearly. Natural food and eating in a natural pattern will do that.<br />
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So, it looks like I'm eating Paleo. Shrug, grimace, yuck. I really have resisted fads or what I perceive to be fad diets because I am not a joiner. I don't like dietary changes that are based on perception (vs. science) and that might actually be veiled "thinspiration". I've been continually grossed about by the Paleo crowd because I think they seem like zealots who want to be thin but cloak it with nutrition. I also really dislike diets that replace real food with bars and pretend food made with a wrapper. But, I'm trying this because there is physical science telling me how my body is becoming estrogen-dominant (thus putting on subtle amounts of fat on the thighs, hips area). Estrogen dominance is a pre-cursor to estrogen triggered cancers, Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes of the Typical American Diet (TAD).<br />
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That said- I'm not judging you for eating all that carb loaded goodness. (What's up last night's dinner: spanikopita and MAC N CHEESE. *sigh) It's been hard and isn't over yet- getting over that emotional hurdle of expecting breakfast to include breads. But it can and is really, really good. And I've not lost any weight, with all my exercise, so I can assure you that I'm not doing this to be something other than what I am (well more muscle is in my plans, MORE MUSCLE!). So if your body still works great, SALUT! Mine just stopped feeling and looking so great. And I have to part with pizza, traditional pizza, for awhile. As I said someplace else, the idea is to reset the receptors in my body (in all of those organs- THYROID) and let them get back to good shape. Then, it's like being a kid again. I eat a lot of good for me stuff, indulge some, feel a bit yummy then yucky, then make better choices. And not suffer a bunch of consequences. THIS is why "kids can eat anything". Well, no they can't. But they are fresher and younger- don't do them a disservice and teach them only to eat the shitty stuff. That's your Type 2 diabetic youngster right there. What we all need to do is remove weight and fat from the judgmental analysis- make it about nutrition. Everything else will follow- some people are little, some big, fat is beautiful. Type 2 diabetes is painful and sick. Sick isn't anyone's goal. Right? So let's allow ourselves beer and bread and then have a hangover and eat our vegetables and move around and feel good. Right?<br />
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On another note- I'm presenting at the<a href="http://www.kchba.org/parades-shows/hba-home-shows/" target="_blank"> Kansas City Lawn and Garden show!</a> I'm giving people some tips on thematic gardens- like Japanese, xeric, meadow, woodland, etc. It's both didactic and supportive! A gentle reminder to remember to do what you do well and leave the rest to professionals. Hope to see some of you there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-21744436986339976062013-01-03T14:09:00.002-08:002013-01-03T14:09:40.335-08:00Cowgirl Up: triglycerides, heart disease, stroke<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>How I learned to Cowgirl Up-</i></div>
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or <i>Quit Yer Bitchin' and Eat Somethin' Bitter</i>.</div>
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A friend mentioned to another friend that I might be a resource about high triglycerides. I want to emphasize, as I do often, that the resources, information and reminders I offer are informational. I believe that every person is their own best healer, when/ if they tune in to that voice inside. By giving resources and my experience, I hope I'm putting people on their own paths to healing. As always- high triglycerides is a medically diagnosed condition. I have not the training nor schooling to provide that diagnosis. Here is what I (and you) have: herbs, plants, energy, experience, smarts, intuition.<br />
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What's up with the title? Well, I don't want to be an asshole, really. But I also want folks who are in need of healing to quit looking for the easy way out. Not you specifically, but me. I look for the easy way out- don't we all?. But I'm working on it- I really am! That's all I'm asking you to do. Put in at least 50% of the energy required for a solution- you will be surprised!<br />
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So what are high triglycerides? Triglycerides are a kind of fat found in your blood- used by your body for energy. If you have high triglycerides, you are at higher risk for heart disease. Possible causes: obesity, poorly controlled diabetes (type 1 or 2??), under-active thyroid, kidney disease, too much processed food, too much alcohol.<br />
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A quick list of ways to help with any and all of the above possible causes: fish oil, adrenal and liver support (see burdock, dandelion, etc), dandelion to help kidneys, and exercise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I buy mine from Vitacost!</td></tr>
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These are oversimplified but a place to start. Let's look at supplements frequently recommended for heart, blood and cholesterol help. Fish oil is the first step in any healthy journey going to your heart. The typical western diet is sorely lacking amazing Omega-3 and fish oil specifically. You, yes all of YOU, need to take 2,000 mg of high quality Omega-3 fish oil a day. Eat more cold water fish, but still take fish oil. It helps with SAD, depression, hang overs, generally slow moving blood (which is the pre-cursor to heart disease). It works.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyPPUKSWf00fUlR9pqAiGwzrDKjRUwO5-4WDv_UYtCb-unwz4F99g3ooj3LIfbXw04xEDla-ZgOFJH26tMRK_XXkxkuKbJq1ArloZO1iyOZhNthtfMfO5E9AVs_aFABCkaC1BgIsCRE8/s1600/dandelion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyPPUKSWf00fUlR9pqAiGwzrDKjRUwO5-4WDv_UYtCb-unwz4F99g3ooj3LIfbXw04xEDla-ZgOFJH26tMRK_XXkxkuKbJq1ArloZO1iyOZhNthtfMfO5E9AVs_aFABCkaC1BgIsCRE8/s200/dandelion.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Another key part of your body that aids in the digestion of fatty foods is your liver. Well, really it's your gall bladder that produces bile which allows your liver to process out fat. One way to assist a stressed out system is to take dandelion tincture or enjoy any bitter food you can stomach. It is <i>most</i> bitter and yet totally easy on your body (not like some drastic liver cleanse). The typical american/ western diet doesn't include bitter foods, sorely necessary for your liver and gall bladder. So with the addition of dandelion (tincture is my favorite form- 1-2 droppersful a day, in water if you want to), I would recommend burdock (vinegar is my favorite here) as an addition to your diet. Again, bitters that stimulate liver and gall bladder function. Add burdock vinegar to soups, salads or drink it in hot water in a tiny espresso cup (this would be like medicine. Eating it like food is much more fun!). [Please do not complain about your health, learn that you need to ingest bitter foods to help your stressed organs, then act like I've given you the most horrendous news you could ever get. Really. You are not 4 years old- cowgirl up America!]<br />
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One supplement- which means it is made in a lab and comes in a pill- that people take for high triglycerides is Red Yeast Rice. Very effective. A lot of info online. My mom had high blood pressure and high triglycerides (hereditary for us) and controls it with RYR and niacin daily. As for niacin, I have collected a couple resources listed below. Links about triglycerides (mentioning niacin): <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/404462-do-statins-lower-triglycerides/" target="_blank">http://www.livestrong.com/article/404462-do-statins-lower-triglycerides/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wellnessletter.com/ucberkeley/dietary-supplements/niacin-for-cholesterol-an-update/" target="_blank">Niacin info</a> here too.<br />
<a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/red_yeast_rice_and_cholesterol/article.htm" target="_blank">Red Yeast Rice info.</a><br />
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Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you have high triglycerides:<br />
Am I exercising? Am I choosing homemade food over processed, purchased food? Am I eating enough greens? Am I walking, everyday? Am I exploring bitter foods?<br />
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<h3>
<b>2013 Revolution</b></h3>
I have to say that I am most surprised to have found a new plant ally. She's sitting pretty up above in the blog; she helped me stay on track and centered during the Yule, Christmas, New Year's Eve express train to overkill! She is dandelion. I cannot wait to eat some of those spring greens. But I've been taking the bitter tincture at most meals. I dug it this fall with my Myrna fairy to help (a day off from school). I tinctured it in 100 proof vodka. It helps my stomach and digestion and really aids in generally feeling good. My skin is pretty good- my liver feels pretty damn good and I'm craving and eating good, healthful foods. Good on me! I've been experimenting with other bitters- like ones that are bitter but a bit more friendly. One on its way is a ginger, orange peel, fennel, dandelion bitter! I predict less medicine- more yum factor.<br />
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xoxox<br />
Laurel<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-62578526811637629992012-11-16T08:08:00.003-08:002012-11-16T08:08:54.933-08:00New items: web linksI've been wanting to do this for awhile; weblinks to useful, helpful online sites and aritcles. I'm always running into article or info that I want to share directly, not reinterpreted by me into a blog post, but send you directly to the article.<br />
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Here are some from today:<br />
<a href="http://bearmedicineherbals.com/plant-totems-identifying-our-most-personal-herbal-ally-by-jesse-wolf-hardin.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bearmedicineherbals%2Fiffy+%28The+Medicine+Woman%27s+Roots%29" target="_blank">Plant totems</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.banyanmoonbotanicals.com/1/post/2012/11/you-give-me-feveri-give-you-herb-of-the-week.html" target="_blank">Good article on Yarrow for kids- no tinctures, just a fever tea! </a><br />
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Also- I've just completed the best Boo Boo salve around! (I know- lots of people make salve. I'm not judging, just giving myself a cheerleader rah-rah!). It includes infused calendula oil- handmade from my own calendula (organic from seed to flower). Infused comfrey oil- from Hal's famous stock of comfrey that grows all over our property. Infused rosemary oil- a unique oil that is often overlooked, made from my own home grown plant stock as well. St. John's wort oil- commercially made, organic. Olive oil, almond oil and coconut oil and local, lovingly gathered beeswax (from Richard Bean's bees). Minimal essential oil: clove and rosemary.<br />
What sets this salve apart? Local wax from a local producer. Locally grown and hand gathered herbs. Rosemary oil- it's powerful and overlooked. Coconut oil- I cannot get over the anti-bacterial qualities of this oil that is GREAT FOR KIDS! Minimal essential oils. This is controversial but my opinion from my research and experience is that essential oils are really powerful and best used in very small doses. I have used a few drops, as listed above. But these are to ameliorate the stinky comfrey oil- ha ha!<br />
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Pictures to come....<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-44546920660528528122012-11-15T08:25:00.000-08:002012-11-15T08:25:01.563-08:00Fall roots and shoots- burdock and dandelion<i>Disclaimer: Do not pick any plant that you cannot identify 100%. Ask an herbalist to help you. Never pick or dig any shoot or root that might have been sprayed with chemicals. Be careful where you dig roots, since roots can absorb any chemicals near the ground (like lead paint, motor oil or the like)</i>.<br />
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Sorry for the huge space between posts- it seems that I get caught up in online discussions of herbs/ herbal uses/ advice and then feel like I've expressed all that I wanted to say on a topic. However- this is what I've been cooking up, herbally speaking:<br />
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It's Burdock root time! I love cool fall because it's really time to dig roots. I get the yen to have burdock at the most awkward times of year- early spring (don't dig roots at this time), late summer (really don't dig roots now). Then- poof, it's Samhain and it's chilly and I take a break and find burdock. Or rather burdock finds me. Burdock is one of those allies of mine that my dad had no experience or calling towards. He knew about it but only ever offered it to anyone in pill form (nonononono). I asked about it, told him about my research and he found some (without me: I was in college and 23 or something). He made a tincture and I took it with me to Europe. My skin magically cleared up- burdock? or non-processed food? Or adventure?<br />
When I found burdock for myself, I was in my '20s and living in semi-rural WyCo. It appeared in some fields around me and my dad identified it with me. I then found it in my trusty <a href="http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/default.asp" target="_blank">Susun Weed library</a> and was energetically magnetized!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myrna helping with the big bucket</td></tr>
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<i>Aside: my relationship with my herbal allies is a casual one. Some seasons, I pay no attention.They tolerate that and my body probably suffers the loss a bit. But when I tune back in to my needs psychically, physically, the herbal allies pop right back to the front of my mind. This is more a reflection of my state of being, rather than the herbs "power" or something. It's just "my trip" as Hal would say. </i><br />
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In the past, I have been a very steady burdock tincture advocate. It has a deep brown, nutty flavor. When it is tinctured, the root gets chopped up and soaked in 100 proof vodka, just like all my other tincture. In order to get the slow-acting benefits, it needs to be taken orally once-twice a day (droppersful) for awhile.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend "Sweetie Pie" in the background</td></tr>
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Do you see an issue? I do. I don't want to take droppersful of vodka tincture every day for 6 weeks. The alcohol really isn't good for you in the long term (not in the tender tissues of your mouth or gums or tongue). As well, in aging, I've rediscovered how much I need vitamins/ minerals and green food daily and in much larger doses than I might normally eat. Susun Weed is adamant about the nutritive aspects of burdock. In China, it's Gobo root and is eaten. It is vastly healthy and affects the lymph system and liver directly. So, I've made the change this year: burdock vinegar. I'm doing it.... this Virgo is breaking from her plodding path. Burdock vinegar is made by thoroughly soaking the dug root in water. Don't really wash it- just let all the dirt soak away. The chop it up into small pieces and fill a quart jar. When you've filled it to the brim, then pour in your apple cider vinegar. I used to use only unpasteurized vinegar with the mother still in it. Now I use the pasteurized stuff since most of the vinegar I have is used in soups and hot liquids, thus pasteurizing it!<br />
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So I went out with my older girl to dig for burdock. A chilly and cool morning is perfect for it.... Burdock grows in the least friendly places to dig, as a rule. It likes shallow, rocky areas and loves to grow in between sidewalks and a rock wall. Sheeesh. But the roots we found on this trip were pretty accessible. We found both small and extra large. It was strange! Roots as big around as my wrist with very little green material. I suspect those are 2nd year, but were mown over and unable to work up to a bloom. Burdock is a biennial and only live 2 years. So its first year is supposed to be preferable to its 2nd year. I = not too picky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkzB-GSrVCxiE42hk7Hi486OZrQJ2N8tOCSioK90nuDw9R_3O4lrDpTYNGvbVybPyNtiiR3KX1Px48EGpHc_SUFX8KMQBe7LZFsDvxv7Qas2MulAY3txEJmv5auDFLKyHFfc1L_0qHlM/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkzB-GSrVCxiE42hk7Hi486OZrQJ2N8tOCSioK90nuDw9R_3O4lrDpTYNGvbVybPyNtiiR3KX1Px48EGpHc_SUFX8KMQBe7LZFsDvxv7Qas2MulAY3txEJmv5auDFLKyHFfc1L_0qHlM/s320/IMG_3136.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
And then Myrna says, "Mom, let's pick dandelion." She's big into the greens, above ground. Now, not really eating it, per se. She is not a green vegetable gal. But she likes to pick stuff outside and eat it. Spring is the best time to pick dandelion greens because, in cool weather, all the energy goes to the roots, leaving the greens mild. It also means that it's a good time for dandelion root. I've been meaning to dig dandelion root for years. I love the greens and fully recognize the huge benefit the root offers. It is a kidney healer, great for liver function, the greens are HIGH in vitamin C and it all helps bile production and stomach issues (ulcers, digestive upset, etc). This fall, I've actually completed my task!<br />
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I've decided to make a tincture of this. I anticipate the usage being more critical- you've decided to take hormones and want to support your renal system and liver while you do. Take dandelion tincture as needed or daily for 2 weeks. You are working to support your gall bladder because you fear you might have to have it removed. You eat too much processed food and your gall bladder, kidneys and liver are MAD. This will help, along with fresh, unprocessed food. Dandelion is great if you are transitioning, under going a sex change or doing HRT. Men taking testosterone are seriously taxing their systems for years at a time (women taking estrogen are too. See all the hoopla about why HRT is dangerous!). While I do not think there are seriously effective ways to naturally transition from MTF or FTM, I really encourage my friends who are transitioning to take care of their organs. We don't know the long term repercussions of taking hormones. Well, we do. They aren't great. But living with body dismorphism? Total hell. So the long term stress on your liver seems pretty-damn-worth-it. To any folks who want further information about herbs and natural ways to support yourself while transitioning, private message me. I'm a proud ally to the GLBTQ community and want to lend my support where I can.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwUJsNvHVv74-p80-sy4txeW4zODCtRuoitE5ltuK6WnlraoZf7rwTTnlY1VnhgVJQdz-os8dIOM3oeV_s1c9F5qnVU68yqCUImbA3Dedj5LVPQM_cmphORiTSXLpCNBYVlPWihq12lU/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwUJsNvHVv74-p80-sy4txeW4zODCtRuoitE5ltuK6WnlraoZf7rwTTnlY1VnhgVJQdz-os8dIOM3oeV_s1c9F5qnVU68yqCUImbA3Dedj5LVPQM_cmphORiTSXLpCNBYVlPWihq12lU/s320/IMG_3138.JPG" width="239" /></a><i>Can we talk about gall bladders for a minute? Did you know that your gall bladder produces bile, which is required by your liver for processing and straining out all of the crap in our system? (That's the liver's function, BTW; to filter) When your gall bladder ceases producing bile, you will get massive pain when you try to digest greasy, fat rich and processed foods. It is at this point that many western doctors will recommend you get gall bladder surgery. You can guess that I might suggest some other options first, to stimulate your gall bladder.</i><br />
<i>Also, if you have chronic stomach pain, indigestion and take an antacid, you need to make friends with dandelion. Please. Get off the purple pill and talk to your lawn. I'll get back to you on this one- I don't want to lecture but I do want you to consider OTHER OPTIONS beyond pills. Why are folks with indigestion always the most stubborn? Riddle me this. </i><br />
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I want to keep this blog going and not exhaust myself by talking too much online. I like my blog topics and conversations which arise. However, if you have questions, please let me know! I need more interaction about what you are interested in. Facebook is perfectly fine for that too! Ask away. If it's personal, send me a message. If you want a full consultation or a weed walk, I'll charge you. Not much or we can do trade! But I can't give all my own energy away for free. I hope you understand and will give me back some of your energy. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-48465989806805306922012-09-04T13:00:00.002-07:002012-09-04T13:00:34.461-07:00Fall container workshop... and plants, plants, plants!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeDQhNYaR8E/UEZcw-ZGeXI/AAAAAAAAAzs/aDRuPbG5lBU/s1600/12+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeDQhNYaR8E/UEZcw-ZGeXI/AAAAAAAAAzs/aDRuPbG5lBU/s320/12+-+4" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello everyone who might visit occasionally! I have fallen down on updating- because the job I love keeps me busy running my mouth and fingers about plants...so much so that I don't have a lot left for this spot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But here is what's happening on the herbal front: turning comfrey oil into salve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Harvesting calendula blooms. I don't dry them as the lovely Mountain Rose Herb folks tell you to do.... we will see if they make good oil or if they are too wet/viscous. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taking all my own motherwort tincture because it helps stabilize my hormones! Really helps with the PMS. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coconut oil on all parts of the body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Echinacea to tincture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the plant front: I'm holding a container garden workshop. <a href="http://www.lawrencelandscape.com/Portals/156562/docs/Fall%20Container%20Gardens%20flyer.pdf" target="_blank">Here is the pdf for the function</a>. The main question for most folk: what do I put in my containers in the fall that will look good until frost (or very cold)? I have a few season straddling suggestions... my favorite plants! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm convening this through Lawrence Landscape- thanks, day job, for giving me room to be creative!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jennifer Smith, our extension agent in Douglas County, wrote a</span><a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/aug/26/garden-calendar-fall-flowers-brighten-landscape/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"> fall container garden story</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> about my suggestions for fall planting, etc! Thank you so much Jennifer. What a nice surprise! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please RSVP if you would like to come to my class... XOXO!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-90054720043313594312012-07-10T13:52:00.000-07:002012-07-10T13:52:01.690-07:00Colic! And Probiotics!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so excited to link to this post.... partially because<span style="color: red;"> I am right</span>. Let me say this again: natural medicine wins the day on this one, guys! The cause of colic (granted it's only in one study) has been linked to a bacteria or gut flora in a baby's gut. And the best way to deal with that???? PROBIOTICS! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am really excited because <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/natures-way-primadophilus-reuteri-5-oz" target="_blank">I've been linking to this stuff for ages</a>; recommending it to strangers and generally trying to get all mamas to put this in themselves if they aren't doing any bottle feedings but need to get this into a tiny, screaming infant body. Also, this can be mixed with a little warm water and dropper fed into the baby's mouth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/babys-first-year-blog/2012/07/09/and-the-cause-of-colic-is-some-doctors-now-think-they-might-actually-know/" target="_blank">Here is the article</a>! I understand it's tentative. But it also cannot hurt to start using probiotics in your own mouth before and after birth to balance your own gut flora. Birth is traumatic and C-sections/ hospital stays even more so...<a href="http://halshat.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-i-gave-up-and-gave-in.html" target="_blank">.Here is my original post on the subject as well!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish you all very well and I hope your babe doesn't have colic. But it isn't your fault- it's just nature. Take some probiotics- for yourself and your little baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxox</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laurel</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-59629631540586198042012-06-26T07:31:00.000-07:002012-06-26T07:31:04.135-07:00big june, summer solstice, medicine making time....I'm making Motherwort tincture this week (harvested on June 20). I'm making Yarrow tincture today or thereabouts. I'm cutting all the flowering comfrey for both infusions and infused oils. I'd love to make St. JOhn's Wort oil but have no medicinal SJW! Bah.<br />
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Motherwort: she is calming and easing on the nerves. Great for PMS, menstrual issues (PMDD, PMS both) of bleeding too much and postpartum/natal emotional and physical issues. She is really, really bitter as a tea. So tincture allows the energy/ medicinal stuff to come through without the volume of really bitter infusion!<br />
Harvest while in bloom, like the picture. A bit pokey. Look for the pointed leaves. Likes partial sun and will be in the green areas; in the alley, by the pathways.<br />
*Note: made tincture this weekend. I couldn't get much motherwort, just enough for a pint jar. This will make 8 oz of heavy tincture though. If it generates any interest from others, I will make more!<br />
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Yarrow: this is one my best buddies. I love this plant. It is native, beautiful in gardens and wonderful on the body. Helps nasty cuts stop bleeding immediately when applied as the crushed herb. (as in, "I cut myself!", grab some yarrow from the garden, roll it in your hand and press on your cut) Wonderful as a tincture because it fights serious flu viruses and brings my fever down quickly. I use the bloosom and leaves but leave the root. Interesting that many traditional herbalists call for digging the entire plant out.....I haven't ever done this for Yarrow. I also will be making salve (from infused oil) from Yarrow this year. I know that Comfrey (coming up next) and yarrow work so well together. With a beeswax and coconut oil base... should be a big skin eruption healer. (Also, the prettily colored yarrow is for garden use only, not for medicine. The white is the wild, medicinal stuff.)<br />
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Comfrey: <span style="background-color: white;">You can spot comfrey by its big hairy, dark green leaves. They are wide and nearly prickly. They produce a big flower stalk (much like Borage, from the same family) with purple flowers, and comfrey doesn't take no for an answer! My dad had lots planted or migrate to areas of the yard that he frequently mowed over. And they just pop right back up again, invigorated. </span><br />
I harvest only the leaves and flowers, no roots. Years ago, scientists "proved" in a lab that the root had so much Allantoin in it that it was dangerous. That's mostly been disproven now. the herb is very healing to skin and I make infused oil from it, so it stays topic/ external anyway. But many other herbalists use it in infusions internally. I'm not there yet. (I use only the garden variety of comfrey with purple flowers. Yellow flowered is a different kind. Look online for more information.)<br />
Also, I am adding to the mix with infused rosemary oil and calendula oil, when mine choose to bloom.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-67434256135899942792012-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-20T07:00:00.781-07:00Sage blossom honey....<br />
One of the medicines I've been meaning to make for years is Sage Blossom Honey. It is remarkable in that it is extremely anti-viral and helps with staph, strep and any infections in the throat. Immediately after making this, I got an early spring laryngitis, throat/ chest cold. Though it is supposed to cure for 6 weeks or longer, I mixed it into hot elderberry tea. Lots, twice and it was very very helpful!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho299SJ8a6Xg-UxOPMmWkMOkR8FGNxzZp-kajjA3QOPM-DUIF4Tf3KSYQqc4V5M1lYerNZgNkjsmXHqZC0IqGWqIBAt9BwGpvZ4gr5cSa00HA4svI6bZjw7ZwmX1Ek5FQMO552enLWtRU/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho299SJ8a6Xg-UxOPMmWkMOkR8FGNxzZp-kajjA3QOPM-DUIF4Tf3KSYQqc4V5M1lYerNZgNkjsmXHqZC0IqGWqIBAt9BwGpvZ4gr5cSa00HA4svI6bZjw7ZwmX1Ek5FQMO552enLWtRU/s320/IMG_2221.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyxJ0g09Lw54EUNTz0SSYIGLZSlvz7S9oVlSbH-6G3FN5rgmJNxjjfQ6mmexEStY1cZ9BOzf8QE0CBra9znoQ_RIxJa6JKv70mJ8Z4HU24zM1bOm5JWrbsuSvTXGAmvTwaXRnBK-0M4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyxJ0g09Lw54EUNTz0SSYIGLZSlvz7S9oVlSbH-6G3FN5rgmJNxjjfQ6mmexEStY1cZ9BOzf8QE0CBra9znoQ_RIxJa6JKv70mJ8Z4HU24zM1bOm5JWrbsuSvTXGAmvTwaXRnBK-0M4/s320/IMG_2222.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="clear: right; color: black; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyxJ0g09Lw54EUNTz0SSYIGLZSlvz7S9oVlSbH-6G3FN5rgmJNxjjfQ6mmexEStY1cZ9BOzf8QE0CBra9znoQ_RIxJa6JKv70mJ8Z4HU24zM1bOm5JWrbsuSvTXGAmvTwaXRnBK-0M4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyxJ0g09Lw54EUNTz0SSYIGLZSlvz7S9oVlSbH-6G3FN5rgmJNxjjfQ6mmexEStY1cZ9BOzf8QE0CBra9znoQ_RIxJa6JKv70mJ8Z4HU24zM1bOm5JWrbsuSvTXGAmvTwaXRnBK-0M4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;">The recipe is simple: load a jar with sage blossoms and leaves. Pour natural, local honey over it. Voila!</span></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyxJ0g09Lw54EUNTz0SSYIGLZSlvz7S9oVlSbH-6G3FN5rgmJNxjjfQ6mmexEStY1cZ9BOzf8QE0CBra9znoQ_RIxJa6JKv70mJ8Z4HU24zM1bOm5JWrbsuSvTXGAmvTwaXRnBK-0M4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-78432222336614066022012-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:002012-05-17T11:49:20.251-07:00Sunscreen... omg, natural, chemical, mineral.I<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> know I've been remiss.... it happens every spring. I run and run and then don't get the nice slow tasks completed. I have a lot of garden photos, writing, etc. piling up. But here is what I'm thinking about in May.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>[Initial disclaimer:</i> sunscreens are controversial. I am not a doctor but neither do I trust doctors in this regard. My dad, Hal, for whom this blog is named, died from a melanoma (which is skin cancer). He had his first skin cancer removed (basal cell carcinoma) at age 30. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES SKIN CANCERS. Yes, sun exposure can cause skin cancers in some people (but my dad was exposed to DDT too). Over-exposure to the sun causes age spots, wrinkles, etc. and can definitely cause cancers. But there is ample evidence that blocking all sun from our skin is terribly harmful, as it takes away our only natural reliable source of vitamin D. Also, there is evidence that chemical sunscreens are hormone interrupters and can exacerbate cancerous growth in lymph systems. I am relating what I use, how I approach sunscreens, sun exposure and skin cancer. Please, make informed decisions based on a doctor's advice (if you like), my information and many other sources.]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunscreen.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's necessary to shield ourselves from the sun to reduce signs of skin aging and also skin cancers. But how do we approach this in a holistic and plant friendly way? And as a secondary question, is it wise to block all sun from our skin when this large organ absorbs sunlight and turns it into vitamin D?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two different kinds of sunscreen on the commercial market- Mineral and chemical. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The zinc oxide/ titanium dioxide, mineral type actively forms a barrier on the skin, keeping UVA and UVB rays from hitting the skin. It is the white stuff lifeguards put on their noses in Beach Blanket Bingo. These days, it's particles have been shrunken, nanoized, to blend into skin better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The chemical sort is what you find everywhere, in make up, moisturizers, etc. They go by the names <span style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">octinoxate</span> and avobenzone (I'm looking at all Neutrogena, Coppertone,etc. etc.), to name the most common. Wow- they are as dangerous as they sound. And I've got them on my face as we speak. (Didn't say I was perfect here folks.... I'm working on it. BareMinerals makeup will be investigated soon.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, there is data out there that shows that tiny nano-particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can progress into the healthy dermis and cause (through some process) cancer. Here is info from the Australian government about the background of all of this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been used as sunscreens for many years. They are </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">particularly valuable because of their ability to filter UVA as well as UVB radiation, giving </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">broader protection than other sunscreening agents. One disadvantage of zinc oxide and </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">titanium dioxide is that they are visible, giving the skin a white colour. This effect can be </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">reduced by decreasing the particle size of the material. When used in 'nanoparticle' form (less </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">than 100 nanometers, with a nanometer being one millionth of a millimeter), they can't be </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">seen on the skin but still retain the sunscreening properties of the coarser material. Nanosized Titanium dioxide particles have been used in sunscreens since at least 1990 and nanosized zinc oxide since 1999. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In January 2006 the TGA conducted a review of the scientific literature in relation to the use </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens. That review concluded </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that:</span><br />
<i>There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can </i><br />
<i>induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that this may damage these cells </i><br />
<i>(photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide). However, this would only be of concern in people using </i><br />
<i>sunscreens if the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrated into viable skin cells. The weight </i><br />
<i>of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer </i><br />
<i>(stratum corneum) of the skin. (<a href="http://www.tga.gov.au/pdf/review-sunscreens-060220.pdf"> whole document here</a>. Thank you Helen Harrison for finding this and posting on FB.)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back and forth it went. But the final word is that in normal, unabraded skin, the nano-particles should not penetrate the skin and cause free radicalization. People speak highly of</span><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/badger-spf-30-plus-sunscreen-tube-unscented" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Badger Sunscreen</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- it is expensive but non-nano (so it probably turns skin white-ish) and non-chemical. I wold also try the </span><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/alba-botanica-hawaiian-green-tea-spf-45-natural-sunblock#productDetails" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alba Botanica</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- careful, it has some chemical but they look less harmful. I think, since we've established that nano-particles are not that bad, the </span><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/alba-botanica-sun-block-mineral-protection-sunscreen-kids-spf-30" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alba mineral</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> may be the way to go for both vanity and health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another, much more controversial option is the au naturel way. I mean, I use both coconut oil and St. John's Wort oil. Basically, coconut oil is a natural, very low tech way of minimizing the free radical reactions that cause cancerous cell overgrowth. St. John's wort oil is the blossom of Hypericum perforatum (not the lovely landscape plants but the medicinal variety) soaked in oil. It is a bright red color and is very oily (duh). I use this on my legs, arms and chest. It is a subtle sunscreen- meaning, you need to aclimate yourself to the sun with this on. We cannot simply go to the beach for three hours with no mineral sun block and some oil on and expect no sunburn. But if you go out to garden for 15-30 minutes and wear this for a week, your skin will become accustomed to it. It works for me. I have olive skin, pale but olive. I have lots of moles and a propensity for skin cancer, thanks to my dad. So, I embrace a bit of sun. I believe that 15 minutes a day of unfiltered sun on the skin is imperative for vitamin D absorption. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the best non-sexy, very reliable way of helping with overexposure to the sun: <b><i>wear a hat when you are outside</i></b>. Walking to the park? Wear a hat. Gardening? Wear a hat and a long sleeve linen or loose weave cotton shirt to protect your shoulders and back. <i>You will look like an old lady.</i> But that lady has nice skin, no? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pictures to come....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-59732476623158205642012-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:002012-04-09T12:48:15.753-07:00Nettles! Again.... Fresh!Lawrence Kansas: I'm excited to get into spring. We are finally rehabbing the yard and I'm feeling so optimistic about my gardens this year! I am also really excited about the wild foraging for herbs.... it is time to harvest and enjoy fresh Nettles.<br />
I've written about nettles before, as I do every spring. I just cannot recommend them enough. They are a green, wild food that offers energy, replenishes vitamins and helps undo so much damage we do to ourselves! Nettles have a large natural supply of vitamin K (helps blood veins./ vessels et al and calcium (really accessible for the body). They have a special magic dance they do with your adrenal system- seeming to provide energy without depleting those precious adrenals. Don't get enough sleep? Stressed out? Have babies,nurse, work, don't eat enough? Eat too much white flour, sugar, coffee? Your adrenals need support! Ok, MY adrenals need support. Yours may be fine.....<br />
Either way, tis the season to support yourself with wild food. I recommend a large mouth quart jar, put a lot of green stuff in the jar (half, all the way?) and sprinkle in mint as well. I use alternately fresh mint from the garden or dried spearmint. Pour boiling hot water on top and steep for 4 hours. This is what distinguishes an infusion from a pleasant tea. You are, in essence, pulling the essence from the plant with the hot water. It will be bright, vibrant green and will require refrigeration. Drink a quart a week- your stomach, kidneys and adrenals will thank you! This drink will not last more than 4 or 5 days. You can dilute it if the taste is too strong for you- go ahead. Add honey for a sweeter taste. Add hot water and make a hot infusion again for comfort. Really- take a shortcut, just drink it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbn55intNCBm5hO7lUiPpzom0f34xAl51M2LWfdZqiWg2JBtJZUuCDqJavB0ClkUgD_hjaWxVf4iN-g7hOgmDOWp6hI_GDXT52_kGsUW35BQt9nI9PC_O0lwEC6Cj7EOAgmo6iWVlYzA/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbn55intNCBm5hO7lUiPpzom0f34xAl51M2LWfdZqiWg2JBtJZUuCDqJavB0ClkUgD_hjaWxVf4iN-g7hOgmDOWp6hI_GDXT52_kGsUW35BQt9nI9PC_O0lwEC6Cj7EOAgmo6iWVlYzA/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" width="239" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>motherwort- not time to tincture yet!</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>wild strawberry</i></b></td></tr>
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<b><i>If you wish to get some from me, just send an email. I hardly know what to charge you- it is free after all! Just message me if you want some..... I'll package the herb up for you. You make the infusions!</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://halshat.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-herenettles.html" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> to my post last year, pictures, more info, etc.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-19163668393115431692012-03-30T10:02:00.002-07:002012-03-30T10:02:28.532-07:00Miss Spring is throwing things at me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSs7nGHZSOg2F5pL3BIbzWtLRrdd0r5CQmf2i7Nhyxp-ll-Q0WaVQn_j916TvwYkqEW-YqconelGXDNtZKUJi1cv8lVOV7pQYpkLdWLTmpDEqM0W7aQOwqUp8P-u4eVqLaubPa3a8_d8/s1600/yellwo+dogwood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSs7nGHZSOg2F5pL3BIbzWtLRrdd0r5CQmf2i7Nhyxp-ll-Q0WaVQn_j916TvwYkqEW-YqconelGXDNtZKUJi1cv8lVOV7pQYpkLdWLTmpDEqM0W7aQOwqUp8P-u4eVqLaubPa3a8_d8/s320/yellwo+dogwood.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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In the past couple weeks, I have had a lot of "new" stuff coming at me. Is it just because it's spring? Is it that the pace of spring is so FAST this year? It feels like nearly May out there, not the end of March. I have herbs (herbal medicines, native healing weeds) growing from seed and just going nuts! I feel like I'm two-three weeks behind- rushing to plant them, find beds and perfect sites for them . But I'm not late- the mam Earth, Miss Spring herself is training this year. Probably because of some nasty planetary things- global warming, weather shifts- but regardless, the non-winter is gone. And Miss Spring is in the house, playing and prancing. Get on it, she yells with pom-poms waving!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitebuds</td></tr>
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This week I'm on Jeremy Taylor's 'About the House' radio show. We are doing a spring 'Outside' episode, devoted to the outdoors. It's got me thinking: what are the important parts of a garden? What should our outdoor environments offer us?<br />
This is in the format of advice and also self-reflection. So....Here are the high points for me (so far)<br />
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<b style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSs7nGHZSOg2F5pL3BIbzWtLRrdd0r5CQmf2i7Nhyxp-ll-Q0WaVQn_j916TvwYkqEW-YqconelGXDNtZKUJi1cv8lVOV7pQYpkLdWLTmpDEqM0W7aQOwqUp8P-u4eVqLaubPa3a8_d8/s1600/yellwo+dogwood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Gardens should offer:</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9isdgWoN9jIrF8G0jvhHWhcM_QFoGFRSpLZiji2R8Acb_E_zRCNUqmLPEKv0mFshEFJNEgqmo8YlHEXoN89UhKp4FnoRPn8AUtb0v6_zL9fb4u1aoAfSCv6a2r8iFdLASCIgFjbFJAk/s1600/hornbeam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9isdgWoN9jIrF8G0jvhHWhcM_QFoGFRSpLZiji2R8Acb_E_zRCNUqmLPEKv0mFshEFJNEgqmo8YlHEXoN89UhKp4FnoRPn8AUtb0v6_zL9fb4u1aoAfSCv6a2r8iFdLASCIgFjbFJAk/s200/hornbeam.JPG" width="200" /></a><i>Individuality</i>- even with my clients who are not gardeners, they want something that is their own, reflects their personal touch. Quirky, silly, cute, beautiful, dark, etc. I encourage you to think in terms of love and attraction: what attracts you? what do you love? Many people answer hydrangeas, containers, fountains, travelling. In each of those is a chance to make your garden uniquely your own. When you travel, pick up a figurine for a garden sculpture. For me, I always pick up intense rocks. I have them scattered around my garden and they came with me when I moved. I have the Lola Rock- from Petit Jean national forest, gotten me by my beau Josh!<br />
If you love a specific plant or color for that matter, consult a good gardener or designer (like MOI) for help in siting and growing that specimen. Then commit to that plant. You are much more likely to care for a plant when you love it. Don't get three or five. Just get one and love it, learn about it and pay attention to it. You'll be glad you did!<br />
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<i>Surprises- G</i>reat garden spaces offer surprises. Remember curves and mystery, great views and surprising plants. This can be a gorgeous container with a large agave in it, sitting amidst a rock garden. Ya don't have to be much of a gardener to keep that up- you do have to dare to surprise though. Stop fussing with all the individual plants and just give me one great, framed view. Please consult a garden professional or your neighbor who is a master gardener- these are the makings of a great neighborhood! Garden professionals LOVE to talk like this!! Really. We are nuts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lLWv6RkWuYKcYMffAPRenAlW6hwdbm2dF_xxmee46fc-Ny5MAHMI56BM7481Z1qS9jsr5doaQeQgv8iSo2Lj9jUi9oxvChlmPquqBi6Ec6FF8a7U0M-S6XiSRcCE4ryH7FZ40SEHpX8/s1600/royal+raindrops1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lLWv6RkWuYKcYMffAPRenAlW6hwdbm2dF_xxmee46fc-Ny5MAHMI56BM7481Z1qS9jsr5doaQeQgv8iSo2Lj9jUi9oxvChlmPquqBi6Ec6FF8a7U0M-S6XiSRcCE4ryH7FZ40SEHpX8/s320/royal+raindrops1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<i>Comfort</i>- This could also be called Respite. Your little space should be a respite from the crazy world of work, kids, technology, etc. One element of respite and comfort is a nice place to sit and enjoy your outside space. If colors are what put you in the mood, plant flowers directly next to your bench or patio. And take time, find a great seat. This is your throne- spend a fortune if you want or sit on a footstool. Just make it a personal invitation to YOURSELF. Enjoy your time outside. Don't worry and pick at the imperfections of your space, just take a breath, enjoy the neighbor's lilacs and feel that warm spring air on your face.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531417828774516170.post-34266712640853793322012-03-15T08:33:00.003-07:002012-03-15T08:36:43.654-07:00visual aides...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3XmfbRu2iRGWpPO_9fDbDy-mq9tHrW556yEAFe5NI4llA-D-EFcUtQ-4yXkJ-uiitNJ2Qi902qAqGn-G3whCfk-a7QmzqkJpmbVkDO76xL6v7UWekJrVw_cZfyssaQtJEmkkF5EQWGU/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3XmfbRu2iRGWpPO_9fDbDy-mq9tHrW556yEAFe5NI4llA-D-EFcUtQ-4yXkJ-uiitNJ2Qi902qAqGn-G3whCfk-a7QmzqkJpmbVkDO76xL6v7UWekJrVw_cZfyssaQtJEmkkF5EQWGU/s320/IMG_1920.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
Here is what I've seen and experienced this week in the green world.... very visual this week!<br />
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Hal's specialty: good luck clover</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSa3k7ccX4Rpb0IxVeEPh18Q-2lozXhdCWYm5BRpZlicclv5Cvf9Z3lQ_TpGUdNmWcBHtfWG8OBbnCO5ke70XmOob2ehWyIBY8Krm3dv35IZQEvLYOBio-_7ZuOZdBc4EgVaPShaiLNLg/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSa3k7ccX4Rpb0IxVeEPh18Q-2lozXhdCWYm5BRpZlicclv5Cvf9Z3lQ_TpGUdNmWcBHtfWG8OBbnCO5ke70XmOob2ehWyIBY8Krm3dv35IZQEvLYOBio-_7ZuOZdBc4EgVaPShaiLNLg/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A four-leaf clover- happy St. Pat's!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59jsZuMEI507r8QWLjFh6AJkB8_WG8phhYyXUefQWyf93ZcJASmSiZ2CpeINb2NWd9BThjUmWVxAxHvfwD6PtrNxGl78yWvjImUTpBn7YRnc9M_zuKnQdbdWqM1-rduHpsZNa34uJyE/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59jsZuMEI507r8QWLjFh6AJkB8_WG8phhYyXUefQWyf93ZcJASmSiZ2CpeINb2NWd9BThjUmWVxAxHvfwD6PtrNxGl78yWvjImUTpBn7YRnc9M_zuKnQdbdWqM1-rduHpsZNa34uJyE/s320/IMG_1919.JPG" width="239" /></a>Some of my favorite spring shrubs are in bloom. First the plum shrub. Sometimes I use a Cistena Plum- a purple leaf sandcherry. However, this is the alley version! I don't think it's as fancy as purple leaves!<br />
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The second group of two pics are the Royal Star Magnolia shrubs. They really can get the size of a small tree. They produce an entirely cold-hardy early spring white floppy flower. They are old fashioned, wild-seeming magnolia. Can't help but love this beauty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjpnzykx8ste18uye6telf3qwkoWbziQyRr5vOcxuK2CPDW4Eb3bJpgjbKkaFBfsmoNvkpVS065RR-ytWRCRIblQDm86JcjRh-UIaxZm6UQh0xXX_xHegulDWyEh0h4I0L3sJpqEArfE/s1600/instagram+plum" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjpnzykx8ste18uye6telf3qwkoWbziQyRr5vOcxuK2CPDW4Eb3bJpgjbKkaFBfsmoNvkpVS065RR-ytWRCRIblQDm86JcjRh-UIaxZm6UQh0xXX_xHegulDWyEh0h4I0L3sJpqEArfE/s1600/instagram+plum" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plum shrub</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Magnolia Shrub</td></tr>
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Early spring, late winter perennial flower. The foliage is almost evergreen, very waxy. Latin name is Hellebore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lenten Rose</td></tr>
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And of course, the flowering quince! She is coral-red and an old fashioned favorite. She makes a good low ramblinghedge. She has a thorny look and even appeals to me in an Asian garden setting. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04182372569742189200noreply@blogger.com0