Know Your Roots at the 6th Annual Herbal Hoedown

Over the past 5 years, I have had the honor and pleasure of working with some amazing people while coordinating the Herbal Hoedown, a daylong Finger Lakes herbal celebration. The day is filled with classes, walks, an herbal market, and music. It continues to grow each year, as we introduce more people to traditional medicine and expand the local herbal community. This year we have more classes and walks than ever. Classes cover a wide range of interests and are designed for herbalist of all levels. The Herbal Hoedown is a great place for people who are curious and want to dip their toes into the herbal pool. It is great for the whole family since we have classes geared for kids too. And that’s not all; our herbal market has over 20 vendors.

Although this blog has the ability to reach countless people all over the world, it simply cannot replace the excitement of the physical interaction and feedback of old-school teaching. I love teaching and have so much fun at the Herbal Hoedown. This year, I’ll be teaching:

Plantain aka Life Medicine                                                                                       Some call it the band-aid plant, but Plantain is oh so much more. Come explore this very common and abundant plant to learn the numerous ways it can be used.  From mouth to anus, we will discuss the healing properties and understand why this herb was known as life medicine. After this class, I bet you will never look at Plantain the same.

Mike will be teaching for the first time at the Herbal Hoedown. He is very excited about using biodynamic plants (aka herbs) to support orchards and crops and simply wants to share. He will be teaching:

Biodynamic Plants and Orchards                                                           Biodynamic plants (wild herbs) as described by Steiner – and practiced by others – provide a nexus for truly sustainable farming and food production. However, understanding their powers and how to use them properly is lacking for most perennial (orchard) farming situations. He will discuss the biodynamic plants and preps in the context of orchards and perennial crops, and how to best use them for truly sustainable farming and food production situations.

For more information, check out our Facebook page.

Space is limited so do wait to register, do it today!

I hope to see you there!   flyer final

 

 

 

Lovely Bloodroot

I adore Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), one of the first woodland flowers to emerge in the spring. It is simply thrilling to see it ~ and it screams “SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!” I love how its single leaf looks like a hand caressing the stem and slowly opens up. The beautiful white flower tends to appear before the leaf unfurls.

The leaf gently protecting the plant.

The leaf gently protecting the plant.

BR opening leaf with flower

When temperatures drop, the blossom closes to protect itself and help ensure pollination.

BR closed flower and leafAnts and Bloodroot have a beautiful relationship. Ants help spread the seeds while Bloodroot nourishes the ants in the process. This process is called myrmecochory. The seeds have a fleshy organ called an elaiosome, which is an oily, fleshy coating that attracts ants. The ants take the seeds to their nest, eat the elaiosomes, and then put the seeds in their “compost pile.” It is the perfect place for the seeds to germinate and it’s a win-win situation. Life is good.BR closed leaf and open flower