Annisquam Herb Farm

Recipe swap

2011-12-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

I do not usually participate in email programs that involve emailing family and friends but this time it sounded interesting. Here is the only recipe I received It is from Annalei, another person who could not resist!

SNOW PEA - SPINACH - AVOCADO SALAD

2 cups snow peas, very lightly steamed & cooled
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped or baby spinach
2 avocados cubed
1/2 lime, juiced
2 T or less olive oil, to taste
fresh cilantro, chopped
fresh parsley, chopped

Mix and serve immediately or cover in a glass bowl in the fridge

Getting to know your home ground . . .

2011-12-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

As a grandmother of two children who love go hiking and exploring the great out-of-doors, Questing Field Trips in their area will be my gift to them this Christmas.

Learning how the ground around us came to be formed by rain, running water, human activities, winds and glaciers scraping along the surface of the earth leaving fossils, wonderful rock formations, river beds and mountains in their wake is an on going theme of our special Field Trips.

We have visited a Museum of Science - always a favorite, a Shaker Village, taken a trip on a nearby river, trekked through historic sites and visited history museums, done some bird watching and hunted for fossils in a river bed at low water, to name a few.

I hope they do not tire of such adventures as long as I am able to go with them! We learn so much about our surrounds and each other on these special Field Trips.

Delicious supper!

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Santa Claus arrived in Essex last night - he came in right down the river in a Lund with two elves!

We had supper at Periwinkles with a great view of the families gathering to greet Santa at the town landing with a table nest to the window. Harold Burnham's new boat, Ardelle gave the scene a touch of the past.

I had a wonderful pan seared haddock and a spinach, goat cheese salad. The fish was cooked perfectly! Staff, as always, excellent.

Goodies galore!

2011-12-02T15:26:00.001-05:00

Just a small sample for treats on the Gourmet Food Table

Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair!

December 3rd, Saturday, 2011

8:30 - 1:00

Annisquam Village Hall

34 Leonard Street, Gloucester MA 01930

What do mosquitoes & bats do?

2011-12-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

and all the other flying creatures?

A beautiful video reminding me what I am grateful for everyday.

Taken from TEDTalks

Recipes for Your Honeys . . .

2011-11-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

Compiled by Mary Webber, this delightful eBook has over two dozen recipes using honey for all kinds of dishes from meats and veggies to desserts. Lots of tidbits and interesting info too!

Was $2.99. Now for the holidays $1.99!

The patterns created by the change of seasons . . .

2011-11-21T07:11:00.000-05:00

The once dark green leaves of the hosta has shed its chlorophyll in preparation for the winter's rest. The time of transition effects all.

Sauteed Scallops with Ginger . . .

2011-11-15T19:15:00.000-05:00

Needed - a quick supper for two
Fresh scollops from Connelly’s fish market, now for some other ingredients! Head for the
garden. Pull a few wild onions - about 1/2" across and a garlic bulb. Pick a head of broccoli and head for the kitchen where there is some fresh ginger root waiting.

(This recipe is from the new cookbook, A Circle of Recipes!)

Sauteed Scallops with Ginger

Cooking time: Time to cook the rice plus 5 minutes. Pans needed: one large fry pan or other large open pan

Ingredients:
1/2 C brown rice
1-1/4 C water
1 T olive oil
1 T unsalted butter
1 lb. sea scallop cut into like-size pieces so they all cook evenly
2 t to 2 T minced peeled fresh ginger root - depending on taste and strength of ginger
(You can peel the ginger with a teaspoon. The papery surface should come off easily.)
1 T wild onion, minced - or any onion you have on hand
1 T garlic, minced
3 T lemon juice & a bit of the zest
3 T dry, white wine
Cook 1/2 c brown rice in 1-1/4 C water. Keep warm.

After the rice is ready, steam broccoli cut into bit sized pieces. Heat oil and butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides. Pat the scallops dry. Drop into pan in a single layer. Sauté the scallops for 30 seconds on each side or until they are heated through. Do not over cook. Put the rice onto dinner plates. Place cooked scallops on rice. Add the ginger, onion & garlic to pan. Add lemon juice, zest and wine. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Pour over scallops. Serve immediately.

The recipe is flexible. A half to one pound of seafood will feed two. I love being able to combine what I have on hand. Use pasta or potato instead of rice. Or spinach in lieu of the broccoli. Haddock or shrimp instead of scallops. Suit your taste buds!

Cape Ann Farmers' Market . . .

2011-11-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

Harvest Market Vendors

Alprilla Farm		noah@alprillafarm.com
Beach Gourmet/Duckworth's Bistrot	www.duckworthsbistrot.com	beach.gourmet@comcast.net
Classic cooks	www.classiccooks.com	(978) 283-3377
Common Crow Natural Foods Farmer Daves	www.commoncrow.com www.farmersdaves.net	commoncrowglo@yahoo.com farm@farmerdaves.net
Nome Graham, Earth Centered Artist	nomegraham.com	deeper.powers@gmail.com
Grace farm Organics	www.gracefarmorganics.com	gracefarmorganics@verizon.net
Green Meadows Farm	www.gmfarm.com	organicfarmer@comcast.net
Herrick Farm	Herrickfarm.com	krstnherrick@gmail.com
Camilla McFadyen		camilla@camillamcfadyen.com
Maitland Mountain farms		hollymaitland@mac.com
Mehaffey Farm	Mehaffeyfarm.com	mmehaffey@aol.com
Miss Baily's All American Comfort Food and Apple Crisp		603-490-7858
Markouk Bread	www.markoukbread.com	markoukbread@yahoo.com
Northwood Sugarworks	www.northwoodsugarworks.com	christine.macfarland@gmail.com
Patty's guacamole		pattyjobs@yahoo.com
Salty Yarn and LizzyKnits		orangeamanda@yahoo.com
Sea Street Soups	www.seastreetsoups.com	soups@seastreetsuops.com
Shady Oaks Mushrooms		ljohnson@shadyoaksorganics.com
Taza Chocolates Tomten beeworks	www.tazachocolate.com	info@tazachocolate.com mansur14@verizon.net
Trupianos Sausage		graciechims@hotmail.com
Valencienti Organico Pasta		gimmiespaghetti@yahoo.com
Chris Wood, abstract art, pottery	www.artbychw.com	chtsuga@gmail.com
Childrens Activity provided by Cape Ann Art Haven	www.arthaven.org

Lamb stew in the making . . .

2011-11-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

The weather is cooling, time for stew!

These herbs, marjoram, lemon balm, still growing well after the frost, and rosemary and bay leaves in the greenhouse will add a lift to the broth. Carrots, turnip and onions will cook in the broth. The potato will be prepared with one of the last fennel plants. Think I will try this recipe for Scalloped Potatoes & Fennel.

Mug-up in Lanesville . . .

2011-11-10T20:51:00.001-05:00

Blade leaning against the fish house

Beautiful warm fall day for coffee and a scone from The Grind down by the breakwater looking out at Ipswich Bay.

So fortunate.

Lanesville WebCam

Annual Christmas Fair & Luncheon in Annisquam . . .

2011-11-09T18:12:00.007-05:00

ANNISQUAM SEWING CIRCLE

Annual CHRISTMAS FAIR
& LUNCHEON

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2011

8:30 am – 1pm

Annisquam Village Hall

Leonard Street, Annisquam, MA.

The Fair features holiday greens, centerpieces, wreaths and plants; exceptional handcrafts; our popular holiday-wrapped hostess and Christmas gifts, home-baked gourmet foods, and preserves. This year, in honor of their 175th Anniversary, the Sewing Circle is selling their new cookbook entitled “A Circle of Recipes,” filled with recipes and historical commentaries from members.

A delicious three-course luncheon featuring chicken tetrazzini, will be served at two seatings: 11:30 am and 1:00pm for $15 per person. Reservations are recommended by calling 978-283-2247.

Founded in 1837, the Annisquam Sewing Circle is one of the oldest, continuously meeting, independent societies of women in the United States and is the oldest one on Cape Ann. The Annisquam Sewing Circle was one of the organizations to receive the Gloucester Historical Commission Organization Award 2011 for their 175 years of service to the Cape Ann community.

All proceeds from the Christmas Fair are contributed by the Sewing Circle to Cape Ann community programs.

Annisquam Sewing Circle Cookbook . . .

2011-11-09T07:37:00.001-05:00

A Circle of Recipes

The Annisquam Sewing Circle
 175th Anniversary
 1857 - 2012

Over 400 recipes gathered from members of the Annisquam Sewing Circle are here for you to try and to share.

Appetizer Pie to Zetta's Wild Mushroom Dip
Artichoke Salad to Winter Vegetable Beef Soup,
Baked Beets to Zuchinin Pancakes,
Alicante Fish to World Famous Baked Ziti
Anadama Bread to Yummy Lemon Cake
7-Layer Bars to Weezie's Icebox Cookies

Spiral bound, 8.5" x 8.5", 222 pages, 2011, $15.00

For sale at the Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair in the Leonard Building, Leonard St., Gloucester MA, Saturday, December 3, 2011, from ASC Members and by mail.

To order by mail, mail a check or money order for $15.00 plus $4.00 s/h in the US per book to:

Annisquam Sewing Circle
c/o N. Martin
128 Leonard St, Annisquam MA 01930-1248
Include your shipping address

Or download the PDF order form here

Love this! - Farmacy

2011-10-29T16:59:00.000-04:00

"Medicine doesn’t always come in a pill. In fact some of the most powerful medicines are delicious and can be found at your local supermarket or “farmacy.”

From a post by Dr Mark Hyman, 5 Asian Superfoods

Whole post here

I will be trying Daikon, an Asian white radish in the garden next year. Johnny's Selected Seeds has the seeds!

Wonderful healing mustard seed . . .

2011-10-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

Easy cold frame . . .

2011-10-18T08:55:00.000-04:00

Extend the growing season with an easy to install cold frame.

Hay bales topped by old storm windows work as cold frames made from what is on hand.

Green bean followup . . .

2011-10-17T18:44:00.000-04:00

Planted August 26th, the pole beans are being to produce!

After the new greenhouse roof was installed a six foot section in the center or the north end was planted with Fortex green beans. What fun to see the new beans forming in less than two months!

What to do about contact dermatitis

2011-10-10T18:53:00.003-04:00

Darn! This is the second time this season I have meet something in the garden or in the bushes that has caused contact dermatitis!

I collected greens for the Arts & Craft Fair in a swampy area on Cape Ann last week which is where I think this episode started. I am not sure what it was but the results are the same - not pretty. The lavender essential oil took away the itch but the little blisters were spreading so off to the walk-in clinic.

I was attended to by a delightful woman who gave me a prescription to tone things down. While she was filling in my medical she found that I am a massage therapist and a grower of herbs. She suggested I try the inside of a banana peel on the blisters. So a little looking on the web I found this on Food.com, Healing Poison Ivy Rashes, Insect Bites With Banana Peel. Got to go. Banana peel awaits! Will report.

Follow-up:
The banana skin treatment appeared to work. A bit hard to tell tho' since I did take the prescription med. I will definately try the banana skin treatment if I get contact dermatitis again!

Green Tomato Relish . . .

2011-09-22T16:33:00.012-04:00

What do you do with green tomatoes?

They are so beautiful I wish I could use them as a center piece for a while . . . sigh . . . but nature has a way of moving them along from green to red.

A few of these have been turned into relish. The recipe I used last year has disappeared! So this year's batch is different. The problem is . . . I don't like pickles! so it is difficult to judge what method and which ingredients will make the best relish.

Here is the recipe adapted from one I found.

Green Tomato Relish

Coarsely chop 5 pounds mostly green tomatoes. Coarsely chop 4 large onions
Combine in glass, ceramic or stainless steel container. Add ½ cup + 1 tablespoon Kosher salt. Cover and let stand for 12-24 hours. Drain and rinse.

In a large pot, heat 1-½ quarts apple cider vinegar to the boiling point.

Prepare and add: 
Remove seeds and membranes and coarsely chop 6 green bell peppers. 
Remove seeds and membranes and thinly slice 6 small, green, hot peppers.
Mince 6 cloves of garlic.
2 pounds of dark brown sugar  

Place a large teaball or gauze bag and add to vegetables: 
1 tablespoon brown mustard seed 
1 tablespoon whole cloves 
1 tablespoon finely sliced fresh ginger root 
1 two inch stick cinnamon 
1-1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt 
1-1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1-1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Simmer until the tomatoes are transparent, 1 - 1-½ hours. Place in sterile jars, cap and let cool.

Frugal idea . . .

2011-09-22T13:54:00.000-04:00

This time of the year brings different foods to the kitchen, oranges and grapefruit, for example. I have a very hard time just composting the rind.

Well, it CAN be made into some thing!

Here are the two recipes I use. They both start the same way.

Wash the fruit. Remove the inside fruit flesh and save to use separately. Cut orange and/or grapefruit peel into approx. 1/8-1/4" strips leaving the white pith on the rind. Fill a glass jar loosely with the peel. Add water to cover leaving some room at the top for expansion. Put lid on jar. Give a good shake to be sure all the peel is covered with the water. Set aside for 12-48 hours in a cool place or in the refrigerator until tender.

Or, if you are in a hurry, put peel in a large saucepan. Cover with water. Simmer until tender. Add more water, if needed.

Marmalade

Proportions:

2 parts rind
2 parts water
2 parts sugar

Drain the rind and save the water. Measure the rind that has been soaked. Measure the saved water. Add more water, if needed. Put the water and sugar in large saucepan. Bring to a boil dissolving the sugar. Add the rind. Bring to a rapid boil, stirring constantly. If you have a candy thermometer bring mixture to 225°F (at sea level). Remove mixture from heat. Pour into sterilized glass preserving jars. Clean top of jar with wet cloth or paper towel. Put on 2 part cover to seal.

If you wish to put in canner at this point follow canner's instructions. If you do not process in a canner, let jars cool and store in refrigerator.

Preserved fruit rind

Put drained rind in sterilized glass preserving jar. Add 80-proof liquor of your choice to cover rind. Let mixture infuse for 4 - 6 weeks before using. Add the rind to cake, cookies, bread dough, pudding.

Fight damping off . . .

2011-09-13T05:00:00.002-04:00

Natural Seedling Fungicide

Keep your seedling trays healthy with this simple trick. One common nemesis of seedling flats or trays is fungus that can attack at any time.

From Weekend Gardener

One of the most common problems is damping-off which is caused by a fungus that attacks sprouting seeds and very young seedlings.

One type of damping-off fungus keeps seeds from germinating altogether, but the type most troublesome to gardeners kills seedlings not long after they've sprouted. The seedlings rot at their bases and fall over, or they just wither and die.

How To Solve This Problem

The solution is simple: use ground or milled sphagnum moss across the flat, or in between the rows of seeds.

Sprinkle about 1/4 of an inch (.625 cm) of ground sphagnum moss in between the rows of seeds, or lightly dust it across the entire top of the tray. This will help keep your seeds and seedlings safe.

This works because sphagnum moss helps fight fungal problems in seedling flats because the acidity of the moss keeps the fungus from developing.

If you don't have milled or ground sphagnum, just rub regular sphagnum moss in between your hands or fingers and grind it up yourself.

Addison Gilbert Hospital . . .

2011-09-09T08:05:00.000-04:00

A plan or no plan . . .

2011-09-06T05:00:00.007-04:00

If you don't know where you're going,
you are not going to get anywhere.
Anon.

Mrblehead Handprints . . .

2011-09-05T08:43:00.001-04:00

What do these vintage canvas bags have to do with gardening?

Both bags, created by Molly Haley and Kathy Walters creators of Marblehead Handprints, are still in use. but not as a bag for tennis gear and ski boots.

The tennis bag has arrived at the AHF filled with preserving jars for fall jam and marmalade production and maybe projects for the Annisquam Sewing Circle Fair.

The ski boot bag has served as a carry-on-bag on many trips-a perfect size! While standing in line in the '90's at an airport in the Bahamas I heard a voice behind me ask, "Is that a Marblehead Handprints bag?" Can not go anywhere without being seen! More often the ski bag is pressed into service on trips to the market-far better looking than the bags at the stores to use in lieu of paper or plastic!

These bags were so well made they are continuing to serve. We love our Marblehead Handprint bags. Thank you Molly & Kathy. Fond memories of years past.

Selfcare foot care . . .

2011-09-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

Pedicurist Clive Roussea recommends the following foot care regimen.

After your shower or bath apply a high-quality oil to the soles of the feet like vitamin E. Depending on how dry they are, you might consider heating the oil. Cover the oil on the feet with a cream, for example, Rosemary's Perfect Cream*. This routine should be done at night, at least twice a week, eventually working up to each evening.

Learn how to make Rosemary's Perfect Cream and other herbal preparation at the Annisquam Herb Farm! Email for class schedule. This class is a great Girls' Night Out!

Fall planting . . .

2011-09-02T16:50:00.000-04:00

Much of the time in the garden this week has been spent weeding! Not enough time spent there earlier in the growing season and not enough mulch to get us through the dry spell.

Irene took down much of the corn. The stocks were down in all points of the compass as if a whirlwind hit them.

On the plus side the greenhouse has a new roof!

The green beans have almost reached the netting! The kale will be ready to transplant next week.

Vitamin E (INCI Nomenclature: Tocopherols)

2011-09-01T05:00:00.002-04:00

The oldest and most well known of all antioxidants. Vitamin E was the first to be introduced to the market and was not only used as an antioxidant, but as a moisturizer. Like ROE, Vitamin E is oil soluble. Not only can vitamin E add to the creaminess of a blend it does provide protection. There are 2 types of vitamin E oil available: natural (d-tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-tocopherol). Only the natural vitamin E has antioxidant value. If you wish to use vitamin E for its protection qualities you can find NATURAL Vitamin E in capsules from health food stores.

Skin care implications

As of the time of this writing, there were no studies directly comparing the skin effects of oral or topical alpha-tocopherol with a balanced mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols. It is likely, however, that topical mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols turns out to be more effective than alpha-tocopherol alone. When shopping for a vitamin E supplement, make sure to get the one with the balanced mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Unfortunately, topical skin care products usually contain only alpha-tocopherol. However, if you can't find a cream containing mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols, or if it is too expensive, you can easily make one yourself.
From: smartskincare.com

Worms in the corn . . .

2011-08-16T10:18:00.003-04:00

This morning we harvested the first corn, a super sweet variety from Johnny's Selected Seeds. Worms in two. Last year we had none. Maybe all the rain has encouraged this problem or the soil needs a better composition.

We are trying the first of the following formulae.

“When the silks were turning brown, I treated. I used a quart oil can treating the plots with (refined) soybean vegetable oil and Btk. (3 teaspoons per quart of oil)... I placed a small squirt from the can on the tip of each ear as quickly as I could.” Research elsewhere has used as much as one part Btk to five parts oil, applying about 0.5 ml (1/10 teaspoon) to the silk where it enters the silk channel (Hazzard et al., 2003).

From: www.pfi.iastate.edu/SA14_Protecting_Sweet_Corn_from_Corn_Earworm_w_Oil_and Btk.pdf

Warre Hive in August . . .

2011-08-15T09:54:00.000-04:00

Why to you think the bees are outside while it is raining?

Weeds or Healing Herbs?

2011-08-01T05:00:00.002-04:00

Learn how identify and gather plants to make self-care products. If you are interested, please take this short survey to let me know which classes you are interested in and the best day & time for you!

Click Here to take the survey

Healthy Cooking: FUN and EASY for Adults and Children

2011-07-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Fitness!

Teach your children healthy lifestyles for a healthier lifetime! Join Dietitian Susan Miller, R.D., L.D.N. and Registered Nurse Karen Pischke R.N., B.S.N. for an evening of nutritional education and cooking instruction.

Healthy Food, Fun, Games and Prizes!
Thursday, August 18th. 6– 8 pm. At the Manchester Community Health Center, 40 Beach St. Manchester MA
$99 per ‘Team of 2’ includes dinner.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance Registration required for this workshop. Number of participants limited. Register Early and SAVE! Register by 8/1 for $77.

To Register or for further information call Dreamtime Wellness at 978-283-4258 or log onto

Featured on Good Morning Gloucester!

2011-07-25T14:25:00.000-04:00

Moving on thru Summer . . .

2011-07-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

The gardens are overflowing! The lavenders have mostly gone by. The calendula and oregano are filled with blossoms and bees! The scarlet runners are blooming which attract the hummingbirds. Lots of butterflies, dragonflies and birds!

Peaches and grapes are coming along. Still combating the fungus but much less damage this year than last. Corn is getting tall. The cucumbers are coming in among the stalks. Should get some beans plants there too for the 3 Sisters - corn, squash & beans - which worked well last year.

The green beans, Fortex from Johnny's, have done very well again this year. We have two more plantings in to keep the supply coming.

There is nothing like cabbage directly from the garden. Altho' our heads are on the small side they have been wonderful.

Of the different varieties of broccoli we have tried, I like De Cicco best for its side shoots after harvesting the main head.

Yesterday it was very hot here - 103 in the sun. Fortunately for the gardeners, we have a bit of cloud cover with a few drops of rain this morning. Time to get caught up on the items in the must-do list!

PORTUGUESE ‘FADISTA’ COMES TO ANNISQUAM

2011-07-20T17:38:00.001-04:00

The historic Annisquam Village Church presents Fado singer Ana Vinagre and her ensemble in an evening of Portuguese Fado music, Saturday, July 23, at 7:30 A traditional folk ensemble accompanies Vinagre on these folk “Songs of Fate” full of passion, pathos, and humor. Viriato Ferriera plays viola, Jose Silva is on Portuguese guitarra, and Peter Pimental on bass.

Ana Vinagre was born in the small fishing village of Figueira Da Foz, Portugal. Following in the footsteps of her sister, mother, and grandmother, she began singing fado professionally at the age of 13 as a member of her local folk dance group, Cantarinhas de Buarcos. Vinagre toured extensively with this group throughout Europe, until immigrating to the United States with her husband and singing partner, Jose, in 1972. Today, she is one of the area's best known and most respected fadistas. Vinagre performs regularly in the Portuguese community for various community and private events, as well as at festivals and other events for a wider audience. She has appeared at the 2002 National Folk Festival, the Northwest Folklife Festival in 2003 and 2004, and a number of times in the Lowell Folk Festival. In 2005 she won a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant in the Traditional Arts, supporting her continuning efforts to promote Portuguese music and culture.

A tradition dating back hundreds of years, fado singing is "the soul of the Portuguese people", as described by Vinagre. The emotional core of the fado is saudade, an indefinable yearning or nostalgia for love, times past, or a lost home. Accompanied by a twelve string Portuguese guitar and a bass guitar, the voice of a true fadista embodies and expresses the soulfulness of this music tradition. The traditional fadista dresses in black and uses a shawl as a prop to accentuate the passion of her voice and words. The genre developed in the port city of Lisbon where it was performed at waterfront clubs and bars frequented by sailors and seamen.

The Annisquam Village Church stands at the head of Lobster Cove at 820 Washington Street in Gloucester. Known for its fine acoustics, the series is in its 24th year, and is dedicated this season to the memory of Houston/Annisquam artist, Colin Kennedy.

Donation $15. For information: www.annisquamvillagechurch.com or 978.283.6416

Busy, hungry, hungry, bees!

2011-07-20T07:11:00.002-04:00

Bees on the top of the feeding jar cover.

We have lots of plants blooming around this hive where we see lots of bees. - yet - the bees are consuming vast amounts of the sugar water this summer, far more than last years bees!

(Sorry the video quality is so poor - taken with phone.)

Lavender harvest . . .

2011-06-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

Lavender is the most asked for massage oil!

Lavender in the garden

Lavender blossoms are also used in The Lavender Eye Pillow, a wonderful hostess gift.

Ugg! Slugs . . .

2011-06-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Ideas on controlling slugs and snails in the garden

Echonops . . .

2011-06-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Plants are available

This beautiful perennial also known as globe thistle provides blossoms for cutting and drying, does not mind a bit of shade, will spread but easy to contain.

Pots $4 each for pick-up only

Email to reserve your plants!

Valerian . . .

2011-06-18T05:00:00.002-04:00

Valerian, Common
(Valeriana officinalis)

I will have a few plants available as soon as they have finished blooming.

They will be available for pick up only @ $7 per potted plant. Email to reserve your plants now!

Information available on Growing Hermione's Garden

and today . . .

2011-06-17T12:56:00.000-04:00

. . . an Immature male Common Whitetail dragonfly! Plus lots of mosquitoes for them to dine upon.

Yesterday we had a mature male. So many things to see in the garden!

hydrogen peroxide . . .

2011-06-17T05:00:00.002-04:00

Helps Plants

The hydrogen peroxide in rainwater that makes it more effective than tap water when given to plants. With the increased levels of atmospheric pollution, however, greater amounts of H202 react with air-borne toxins and never reach the ground. To compensate for this, many farmers have been increasing crop yields by spraying them with diluted hydrogen peroxide (5 to 16 ounces of 35% mixed with 20 gallons of water per acre). You can achieve the same beneficial effect with your house plants by adding 1 ounce of 3% hydrogen peroxide (or 16 drops of 35% solution) to every quart of water you give your plants.

It can also be used as a safe insecticide.

Spray plants with 8 ounces of 3% peroxide mixed with 8 ounces of white sugar and one gallon of water.

Chickweed . . .

2011-06-16T05:00:00.002-04:00

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Scientific name: Stellaria media

Seldom necessary to plant as chickweed self- seed themselves freely especially in dry weather. Used as an astringent and anti-rheumatic, heals wounds, eases arthritis and pains of the joints, cuts, inflammations and skin irritations. It may soothe severe itchiness and is often used to relieve eczema, varicose veins and nettle rash.

This is a photo from the Wikimedia Commons.

Spearmint . . .

2011-06-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

A delicious, full-bodied tisane/tea
When you want a warm drink try spearmint. Harvest a large handful of the best spearmint. Put into a saucepan and cover with 2-3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Cover with a tight lid and let steep 20 minutes. Pour tea into a favorite cup and take a few minutes to relax.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a minty, slightly fruity scent, softer than peppermint. A rich antioxidant, traditionally spearmint oil has been used to help support the respiratory and nervous systems. Its fragrant influence may help open and release emotional blocks and bring a feeling of balance and a sense of well being.

Spearmint contains limonene which has been shown to be antiviral and in may stimulate the secretion of antibodies, neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones and enzymes.

An oil infused with spearmint can be used as a massage oil.

Lavender eye pillow . . .

2011-06-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

Lavender: Relaxing, calming, sleep promoting

Filled with lavender blossoms and flaxseeds, this silk covered eye pillow is a thoughtful gift. The gently weighted eye pillow blocks out light and can help relax muscles around the eyes & nose. Can be heated or cooled or used to freshen linens.

Gift packaged in a clear envelope - ready to give.

4" x 8", approx 3 oz. wt.

$14 each

MA 6.25% Sales Tax = $0.88 ea.
Continental US only
1 Pillow $1.90 First Class
2 Pillows $2.58 First Class
3 - 4 Pillows $4.90 Priority Mail

To order by mail:
Annisquam Herb Farm
10 Dennis Court
Gloucester MA 01930-1204
Please send an email to let me know if you would like to use PayPal.

Angelica . . .

2011-06-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Angelica archangelica Family: Apiaceae

Angelica is a striking addition to the garden growing to 3.3 ft the first year and 8.25 ft the year when it blooms. The blossoms look like fireworks! It is considered a biennial/perennial. The first year it produces leaves, the second year blossoms. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Angelica, which is related to carrots, dill and fennel, contains chemicals which have been shown to be effective against various bacteria, fungal infections and viral infections according to Wikipedia. Chewing on angelica or drinking tea brewed from it may heighten the immune system. Parts used stems, seeds, and root.

Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. Angelica tea can be made by adding one cup of boiling water to one teaspoon of dried angelica root or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves. Steep for at least 10 minutes. The seeds can be used as a substitute for juniper berries.

Pregnant women should not use angelica. People consuming angelica should avoid excess sun exposure since angelica can increase the sensitivity of skin to sunlight.

The seed heads can be used in dried arrangements.

A limited number of seedlings available in pots @ $4. For pick up only. No shipping.

Luxury Bags Made From Discarded Tractor Tire Inner Tubes!

2011-06-01T19:57:00.003-04:00

Wonderful Plants! Delicious Baked Goods!

2011-05-27T10:09:00.001-04:00

The Annisquam Sewing Circle

Annual Plant & Bake Sale

Saturday, May 28, 2011, 8:00 - noon

Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, 01930

Just a small sampling of the wonderful plants that will be available!

One of the joys of Spring . . .

2011-05-25T07:46:00.000-04:00

Time to make rhubarb sauce! Use on cereal, yogurt or toast, for example. Add to orange marmalade.

Harvest the stalks when they pull easily from the root by twisting the stalk. Cut off the leaf and the end that was attached to the root.

To make Rhubarb Sauce

Cut into 2-3" pieces. Heat in a covered stainless steel or enamel coated pot on low. Watch carefully until the fibers have softened. Put in sterile canning jars or freezer safe containers. That's it!

I like to add the sauce to my orange & ginger marmalade.

In the spirit of recycling - make a plant spray from the leaves.

For more things to do with rhubarb, click here!

Be an Herbal Ninja!

2011-05-15T10:25:00.007-04:00

Another great webinar from John at LearningHerbs.com!

Plant & Bake Sale - Sat., May 28, 8 am to noon

2011-05-13T15:18:00.000-04:00

Quick & Healthy Meals . . .

2011-05-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

Making your meals more nutritious and still welcome at the dinner table can be a challenge.

Learn how to add more quality without adding fats and salt. The best part is most of you can start with one of your favorite recipes and adapt it. Example: your family-favorite tomato sauce or taco filling!

Jen Tolo, owner of Butterfly Family Wellness has lots of suggestions including great idea of food to go to the game practice, to the office or to fit into a busy schedule.

A great idea for Girls Night Out get-together!

Fish N Pickles: Ginger Swordfish With Red Curry And Roasted Vegetable Orzo

2011-05-03T08:31:00.000-04:00

Fish N Pickles: Ginger Swordfish With Red Curry And Roasted Vegetable Orzo: "Ginger"

Swordfish season coming soon . . .

2011-05-03T08:30:00.000-04:00

All winter we have been adding fresh ginger to a variety of dishes. It goes so well with seafood!

Chef Chris Kronenwetter uses ground ginger in his recipe:

Ginger Swordfish With Red Curry And Roasted Vegetable Orzo

Helpful books . . .

2011-04-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

The Green Pharmacy, Guide to Healing Foods, James A. Duke, PhD

The Healing Foods, Patricia Hausman & Judith Benn Hurley

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, Michael Murray, N.D.

Food as Medicine, Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.

Food as medicine . . .

2011-04-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

Since it is cold and overcast the lovely blossoms are not open!

A perfect day to start the Culinary Herbalism course. I believe we are what we eat. As you can see, I am committed to learning more about the plants we grow as food and to those plants that offer themselves to us, like chickweed, dandelions, burdock and others. Many of these plants I considered bothersome in my gardens. Now they are encouraged in some areas and controlled in others.

The enrollment for Culinary Herbalism closes today for anyone who is interested.

(I love the special bonus gift which includes Stellaria media, chickweed, which I have selected to learn more about this spring.)

Baking powder . . .

2011-04-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

I do not bake often enough to buy baking powder premixed. Years ago I found a recipe in Mary Webber's Frugal Family's Kitchen Book.

Mary's substitution recipe is:
in place of 1 teaspoon of baking powder use 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/3 teaspoon cream of tarter. (I do not add cornstarch).

If you do use baking powder perhaps this article would interest you!

Why You Should Use Aluminum-Free Baking Powder

Let your food be your medicine . . .

2011-04-20T17:31:00.003-04:00

Click here to enroll in the Culinary Herbalism Course!

Homemade Dog Food . . .

2011-04-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

Ed and Tracy of Cooks' Plate and Author Inc., have two Toy Fox Terriers, Duke and Lucky. Lucky was chewing his feet and legs until all the fur was gone. For the whole story click here!

Their vet said it was a food allergy. After trying many prepared dog foods to no avail, Ed developed his own recipe. After you read Ed's story, click here for

Bottom line:
You are one LUCKY dog if you have food allergies and you live with good cooks!

Culinary Herb Class

2011-04-12T00:01:00.021-04:00

Want to learn what you can do with herbs for better health?

Learn Culinary Herbalism with K.P. Khalsa!

Here is a free lesson from K.P. Khalsa's upcoming Culinary Herbalism course!

Golden Milk: An Ancient & Healing Remedy
by Rosalee de la Forêt

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for countless ailments. In recent years it has also caught the attention of western researchers. There are many studies touting its many benefits.

Some benefits include...

Digestion and the liver (Ulcers, diverticulitis, flatulence, leaky gut)
Heart heath (High blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol)
Immune support (Cancer, colds and flu, bronchitis)
Musculoskeletal strength and flexibility (Joint disorders, arthritis, pain)
Nervous system (Pain, Alzheimer's)
Wound healing and healthy skin (Eczema, psoriasis)
Diabetes and Menstruation difficulties

Turmeric is pretty astonishing!

I learned this basic recipe from Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and often suggest it to my client.

K.P. Khalsa has a new course coming out this week called Culinary Herbalism.

This recipe is in two parts. First we make the paste and then we’ll explore how to use it.

To make the turmeric paste you’ll need:

1/4 cup of turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/2 cup of water

Measure out the ingredients. The additional pepper makes the turmeric more bioavailable, meaning that you use less for better results. At these measurements the pepper is about 3% of the mixture.

Next add the powders and the water to a small sauce pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. This won’t take long!

Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.

Now we’ll look at a variety of ways to use this mixture.

Golden Milk
To make Golden Milk you’ll need...

1 cup of milk (or milk substitute, if you don’t consume dairy)
1 teaspoon almond oil, ghee or olive oil
1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
honey to taste

Combine all the ingredients (except honey) in a saucepan and while stirring constantly heat the mixture until just before it boils.
Add honey to taste.

Other suggestions... this could be made into a smoothie. When blended it creates a beautifully foamy drink. Fruit could be added. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on top, etc. Experiment and enjoy!

Other options for turmeric paste

Add a small dollop of the paste on top of crackers and cheese.
Spread the paste on sandwich bread and continue with sandwich ingredients.

The best way to get our medicine is in our food.
Please check out this new course with K.P. Khalsa, All About Culinary Herbalism.

There is a video on making this recipe in the Culinary Herbalism course.

Onions coming along . . .

2011-04-06T20:28:00.000-04:00

Beautiful onion seedlings after a shower!

Time to transplant spinach . . .

2011-03-28T14:29:00.001-04:00

The Tyee spinach seeds were planted in Jan and have their second set of leaves. Time to move out of the starting bed.

Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb!

2011-03-20T17:49:00.000-04:00

Last fall the rhubarb plants were divided and new beds planted. We never seem to have enough rhubarb! Maybe this year?

Spring!

2011-03-20T17:44:00.000-04:00

Planted more seeds today. Brought them in and put them on the heated floor. Will leave them until they sprout then move them into the greenhouse.

Aveno sativa - Cat grass
Cymbopogon citrates - Lemon grass
Thymus vulgaris - Thyme
Lavanda munstead - Lavender

Some are for my work on the Rosemary Gladstar course, The Science & Art of Herbology.

What to do?

2011-02-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

We have a wonderful greenhouse with a stone knee wall with a wood frame. It was originally fitted with glass. Since there are several large tree limbs above the greenhouse we have not replaced the glass. A while ago we covered the greenhouse with greenhouse plastic film which needs to be replaced.

The suggested solution is an aluminum roof system with a double walled polycarbonite sheet material. But . . . we do not like the look! What to do?

Any one have suggestions?

Feel the heat in the winter sun!

2011-02-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

We have some seeds planted in the unheated greenhouse as well as some leeks started last fall right in the floor of the greenhouse. Eliot Coleman's books offer lots of information on gardening that is especially useful here in the northeast.

Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long

The health of the bees . . . & us

2011-01-31T09:21:00.000-05:00

Good day to make marmalade . . .

2010-12-27T18:57:00.000-05:00

Let's see . . .

about 7 pounds of orange peel marmalade

An approximate amount of Crosse & Blackwell Orange Marmalade is $55.

My marmalade - peel that might have been composted plus $9.60 in sugar heated on the wood stove that was heating the house.

Let it snow, let it snow

2010-12-26T18:42:00.001-05:00

The bees cleaned the hive before the snows hit. A few workers were on the landing. A good sign, I think . . . . At least we know the bees are still working.

2010-12-06T12:54:00.002-05:00

Great cooperative board game . . .

2010-12-03T13:10:00.005-05:00

When the children come to visit the herb farm Wildcraft is the first game taken from the cupboard.

Interesting, one-of-a-kind gifts . . .

2010-11-28T13:40:00.003-05:00

I bought this wonderful Evy Stewart soap dish last year!

Fourth Annual

Holiday Arts Sale & Open House

134R Leonard Street

Annisquam MA 01930

Friday, December 4th - 5 pm to 9 pm

Saturday, December 5th - 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, December 5th - Noon to 4 pm

Paintings, planting, pottery, painted furniture, wreaths, cards, culinary treats & more!

Artists/Crafts persons

Bonnie Stafford, Connie Sweet, Margaret Sweet, Diana Hoyt, Pia Nadel, Evy Stewart

Tis the season . . .

2010-11-26T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Annisquam Sewing Circle
Annual Christmas Fair & Luncheon
Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester MA
Saturday, December 5, 2010 - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Lunch is served at 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM
Call for reservations 978-283-2247

Aloe leaves . . .

2010-11-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

I have a limited number of large aloe leaves for your preparations.

$4.00 lb.
To be picked up

Send me an email to order

Harvest celebration . . .

2010-11-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Greetings

What is the whole cost of food?

2010-11-23T11:46:00.007-05:00

An interesting discussion on Food with Bill Moyer & Michael Pollan Part 1 & Part 2

Food, Inc., The Botany of Desire,

Preparing horseradish . . .

2010-11-20T15:49:00.003-05:00

When to dig?

Some people wait until spring but there wasn't any horseradish sauce left! So I dug it this week.

Dig around the root starting several inches away from the plant. Gently ease the soil up until you can pull the root out of the ground. Small side shoots will break off. They will regenerate for next year - have no fear!

Let air dry. Brush off the dirt. Trim any sections that are too small (I used some roots that were c. 3/8' dia. this year) and plant the cuttings.

Making the sauce

When you are ready to get started, wash the roots well. I use a scrubber or stiff nail brush to remove the outside surface. Peel if necessary. Cut out any discolored spots.

Lay the roots on a cutting board and slice into small pieces across the root fiber. You might be able to use a food processor for this first step. I tried a meat grinder last year. It did not cut across the fibers so the texture was very course.

Drop the chopped pieces into the food processor with cutting blade. Process until almost the texture you want. Pour organic apple cider vinegar in very slowly. Stop when the mixture looks a little dry. Put into glass containers immediately.
Be careful the fumes do not get into your eyes.

I use preserving jars with white plastic covers.

Store in the refrigerator.

This makes a tasty spread on crackers. And great gifts too!

A follow-up to Cooking with Herbs . . .

2010-11-11T05:05:00.002-05:00

Bay laurel

Laurie Lufkin used fresh bay leaves in her shrimp boil which brought up a question. Christie wanted to know the difference between Turkish and California Bay Leaves. I did not know the answer.

Here is what I have found!

Altho' I have not checked it out, it seems bay leaves have been sold as Turkish or California but now may not have this distinction listed on the label so knowing what the leaves look like should help one discern what is in the jar of bay leaves on the store shelf.

The classic Turkish bay (laurus nobilis) has oval leaves 1-4 inches long.
California bay laurel, has long slender leaves 2-5 inches long.

The flavors appear to be similar. Turkish leaves have a subtler, less mentholated taste and are are healthier to consume. The information suggests one use bay leaves, especially the California variety, in moderation (1/2 to 1 leaf for 4-6 portions).

There are some good photos here of both leaves.
http://www.chow.com/ingredients/77

If you have some more information, please leave a comment!

Everyone enjoyed the No-Knead bread.

No-Knead Bread

Some used it to gather the last bit of sauce from the shrimp on their plates!

Thank you to Tracy & Ed Linne of Author Inc./Cook's Palate for serving this delicious bread in their home and for sharing the recipe with me.

The bread recipe can be found at New York Times/No-Knead Bread. I started with this recipe but never make it the same way twice!

As the seasons go by . . .

2010-11-09T05:05:00.000-05:00

I have been invited to join a walk in Dogtown Commons this weekend which started me thinking about the changes in the landscape and in our activities. Soon the leaves will be collected for mulch, the heather, boxwood and rosemary tucked in for the winter. The blueberries, rhododendron and lavender mulched, the perennials cut back.

The days will take on a different pattern. Plans for next year's garden will continue, intentions will be set to get all the projects done that have been waiting since early spring and an effort will be made to look at the PILE of literature beside my desk.

The first frost laid the horseradish low near the grapevine leaving it with its leaves looking like they had been sprinkled with sugar.

Oh yes,, back to the walk in Dogtown. We are fortunate to have so many beautiful places here on Cape Ann to walk and to sit and observe the changes on the seasons. I have a few special places I like to sit and soak up the energy in the air and the earth and the ocean. It is a bit like the garden - just resting after a busy season, sitting there being rejuvenated by nature.

Mushrooms - a starting point . . .

2010-11-07T14:00:00.002-05:00

A perfect day to make soup!

The mushrooms beckoned.

Chop a few onions from the garden and some garlic. Saute in bacon drippings until soft and aromatic. Add mushrooms chopped fine. Cook slowly until there is little moisture in the pan. Add some coconut milk, chicken stock and a bay leaf. Simmer for a bit. Add some of the following mashed (potatoes, turnip and carrots). Heat thru. Done!

The kitchen smelled wonderful.

OK here are some suggested proportions, but follow your heart and what you have on hand!

Mushroom Soup

Saute in olive oil, butter or bacon drippings until soft and semi transparent
    1-2 large yellow onion, minced
    6 large cloves of garlic, minced
Add mushrooms
    12-16 oz mushrooms, any kind you like, minced
Cook until mushrooms are cooked and the liquid is nearly gone

Add
4 C stock: homemade vegetable or chicken or canned stock
1 can coconut milk ( I used Chaokoh 13.5 Fl. Oz.)
1 C whole milk
1/2 C red or white wine
1/4 C lemon juice
1-2 Bay leaves
1 t to 1 T fresh marjoram leaves
Simmer for 20 minutes or more to combine flavors

Add
4 C total, any proportion you like - great way to use leftovers
    Mashed potato, carrots, turnip
Heat until hot but not boiling

Serve with a large slice of homemade No-Knead bread and you have a meal.

2010-11-06T13:30:00.002-04:00

Herb Energetics available!

2010-11-04T17:34:00.001-04:00

Herb Energetics, an online course, by Kiva Rose, a well-known herbal blogger and co-founder of the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference

Kiva has published her secrets of how she learns so much about plants without using books. Her plant monographs, like the one below, are famous for their deep exploration into herbs that you will not find in other places.

Click here to learn just HOW she does it. The course goes on sale at noon EDT 03 Novemeber 2010

Do you REALLY know chamomile? Read Kiva's article to see how much you do know …

Earth Apple: The Bittersweet Medicine of Chamomile

By Kiva Rose

I am excited to finally be able to go deeper into explaining herbal energetics in my upcoming course, Herb Energetics with Kiva Rose.

Let’s begin with an herb we all know and love, chamomile.

However, do you REALLY know Chamomile?

Chamomile means “earth apple” which is easy to understand when we accidentally trample the flowers underfoot and suddenly smell the welcome fragrance of apples rising from the earth. In the same way, Spanish speaking peoples often use the name Manzanilla, literally meaning “little apple”.

Even for those largely unfamiliar with herbs, the distinctive sweet scent of Chamomile is often both familiar and comforting. This plant is many people’s first and perhaps only introduction to herbalism, often from a cup of honey-sweetened and belly-calming tea from their grandmother.

Many children enjoy eating the buds or just opened flowers, savoring the sweet aromatic taste of the plant, and rarely seeming to mind the slightly bitter aftertaste. Some patches of Chamomile, depending on phase of flowering and availability of moisture, are much more bitter than others but the fragrant sweetness persists even in the most bitter batches.

Far from irrelevant, these signature sensory characteristics of Chamomile that make the plant memorable in our minds are also the primary keys to understanding how to work with Matricaria (chamomile) as a medicine.

Click here to watch Kiva Rose explain her approach to Herb Energetics.

A work of art . . .

2010-10-18T13:26:00.000-04:00

I believe this is a paper wasps nest. We have watched it grow during the summer and wonder what brought the wasps here this year. Was it the addition of the beehive?

There have been very small nest in different places around the house and in the greenhouse but nothing at this scale.

Harvesting winter squash . . .

2010-10-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

This is one of our Waltham Butternuts

Harvest your winter squash when they have turned a deep, solid color and the rind is hard before heavy frost hits. Cut squash from the vines carefully, leaving two inches of stem. Handle carefully so as not to bruise.

Store in a dry inside area where with temperature between 50 and 55°F. Do not pile squash more than two deep. Better yet, place the fruits in a single layer not touching each other to minimizes the potential of spreading of rot.

A love affair with mustard . . .

2010-10-08T16:13:00.007-04:00

I did not know how easy it really was to grow mustard and to make prepared mustard until recently!

The leaves of the young plants are fabulous in salads, with lightly cooked greens and in omelets. I try to keep some mustard coming along all year. It grows in the greenhouse most of the winter. The seeds are easy to germinate and to harvest for prepared mustard. Use the seeds for sprouts too! And for healing the outside in foot baths and the 'old fashion' mustard plaster.

The mustard shown is Red Mustard (Brassica juncea) from Johnny's Selected Seeds as a fall crop growing out in the garden.

More than a Condiment

... the plant’s seeds, leaves and roots have been used as food, fertilizer, seasoning and medicine for millennia. Every part of the plant can be and has been used throughout history.

For centuries, people have eaten young mustard greens in salads. Loaded with vitamin A, mustard greens also are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin C. ...

Reputation for Healing

As medicine, mustard musters up more than 40 restorative properties, from poultices and plasters to infusions, baths, liniments and antiseptic solutions. ... Before the advent of aspirin, people made mustard plasters (also called poultices) and applied them to the body to relieve aches and pains. They also used mustard in baths (for the feet or the entire body) to increase blood flow to inflamed tissues.

More recently, James Duke, Ph.D., in his book The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997) suggests using a mustard plaster, made by mixing 4 ounces of ground seed with warm water, for fingers affected with Raynaud’s disease, as well as for sciatica.

For the complete article go to Herb Companion

Herbs are more than flavoring . . .

2010-10-02T06:00:00.003-04:00

Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

All easy to grow or available at farmers' markets, these herbs can be sprinkled liberally on your food. A wonderful addition to salads, meat or fish dishes and on vegetables. They are a source of analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds. (Oregano alone has 32 anti-inflammatories!)

Try mixing these garden herbs in your favorite proportions for a pain-relieving tea. Pour a cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of fresh herbs or a teaspoon of dried herbs. Steep 5 to 10 minutes and strain. Sit and enjoy!

For the young (and the young at heart) . . .

2010-09-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for some interesting things to do?

Here is a book with lots of ideas! Most of the items you will need you may have in your home, like paper, sugar corn starch and various food items.

The Incredible Secret Formula Book: Make Your Own Rock Candy, Jelly Snakes, Face Paint, Slimy Putty, and 55 More Awesome Things

Gifts from the sea . . .

2010-09-10T19:53:00.004-04:00

Several weeks ago a trip down the river to the beach provided us with sea clams aka hen clams and other names. Some were made into a clam stuffing from a recipe by Sue Lufkin of Essex MA, some into a clam chowder.

The shells will be used too! Some to a cousin to take home to Iowa, some to hold candles, appetizers or little things without a home, some to add to the driveway. The shells reflect light at night even when it is very dark.

Think recycle.

Thank you, Tina Sams . . .

2010-09-10T12:46:00.006-04:00

What ornamental tree is this pod from?

I have seen this seed pod twice lately and wonder what tree it is from. Anyone know?

Thank you, Tina Sam at Essential Herbal and at her blog for identifying the seed pod as Korean dogwood. Also known as Kousa, it is very popular in this area.

September is National Honey Month . . .

2010-09-08T11:20:00.006-04:00

Our bees are still very busy collecting from the goldenrod, oregano and other blossoms. We are hoping they will be successful in putting enough stores by for the winter.

We will be attending another workshop this weekend focusing on what to do for the hive to prepare it for the cold weather. The Topsfield Fair will be opening soon. We will be there to ask lots of questions of the beekeeping community.

Again . . . we are amateurs being kept by bees! There is so much to learn about these wonderfully industrious pollinators.

There is some additional information at: Honey Facts for National Honey Month

Summer on the wane . . .

2010-09-02T14:40:00.002-04:00

This year was one of extremes here on the coast north of Boston. Days and days of perfect summer weather. Then a heavy downpour of much needed rain. Then back into hot summer weather. The good parts - time to sit outdoors under the apple tree and enjoy the soft air, heady aromas of the plants, watch the bees and read a few of the books that have been piling up. The not-so-good parts, the gardens needed more water than Mother Nature provided. Some of the perennial plants have been sorely stressed and may need to be replaced.

Now is a good time to evaluate what went well and what should be done to make next year's garden easier to manage. Much of the soil is surprisingly poor so more seaweed, marsh grass and any other plant materials available to improve the soil's ability to retain moisture is a must. During the last storm we were able to collect two good loads of seaweed and spread it on some of the beds where the crops have been harvested. Collecting more materials for mulching is high on the to-do list. A pile of newspaper printed with soy based ink has begun. Have you noticed how small the papers are now? It will take a while to have a good supply on hand for Spring.

This fall all the existing mulch will be raked away to let the sun kill the fungus and bacteria lurking there. Special care will be given under the grape arbors to remove all the grape 'mummies' and leaves to continue the battle against the rot. Adding neem oil to the regular spraying schedule appears to be improving the situation. That is just the start.

The corn is done for this year. The beans are still producing a goodly number. Tomatoes are ripening almost faster than we can harvest them. The root crops wil be fine for while. Time to go out and enjoy the view!

Looking for more ways to use honey?

2010-08-20T15:43:00.001-04:00

Recipes for Your Honeys, compiled by Mary Webber, has over two dozen recipes using honey for all kinds of dishes from meats and veggies to desserts - lots of tidbits and interesting information too.

40 pages. $2.99

Don't have a PayPal account? Use your credit card or bank account (where available) once you get to PayPal.

Another wonderful event . . .

2010-08-18T14:05:00.002-04:00

What was I thinking?

2010-08-16T08:45:00.002-04:00

Invited 6 guests - all "food related' - for supper.

Four pros: 2 local restaurant owner/chefs, 1 from San Francisco, 1 originally from Italy now head chef in a well known San Francisco restaurant and 2 cookbook software creators who love to cook! What we have in common? We all love to eat!

The supper was created using produce from the garden. Two different vegetable tarts with crispy potato crusts based on a Stonewall Kitchen recipe, salad with walnuts & cranberries. Served with homemade cornmeal, oatmeal bread just out of the oven. And for dessert - a gift from guests - a delicious sponge cake with the best whole strawberry (from Marshall's Farm) topping and yummy whipped cream.

From the garden: for the tarts - potatoes, swiss chard, beet greens, kale, garlic, oregano, marjoram & broccoli, onion, dill seed. For the salad - cabbage, tomato, cucumber, carrot.

And lots of talk about food preparation, when to use sheep ricotta, cookbooks, regional cooking and on and on! A great night.

Watching the elderberries . . .

2010-08-07T18:52:00.002-04:00

Yes, not much to harvest this year but maybe enough elderberries to make a tincture or a syrup?

Blue or black elder is used in herbal medicine. Do not harvest or use the green berries.

Elderberry syrup

1C of fresh or 1/2C dried blue or black elderberries
3 cups of water
1 cup of honey

Place berries in a saucepan
Cover with water
Bring to a boil
Reduce the heat
Simmer for a half hour
Mash the berries
Strain mixture through a sieve
Add honey
Bottle and store in the fridge
Will last a few months.

Sunshine, beautiful sunshine but . . .

2010-08-07T05:00:00.001-04:00

When you stay out in the sun too long here are a few ideas on treating that hot skin.

 First:

A third degree burn should be treated by a medical team immediately. You can treat some second degree burns and most first degree burns using home remedies to reduce the pain and discomfort.

Drink plenty of water to reduce dehydration.
Apply cool water to the burned area.
Take a cool bath and add oatmeal, cornstarch or baking soda to sooth the skin.
Make a paste of cornstarch or baking soda to apply to the affected areas.
Ice cold whole milk or plain yogurt can be applied directly to the skin or soak towels in the milk or yogurt and wrap the affected areas.
Smooth aloe vera straight from an aloe vera plant or a commercial aloe vera product. Check the list of ingredients. Be sure there is no alcohol or other ingredient that may sting.
Cucumbers, strawberries or raw potatoes can be applied to the skin.
Cooled, damp tea bags can be used on a first degree burn. Or brew tea, cool and soak towels in the tea and apply to the affected area.

These remedies should not be used on third degree burns and not skin that is broken or otherwise compromised.

Rain - at last!

2010-08-05T17:48:00.003-04:00

I can almost hear the plants cheering!

Hydrating Lotion

2010-07-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

Once you have made your own lotion you will never want to use another!

Basic starter recipe

1 C oil (infused or plain) olive, grapeseed, almond, coconut oil, for example
1 oz beeswax (by weight)
Melt beeswax in oil

Pour into a blender & let cool slightly (5 min. +/-) not until it is solid

Start blender on low speed
Add 6 T water (distilled, rose water, lavender water, aloe vera, for example)
Add a few drops of an essential oil, if you wish. (lavender essential oil, for example)
Pour mixture into jars or tins with cover off.
When fully cooled check consistency & correct your recipe, if needed.

Using the instructions above and the ingredients below you can get started!

Hydrating Massage Cream - February 2010

1 C total - 1/3 C calendula infused oil, 1/3 chickweed infused oil, 1/3 C coconut oil
1 oz beeswax
2 T aloe vera
4 T distilled water
4 drops lavender EO

Homemade Yogurt . . .

2010-07-21T07:21:00.003-04:00

Easy to do & so tasty!

 2 C milk, any kind
 1/8 C plain yogurt with active cultures

Heat milk over low in a glass, enamel of stainless steel pan.
Stir frequently.
Warm milk to 105ºF.
Remove from heat.
Put yogurt into a glass jar.
Add 1/4 C of warmed milk & stir.
Add the rest of the warmed milk.
Stir well. Cover with tight lid.
Let rest in a warm place (100–110ºF/37–39ºC) for 8–24 hours.
You can wrap in a towel & put into an insulated lunch bag, as shown in the photo.
Keeps refrigerated for four to six weeks.

Seeding for Fall . . .

2010-07-18T15:44:00.007-04:00

With temps in the 90's we are not thinking about fall but to have some good plants for the garden and the greenhouse then it's time to get going.

Started seeds for brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage & cauliflower on the 15th using the Coleman soil blocks which worked well in the late winter and early spring.

This is also an example of recycling. The two trays the soil blocks are in were 'donated' by friends, the plant tags are from a white plastic milk container, the soil from the garden plus organic additives.

The wonders of nature surround us especially in the garden. Two cabbage seeds have already sprouted as of this afternoon.

Celebrate Independence Day

2010-07-02T20:31:00.005-04:00

Salmon and peas - a traditional 4th of July dinner. This wonderful, wild salmon was pan-seared in a little olive oil and butter and served with peas topped with clipped dill weed. Yumm!