Monday, November 30, 2009

Herbal Aesthetics Blog Party

Ah, the beauty of herbs. When Cory Trusty posted the topic of the December Blog Party that she's hosting at AquarianBath.blogspot.com a couple of weeks ago, the ideas started and it has been a never ending reel.
It would seem though, that the topic is almost too broad for me.

Almost 20 years ago, my sister and I were deep in the throes of struggling with the owner of a venue where we rented a shop. We were ready to throw in the towel. As I thought about it, my mind would run over the days we spent making luscious potpourris, or blending colorful herb teas, or gathering heady armfuls of lavender - and knew that there was no way I could face the idea of never being up to my elbows in herbs again.

Visit an herbalist's home, and you'll find jars and bottles of dried herbs, oils, vinegars and tinctures tucked into whatever space is available. There will be stems of things hanging from beams and hooks. That is beautiful. It makes you feel good to look at, and I personally feel that it is relaxing and satisfying.

In the spring, the first brave leaves to break the soil are heartbreakingly stunning, reminding us that we've made it through another winter.

Summer brings a riot of color and nourishment that strengthens and beautifies us, inside and out.

Fall comes with the stiff breezes and fiery colors, giving us the energy to gather the roots and seeds that will help to sustain us and protect us in the months to come.

Winter arrives with an appreciation of the form of trees, the stark whiteness, and the desire to cocoon in the home we've festooned with remembrances of nature.

It is all beautiful! Adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavors and appearance of foods, a gorgeous ruby colored tisane, a bluish purple elderberry syrup, or a well-made bar of handmade herbal soap. So I couldn't really decide!

Here are some past posts that might give you some ideas :-).
~ wildcrafting herbal teas
~ tub teas
~ leaf prints
~ persimmon cake
~ love potions
~ last minute herbal gifts
~ making potpourri
~ making a wreath
~ how to make lavender wands
or even the post just prior to this - citrus pomanders.

That's just a wee taste of *some* of the beautiful things you can do with herbs! Not even scratching the surface, really.

1 comment:

Athena's Armoury said...

Thank you so much for sharing all of these wonderful ideas! I really would love to get my hands on some lavender to try those wands.