Chincoteague Island Wedding

Over Memorial Day, my brother Tom married his darling Sue on the beach. It was actually on the beach of Assateague Island, because - as the kids told us more times than you can imagine - there ARE NO BEACHES on Chincoteague. Chincoteague has salt marshes and bay shores, but no beaches with sand and waves. The wedding itself was beautiful and brief, leaving us with three days to fill. Holiday weekends require a three day stay at the hotels - so there we were.
We had some great seafood and enjoyed some terrific shopping. Eventually we allowed the kids to leave for home a day early, and the whining finally ceased.
Maryanne and I did get out on the beach one morning to look for shells to use in the resin crafting we've been thinking about. We were also going to try to find some nice seaweed for soap, but there was absolutely no seaweed to be found. We did find lots of gorgeous little shells. The water is really icy this time of year, so there was no need to try dipping the tootsies.
Next to the beach is a wildlife refuge where lots of gorgeous sea/water birds are nesting in the dunes. Right over the line (the refuge is marked off with a rope) there were a couple of hen-sized brown and black speckled eggs just left carelessly in the sand. Don't know what kind of bird that was, but I'm thinking that maybe a rope and refuge might not be enough for that one....
The beach is always gorgeous and the wind that comes off the ocean is so mysterious to me. I always think about where that particular breeze last touched land... whose cheek it brushed, and all the things it passed to get to me.

Wild Foods for Every Table nears completion!!!

The wild foods book of recipes is coming along very well and should be completed soon. I'm working on making sure that the proper credit goes with each submission, and there are a few articles and recipes that must be typed in from the early days of the magazine --- back when it was assembled with lots and lots of tape.
This has been a blast from the moment of inception. There was tons of stuff in the past issues, many submissions from the magazine Yahoo list, and the people that I contacted directly have been gracious and generous.
As the deadline drew near, I started to worry about a cover. This is way bigger than the other books we've put together, and being a cookbook, it needs to lay flat - so that means coil binding. So.... it seemed like maybe a nice color cover would be in order.
So then what?
Gradually it started to come to me. I discussed it with my sister Maryanne, who is pretty handy with a camera. We tossed it back and forth while we planted rows of beans, peas, broccoli, patty pan squash, and melons next to the long row of peppers and tomatoes. She had some ideas to add, and by the time the garden was finished, we were ready.
This is what we came up with. It really does suit the contents perfectly.
The book will be going to the printer in early June, and will be finished within a couple of weeks with an expected ship date of June 19. It will retail for $8.95, and be available wholesale. You can pre-order now!

Herbal Picnic Basket Goodies

Here at The Essential Herbal, we are closing in on the deadlines for both the July/Aug issue of the magazine AND the latest book - Wild Foods for Every Table.
This takes our attention elsewhere, and the blog has suffered.
So.... with picnic season approaching, we have a wonderful article from last the May/June '05 issue.

Herbal Picnic Basket
By Lynn Smythe

"Seating themselves on the greensward, they eat while the corks fly and there is talk, laughter and merriment, and perfect freedom, for the universe is their drawing room and the sun their lamp. Besides, they have appetite, Nature's special gift, which lends to such a meal a vivacity unknown indoors, however beautiful the surroundings."
-Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, 1775-1826
There’s nothing like the thrill of packing up a scrumptious meal in a picnic basket and gathering together your friends and family to enjoy an outdoor picnic on a bright and sunny summer day. One of my children’s favorite spots to picnic is at a small park along the intracoastal waterway near our home in south east Florida. We can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and watch the comings and goings of a variety of boats, yachts and jet skis. We often see a variety of wildlife while enjoying our meal such as seagulls and pelicans.
I’ve even been known to throw an indoor picnic for my kids on a cold and blustery day to help lift their spirits. I simply place a blanket on the floor of the living room and load it up with my kids favorite snacks such as cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, chips and lemonade.
If you grow your own herbs you may pick them fresh from your garden to utilize in a variety of culinary creations including the recipes listed below. The produce section of most grocery stores stock a wide variety of fresh herbs during the spring and summer months. There is nothing to compare to the taste of fresh herbs. If you are unable to find fresh herbs you may use dry herbs in their place. The general guideline is to use 1/3 less of the dry herb than fresh. For instance if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herb you may substitute approximately 1 teaspoon of dried herb.


Herbed Cheese Spread

2 tablespoons fresh thyme - chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh sweet marjoram - chopped fine
4 tablespoons green onions - sliced fine
8 ounce package cream cheese at room temperature
In a small bowl add the herbs, green onions and cream cheese. Mix together until well blended. Cover the top of the bowl with aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve this delicious spread with an assortment of crackers and breadsticks.

Chive Dip

This dip is a wonderful accompaniment to fresh raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and radishes.
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh chives or garlic chives - snipped with scissors
1 tablespoon fresh sage - minced
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt
In a medium sized mixing bowl mix add all ingredients and mix well. Let chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before using to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Chocolate Mint Fudge

Don’t substitute dried mint in this recipe. If you can’t find chocolate mint you can substitute peppermint or spearmint.
One (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
One (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon chocolate mint - minced
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Place the milk and chocolate chips into a medium sauce pan. Melt over low heat until the chips are melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from the heat and stir in the minced mint leaves, extract and walnuts. Pour into a 8 inch square pan, smooth the top with a spatula and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 16-20 servings.

Cool Caraway Coleslaw

2 cups green cabbage - shredded
1 cup red cabbage - shredded
1 cup carrots - peeled and shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
Use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots then add them to a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl mix together the remaining ingredients until all the sugar is dissolved to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and mix together. Store the coleslaw in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 4 cups of coleslaw.

Dilled Tuna and Tomato Boats

4 large tomatoes
Two (6 ounce) cans tuna fish packed in water - drained
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup fresh dill - snipped with scissors
16 lettuce leaves
salt
pepper
Cut the tomatoes in half, scoop out and discard the seeds. Place the hollowed out tomatoes on a platter. In a small bowl mix together the tuna, mayonnaise and dill. Fill the tomatoes with the tuna mixture. Place 2 tomato boats onto each plate which has been covered with a layer of 4 lettuce leaves. Sprinkle each serving with a little bit of salt and pepper if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Egg Salad with Salad Burnet

To make a hearty sandwich to serve at your picnic serve this egg salad on fresh slices of whole wheat herb bread. The recipe for whole wheat herb bread is included in this article.
12 eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh salad burnet - chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Place the eggs in a large pan, fill the pan with water and place it on the stove on high heat. When the water comes to a boil turn the heat down to medium and cook the eggs for an additional 12 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove, drain the water and run cold water over the eggs until they have cooled down. Remove the shells from the eggs and chop them up then place them in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve this salad with assorted breads and crackers if desired.

Elegant Pasta Salad with Garlic Chives and Marjoram

2 cups dried bow tie pasta
1 cup tomatoes - chopped
1 cup yellow bell peppers - seeded and chopped
1/2 cup green onions - sliced
1/2 cup black olives - sliced
One (6 ounce) jar marinated button mushrooms - drained
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh garlic chives - snipped with scissors
1 tablespoon fresh marjoram - chopped fine
parmesan cheese - optional
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, cover with cold water and drain again. Place the prepared pasta into a large bowl. Stir in the tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, oil, vinegar, garlic chives and marjoram. Let chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese prior to serving if desired.

Lemon Basil Fruit Salad

2 cups fresh raspberries or blackberries
2 cups fresh strawberries - hulled and sliced
One (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges - drained
One (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks - drained
2 tablespoons white grape juice
¼ cup fresh lemon basil - minced
Place all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Sage and Tarragon Chicken Salad

This is another terrific sandwich spread to serve on top of the whole wheat herb bread.
One (10 ounce) can chicken breast
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup finely diced celery hearts
2 teaspoons fresh sage - chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves - chopped fine
salt & pepper - optional
Drain the liquid from the can of chicken breast. Flake with a fork and add to a medium size bowl. Add the mayonnaise, celery hearts, sage and tarragon and mix well. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Whole Wheat Herb Bread

This bread tastes great served along with the egg salad and chicken salad recipes which are also located in this chapter. Make this bread the day before your picnic. When making this bread choose from among basil, chervil, chives, garlic chives, parsley, thyme, oregano or marjoram or a combination of 2 of these herbs. Be sure to use the milder tasting soft stem herbs. Don’t use woody stemmed herbs such as rosemary or sage for this recipe as they may impart an overly strong flavor to your bread.
1 package active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups warm water
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup fresh herbs - chopped fine
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 teaspoons celery seed
Place the yeast in a small mixing bowl. Add the warm water and stir until the yeast has been dissolved. In a large mixing bowl stir together the flours, sugar and salt. Stir in the herbs. Stir in the yeast and water mixture and mix well. Add a little bit more warm water if necessary to make a sticky dough. Cover the top of the bowl with a small kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm place such as on top of the refrigerator and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk - approximately 1 hour. Sprinkle your hands with flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands then punch down the dough, divide it in half and place each half into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Cover the pans with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise until doubled - approximately 30 minutes. Brush the top of each loaf with half of the melted butter and sprinkle with half of the celery seeds. Cook in a preheated 400 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the loaves sound hollow when thumped on the bottom. Makes 2 loaves.

Rosemary Shortbread

1 cup unsalted butter - room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped pistachios
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves - minced fine
additional confectioners sugar for garnish
In a large bowl cream the sugar into the softened butter using a large mixing spoon. Add the flour 3/4 cup at a time. Add the vanilla extract, pistachios and rosemary and mix until well blended. Roll the dough into large marble sized pieces using 1 level tablespoon of the dough and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 17 to 20 minutes until light brown. After the cookies have been removed from the oven and have cooled off slightly roll each one in confectioners sugar. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.

Lynn Smythe
5312 Cleveland Road Delray Beach, FL 33484-4228 Phone: 561-637-5040 http://groups.msn.com/herbwitch
E-mail: lynnsmythe@adelphia.net Website: http://users.adelphia.net/~lynnsmythe

Herb Fairs are a blast!!!

We've been looking forward to the festival at Landis Valley for a few months. It was our first herb fest 15 years or so ago, and it was also the first herb festival we've done together since our "hiatus".
This festival has never let us down, and this year was no exception. We went into it with zero expectations, and were absolutely thrilled.
The first picture shows Kathy Musser of Cloverleaf Herb Farm. Her well kept greenhouse was photographed for the cover of the May/June issue of The Essential Herbal.
The crowd started lining up way before the 9 am opening on each day, and the variety of herbs and heirloom plants was staggering. The gates opened and in poured thousands and thousands of herb enthusiasts - all in bright, sunny moods.
It was wonderful to see so many old friends and customers. Generally, we work this way - I chat and jabber while Maryanne conducts business. That really isn't as bad as it sounds.... we came to the realization that we'd need to have some means of doing both. When working a show, you have "x" hours to do all the business you are going to be able to do. Having one of us do the chatting leaves the other to the business. It has always worked out very well for us.

On Saturday, the skies opened (with a vengence!) shortly after opening. The rain came in buckets...oddly able to fall horizontally. Since we were in a very large tent with several other vendors, we just replaced the sides and continued. The rain forced many people inside (good for us!), and other than the river flowing through our booth, all was fine. It left as quickly as it arrived, leaving behind a second gorgeous day.

Our booth was lots of fun. We weren't sure how we'd incorporate all of the parts - the books and magazines, the soaps and toiletries, and the awesome, gorgeous torchwork jewelry.... but it all worked together very well. We put the "road apple" soaps in the front to start conversations. The felted soap balls attracted attention from "fiber folk", the "artzy-fartzy" soap got lots of attention, and the jewelry and magazines got the rest of them. All in all, it seemed to be a great mix.

Now I can't wait for the next fair - the Garden Craft Faire at Alloway Creek Gardens & Herb Farm in Littlestown, near Gettysburg, PA. That one will take place June 2 and 3. It features free garden talks and tours, artists, music, vendors, and tasty herbal food.

Getting Ready for Landis Valley Herb Faire

Two more days until my favorite herb faire - for either vending or buying! It's been a couple years since I set up there, although the same cannot be said for buying. Last year all of my patio herbs for cooking came from this festival.
Herb & Garden Faire
May 12 & 13Friday & Saturday, 9am-5pmGarden enthusiasts flock to our annual faire like bees to flowers. This is one of the largest East Coast plant and garden sales. Landis Valley's highly regarded Heirloom Seed Project, celebrating its 21st year, and more than 80 vendors tempt you with herbs, historic seeds and garden accoutrements.

If you're coming, look for us in the big yellow tent to the right - very close to the heirloom plants. My sister will have her soaps and jewelry, and I'll be hawking the magazine and books. Be sure to say hello!
There will be pictures later :-).

Wild Foods Cookbook submissions

We're putting together one of our Essential Herbal books, and this one will contain recipes and favorite ways to eat wild foods. Contributing is easy and will provide lots of publicity if you have a business.
Do you enjoy nibbling on chickweed, garlic mustard, dandelion, day lilies, and wild mustard? Perhaps you have been putting those acorns to work? Lamb's Quarters, Sheep Sorrel, Sweet Violet and Rose Petals find their way into your salad bowl? When you see burdock and poke in the fall, does it cause you to make a mental note of the location? If so, please consider sending a recipe or two in for inclusion. Pictures to accompany the recipe are welcome as well.
If you'd like to participate, here are the details:
The deadline for this book will be May 21.
Be sure to include your contact information as you'd like it to appear next to the recipe(s). That would be either a website, or if none available, hometown. Email would be appropriate if you wish, too.
Send submissions to: essentialherbal@aol.com You can see the other books we've put together at www.essentialherbal.com

May Day - recipes for Maximum Metabolism Diet

The smoking stopped with 2005, so here it is May, and my girth has increased. Many years ago I used a diet program called Maximum Metabolism by a Dr. Geller...Robert, I think (the book is out on loan). It is strict as far as carbs go, but works very well and is extremely healthy - full of fruits, veggies, and a decent amount of protein. It was one of the first programs that insisted that food must be consumed often (in small quantities) to keep the metabolism running. In any case, I lost 45 pounds effortlessly within 3 months back then, so now that I'm 50 I should be able to drop a quick 10 this year...
Here are a couple recipes that are delicious dinners on the program:

Garden Minestrone Soup
1 t. Olive Oil
1/2 C. Onions, sliced
1 C. carrots, sliced
1 C. celery, diced
3 C. water
1 16 oz. can Tomatoes
1 low sodium chicken bouillon cube
1 T. chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 t. dry)
1/2 t. thyme
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 16 oz. kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 C. broccoli flowerets
In a large saucepan heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions; cover and cook 2 minutes. Add carrots, celery, water, tomat oes, bouillon, basil, thyme & garlic, cover and heat to boiling. Uncover and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in beans and broccoli and simmer 5 minutes more.
Makes 6 servings.
Per serving: 100 calories; 5 grams protein; 17 grams carbohydrate; 1 gram fat; 320 milligrams sodium.

Mediterranean Fish Stew
1 t. olive oil1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 t. fennel seeds
pinch hot pepper flakes
1 large tomato or 3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 C. bottled clam juice
1/2 C. dry white wine
4 oz. cod or other firm-fleshed fish, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
4 oz. shrimp, peeled, deveined and split lengthwise
8 mussels (about 3/4 lb.), scrubbed
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic, fennel and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, clam juice and wine; bring to a boil then cover and simmer 5 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add cod; cover and cook 3 minutes. Add shrimp and mussels; cover and cook 2 minutes more or until mussels open.
Makes 2 servings.
Per serving: 223 calories; 30 grams protein; 8 grams carbohydrate; 7 grams fat; 260 milligrams sodium.

These are both delicious. Some of the other recipes - like a tarragon mustard chicken dish - have become staples.

Babies everywhere!!!

In farm country, you can't throw a stick at this time of year without hitting a newborn creature of some sort.
Besides these goat kids, colt, and lambs, there have been several instances lately of coming upon calves being cleaned by their mothers right after birth. Today there were goslings following their parents into the pond, and we don't even need to talk about all the tadpoles everywhere!

We've also decided that April 28th must designate "the running of the groundhogs". They were everywhere today - standing in the fields, running hither and yon, just generally acting a little crazy from the sunshine.
The little guys above are pygmy goats. I've never seen a skid 'o kids (is that called an anagram?) before, and there were several more of them spending time with their mothers. I have "issues" with goats, and my sister continues to try and convince me that they are sweet.
Below is the neighbor's mare and colt. She had another colt 2 years ago, and my mother watched that little one like a hawk, worrying and fretting everytime she passed and saw it lying down.

Finally there were the lambs. There were so many of them! At least 50 of the sweet little lambkins kicking up their heels and running along beside their mums. One stopped to look at us, and the mother not-so-gently gave the baby a shove.

Another Day in the Life :-p

This morning we set out to deliver several wholesale orders. We were headed to the side of the county that I really love. Cresting a hill, we came upon the following vista. There were horses, a cow, sheep and goats all eating hay together. I thought, "what? no chickens?"
Yesterday, I passed a cow with udders so full that I told her (out loud) to get herself to the barn for milking. Then, I noticed that she was licking something on the ground - a brand new, moments old baby calf. This time of year is filled with some amazing sights around these parts.
During our travels we stopped at the most incredible yarn shop. There we spent a ton of money (mostly my sister). I got several "chunks" of wool to try my hand at felting. The most recent (Mar/Apr '06) issue of The Essential Herbal had instructions for felting soap. The idea is that you get a soap and wash cloth all in one. We came up with the idea of doing soap balls. In no time at all, there were a dozen of them drying in the warm spring sunshine. We'll see how they go at the herb festival at Landis Valley Museum next month. It was fun to do. Not practical for everyday soap, but it would be great in the right bathroom as it is very primitive looking - AND it looks great on all those soap balls we have sitting around.

More Spring from The Essential Herbal

Everything is knocking itself out blooming around here in Lancaster County, PA. The redbuds and dogwoods are blooming, the lilacs are just beginning, and the fruit trees are stunning. My favorites are still the native woodland plants... at least this month.
Last year, I planted some trilliums and wild ginger. Even though the weather was really ugly the past few days (rainy), it is time for them to be blooming, so I checked them today. Sure enough, they are blooming!

They really are stunning. There is also a taller white trillium that is just about ready to open, and the plants are surrounded by chickweed, garlic mustard (which I keep trying to clear), false Solomon's seal, and Jack in the Pulpit. I'm trying to get information on growing Lady Slipper so that I can find an ethical source and try to grow them here too.
The other day when I was in the woods, I found some trout lily (AKA dogtooth violet) blooming right in the middle of some fern fiddleheads.



















The spring beauty was scattered on the woodland floor like tiny gems, and next week they will be joined by 10's of thousands of the trout lilies along with bloodroot, mayapple, and wild geranium. There were also the usual crop of sweet violet in the many hues of violet, purple, blue, and a blu-ish red. Also white and yellow violets.

Each year we make violet syrup with the flowers. To do so, gather just the flower heads of the violets - something that children adore doing :-). When you have a quart or so of the flowers, rinse them well and place in a pan with approximately one quart of water. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn off heat and steep for about 15 minutes. Strain out the flowers. Add 2 to 3 cups of sugar and 1 tsp. lemon extract and stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, skimming off any foam that may form. When it cools a bit, bottle the beautiful lavender to purple syrup for use on crepes, ice cream, over melon (!), or to sweeten herb tea. This syrup can be made with roses, too.

May/June 2006 issue is in the mail!

For information on subscribing, visit our website!

Table of Contents

Crossword Puzzle - Making Herbal Medicine
Field Notes from the Editor..........................Tina Sams
About the Cover - Cloverleaf Herb Farm
Suburban Herbie - Visit to the Herb Farm........................Geri Burgert
Never Enough Thyme - Our National Herb Garden............... Susanna Reppert
Lavender Cookies............................ Rachel Smith
Hoodia - Miracle Weight Loss Herb?........................... Maureen Rogers
Herbs for Magic....................................Susan Evans
List Article - Favorite Back Yard Remedies....from the Yahoo List
Sweet Cicely and Chervil................ Barbara Steele
Hand Sanitizer............................. Gabriel Kingsley
Cedar “Incense”........................... Karen Hegre
Making Lotion......................... Trina Wallace
Down on the Farm - Be Careful What You Wish For............. Michele Brown
So You Want to be a Vendor?........................ Tina Sams
Birth of a Greenhouse - Part 3........................ Pat Stewart
Readers’ Showcase - ...................................Staff
Lady’s Mantle.......................................... Mary Ellen Wilcox
Upcoming Events
Classified Ads
Crossword Answers
Information on subscribing or submitting
Recipe - Spicy Garlic Chicken & Hot Pepper Vinegar

Shenk's Ferry, etc. Wild Flowers - YAY!!!

Today was the perfect spring day. It is actually almost hard for me to put into words because it was so incredible. When I was very small... maybe 3 or 4, I remember finding a sprig or two of dutchman's breeches. Now, I believed without a shadow of a doubt that there were tiny little fairy men somewhere nearby. I wished it with all my heart, and for that moment in time, I was transported with that belief. It was complete magic. Since that time, I've never seen them in the wild again. Once, I almost did... found a couple sort of dried up sprigs, but not really growing. Until today. Today I saw millions of them along with trillium, corydalis. Virginia bluebells, spring beauty, grape hyacinth, violets in purple, white, and yellow, and rock cress. Oh! What a day! We went riding down along the Susquehanna river finally winding up at Shenk's Ferry Wild Flower Preserve. The road leading to the preserve was rock walls 50 feet or higher, covered with bluebells and trillium, ferns, and dutchman's breeches. At one point I turned to my sister and told her that if one of the eagles nesting nearby happened to fly over AND I would happen to see lady's slipper (still haven't seen that one....), I would be content to die on the spot.

Fiddlehead ferns above, trillium and VA bluebells below.
There were also large stands of blue cohosh, not yet ready to bloom, huge patches of wild geranium, daylilies, and something called squirrel corn... all just on the verge of blooming, but not yet open.

The phlox was just starting to open.
The day started just a little on the shaky side. First there was the very healthy sized garter snake (2') that got away before I could get a decent picture of him, and then there was this lovely 3 or 4' water snake lazing on a log over the little creek, catching some rays. All in all it was one of my favorite days of the year so far.

A Tussie Mussie Garden

Use the language of flowers to speak to the world around you. Imagine if your garden could be a large tussie mussie! Wouldn't it be an interesting planting if all the concentric circles had meaning?
Today when we create a tussie mussie for a friend or lover, we layer it with our intentions. The object of our affection (or displeasure) may or may not be aware of what is being said, but it is still being said. We will give the meanings of a few herbs in a few paragraphs....
The easiest way to make a circular garden is to begin by deciding on how large the circle will be. For this example, we'll be making a 6 foot circle. We'll need a 3 foot piece of string - with enough extra to tie, and a stake. Tie the string to the pencil, and stick it into the ground where the center will be. As you go around the circle, mark it with flour. This will be the outside of the garden.
Depending on the plants you have chosen, you will want to make smaller circles, but first the garden should be built up in the center so it will resemble the little bouquet it is to be named for. Form a mound using good soil. The center could be a 1/2 barrel, too. Make a couple circles going out from the center.
The center needs to be taller flowers. Roses (even miniature bushes would work if using a 1/2 barrel) or a nice tall rosemary would be nice. Add the plants in circles, concentrating on plants that will retain either their flowers or a nice foliage through the summer months. The outside edge would do well with alysum, or "Dusty Miller" artemesia to look like lace.

Here are a few "meaningful" herbs....
Angelica - inspiration
Basil - Peace, Love
Calendula - joy
Dill - lust
Fennel - worthy of all praise
Feverfew - protection
Flax - domesticity
Garlic - courage, strength
Geranium (rose) - preference
Hyssop - wards off evil spirits
Lavender - love and devotion
Lemon Balm - bring love
Mallow - sweetness
Marjoram - happines
Mint - virtue
Nasturtium - conquest and victory
Rosemary - remembrance
Sage - wisdom, long life
Thyme - strength and courage
Woodruff - humility
Yarrow - health, healing

Okay, so that was more than a few....and I restrained myself!

Poke Salad

At market on Friday, one of the stands had pokeweed shoots right next to the asparagas. It never surprises me to see bags of nicely cleaned dandelion greens, but this is the first time I've seen poke. It shouldn't surprise me, since older folks around here like their wild greens, but it just wasn't there before that I can recall. Now if they carry Jerusalem Artichokes next fall, we'll be in business!

The following is from The Forager's Field Guide, from Billy Joe Tatum

Pokeweed phytolacca americana

"In fact, the poke plant contains phytolaccic acid in the leaves, roots, and stalks as well as the berries; there ismore in the roots and the red outer skin of the mature stalks than in the mature leaves. Until the flower head forms, the young shoots and the leaves are a fine pot green. The acid is easily removed from the greens by parboiling them, then cooking them in fresh water. I also prefer to parboil the young shoots. If all the colored skin is peeled off - and easy operation, as it stirps off readily - it is not necessary to parboil poke stalks.

Poke is not only a widely distributed plant but a large one, so there is no shortage of green vegetables when it can be located. If you are new to foraging for poke, look for last year's stiff and broken stalks, then watch for the new young sprouts to appear at their bases. If you pick often and break back the fast-growing plant, you can assure yourself of a crop that often continues into summer. It's not unusual to have another fresh crop of sprouts in the fall, too."

The Rest of the Trip - Odds and Ends.

We were on the 19th floor, but went up to the 32nd floor where we could go out on the roof. The rooftop has planters, lovely built in benches, and nice sturdy guard rails. From the roof, the East river is right "over there", and there are ships docked on this side - New Jersey on the other. It was a bit windy up there, but we stayed a while to look at the various landmarks that were visible, and the tiny little cars on the roof of the gray building, and the equally tiny people on the streets below. I found it particularly funny to find some juicy green chickweed happily growing in one of the planters on the roof, and some daylilies a couple inches out of the ground in another. Laura got a kick out of watching me snuffle around the plants and the ground in the park. There were some dry tree leaves unlike any I'd seen before, but the trees don't have markers - darn it.
Then there was the flower shop. We were walking past this window, and it just stopped me in my tracks. If you look at the pink and yellow spray in the picture, you'll see what I mean. I was absolutely certain that they were made of wood and painted, until we noticed that you could see the seeds inside of a few near the top that are open a bit.
Finally, one of the other memorable things we did was dinner at Strada on 57th. It was just a couple of short blocks, and the food was scrumptious! I had cappelini with shrimp and a yummy cauliflower soup. Laura had lobster ravioli, and I can't remember what Rob and Molly had. For dessert, we all had cappuchino and shared a slice of chocolate mousse cake and another of tiramisu. Sigh.... delicious.
The train was late again bringing us home. I watched out the windows, seeing that the mullein is healthy and prevalent this year, and there are huge patches of tiger lily out there. On the way there, we even passed a "mud sale" held in the neighboring countryside to benefit the small town volunteer fire companies.
It was a wonderful weekend, and I'm refreshed - ready to tackle the upcoming deadline and May/June issue.

4 Seasons of Woman

Spring , Summer, Fall, and Winter. These sculptures hold a giant ring above their heads, and are in the center of a large plaza, surrounded by 4 small restaurants with lots of outdoor seating. Each sculpture is about 15 feet tall. It is breathtaking.

Did I mention that I thoroughly enjoyed all the artwork in the streets?

I think Winter was my favorite because of the mystery enfolded in her robes.

Weekend in NYC - Part One

We had a great weekend walking all over Manhattan. Molly and I visited with our friends Laura and Rob. Our train was very late getting in, so we missed the possibility of seeing Avenue Q, but it really wasn't a big deal.
Laura took us on a walking tour for a good part of Saturday. If I haven't mentioned my Crocs, let me tell you right now that they saved the day. Molly and I both wore them, and not being accustomed to walking 30 or 40 blocks in a given day, they made quite a difference. At the same time, it was a real wake-up that I am getting entirely too sedentary.
Anyhow, we started with brunch, and then headed out visit some thrift shops, etc. The first place we stopped was Backwoods. They had some great gauzy beaded mirrored '70's Indian stuff at very nice prices. The jacket I'm wearing below (standing in the fountain) came from that shop. I was really excited to see the jackets, because we sold them at our old shop, and they are so comfy and colorful. The price was also around the same as we used to get them wholesale! Molly found some things she loved, too.
From there, we headed across Central Park to the 70's and 80's where we found several thrift shops. They had some very cool stuff, but the prices gave me sticker shock. For instance, used shoes were between $20 and $40. Naturally, Molly found a pair of jeans that she fell in love with - and they were very unusual.
These pictures were all taken in Central Park. I took lots of photos of the trees, etc... but these are my favorites. The top picture is a gorgeous bronze sculpture of Alice in Wonderland.
The next shot is Molly and Laura under a budding tree. Things were just beginning to come to life.
Then Laura and I stood under this guy right at the entrace at Columbus Circle. I really loved all the sculpture and statuary in the park, and the old ornate gates and such. Lastly, we went to the lake in the park. I took the picture across the lake, which looked so interesting because to me it could be either Spring OR Fall, because the colors are so similar.
Walking along 5th Avenue, there were many areas that still had the greens stuck in window boxes and planters from the holiday season. We gather some dried juniper berries, and I rolled them in my fingers from time to time to smell that fresh, juicy fragrance. It wasn't quite as good as the coffee we stopped for mid-afternoon, but it was very refreshing. There's more to come... Blogger doesn't seem to like more than 4 pictures at a time.

Lancaster Farmer's Market

The Farmer's Market in the city of Lancaster is the longest continuously operating inland farmers market in the country. Ever since I was a child, the market has been filled with the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish, along with flowers for the table and baked goods that just cannot be described. As times have changed and time itself is less available, delis have popped up offering delectable pasta salads and pre-cooked meals that make your mouth water just thinking about them. In case you can't tell, I've been having a blast going all over the county this spring helping my sister find wholesale outlets for her Lancaster County Soaps. Even though this area has been my home nearly my whole life, it never ceases to be a joy and a pleasure to me. The availability of fresh foods used to be something I took for granted until I traveled a bit and found that this is not the norm.We are very fortunate here. There are also some booths with jellies and jams, coffees and teas, dips, and OH MY the candies, hot soft pretzels, hotdogs, home made breads, baklava. It can be a very dangerous place to the uninitiated. One of the very first rules is to walk all of the aisles before buying. The prices can be quite a bit different from aisle to aisle - depending on how close to an entrance the booth is. Many of the purchases come from tourists on buses, so some of the vendors price accordingly.It is a favorite place to take visitors from out of the area- especially because it gives me an excuse, but also it is great fun for my daughter and me on easygoing Saturday mornings. The surrounding area of the city is full of little shops with interesting items and crafts. One of them, the Lancaster County Heritage Museum has some incredible redware. And the very best greeting cards can be purchased at Zanzibar, and Molly wouldn't consider a trip to town complete without stopping for brunch at Aroma Borealis. These pictures were all taken strolling through market today. Can't wait to try the newest find - mini mangoes... They sure sound good. We'll have to see!

The Tanger Arboretum is behind Wheatland, the Lancaster home of James Buchanan and the adjacent Lancaster County Historical Association. At the arboretum, there are many unusual trees, not often seen in this area. Visiting in very late fall or early spring will reward one with unusual cones or pods.
I love wandering under the trees and seeing conifers that I’ve not seen before, and the very odd deciduous trees that have grown very large over the years. Last year several of us did a weed walk through the neighborhood in late April and were amazed with the specimens and the German four square garden behind the presidential residence.Here are a few shots I took the other day….
There is the Atlas Cedar which is enormous, and then a Beech tree with branches that are curly. And then, a weeping beech. There is an entire grove of different beech trees, and I look forward to arriving during just the right time to collect and taste beechnuts from these trees. The pods are very attractive.
Now if I can accomplish that in the fall, and then get out to the Environmental Center in the spring to help with the maple syrup… gather bayberries in the winter… Trees are just as interesting as smaller herbs.
The grounds of Wheatland and the Tanger Arboretum are both under-utilized areas that are filled with enough to keep a plant lover busy for a good long time. Last year we were stunned to find Marsh Marigolds and a long hedge of a fragrant flowering shrub that we still haven't identified. If you are in the area, it's worth your while to check it out.

Quilts in the Country

There are so many things I take for granted on a daily basis, living here in PA Dutch Country. As the editor of The Essential Herbal, rarely does a month go by that I don't hear how lucky I am to be in an area surrounded by people interested and involved in herbs. That's very true. Back in the early 90's when the idea to put together a state herb association came up, there were many, many herb businesses willing to drive to get together and share ideas and expertise. Most of them still exist.

Even more so though is the fortune of being around the crafts people here in Lancaster County!
We went out to deliver an order of soap into the tourist area of the county today, and stopped to see an old friend Sylvia Petersheim in Smoketown. Sylvia has a quilt shop, and a fabric shop. Her stuff is magnificent. These quilts were *some* of the ones hanging outside today. There are stacks and stacks of them inside the shop. She has a very keen eye for coordinating fabrics for a quilt top.
In addition to the quilts and the fabrics, her husband Omar cares for the grounds of their home, and they are stunning. There is a creek running through the back yard, and the mature landscaping is breath-taking. Actually, I've not been there when things are fully green and blooming, so I can only imagine.