Too Many Herbs… Not Enough Room
Ok. I have a problem. I admit it. Maybe it is even an obsession. I love plants. I can’t seem to stop buying them. Last week I went to the garden center to get a gift certificate for a friend. But on the way to the checkout, I saw this gorgeous red lupine in someone’s cart! I had to have one. I just couldn’t leave the store without it. I mean, really, you see how difficult this problem can be.
So, my solution – make the garden bigger. Problem solved! Now I have spent all week removing the grass from what will be an extended garden. I am in my happy place. Sore muscles are worth it! Maybe someday, there won’t be any grass left.
People garden for many different reasons: to have organic and fresh food, to grow unusual plants and save the seeds, to feed the birds or bees or butterflies, to get exercise, to enjoy the fresh air outdoors, to be creative, to express grief or frustration, to share joy and beauty. The list is endless. We have an instinctual need to be near the earth. To get our hands and feet into the dirt. To ground ourselves. To breathe freely.
I saw a billboard recently, it said, “Feeling overwhelmed? Step outside. Breathe.” I love this! We weren’t made to live out our lives under fluorescent lights, with stuffy chemical air from the dirty carpets, and the buzz of all the electromagnetic technology surrounding us. We thrive by taking the time to get outside, to let all the stress go, and breathe in joy and beauty.
Herbs have a healing energy, even before we use them as medicine. Have you ever taken a moment to really observe a particular plant? Notice its leaf shape: delicate, lacey, stout, spiky, soft, thorny, ridged, hairy. How does it dance in the wind? Is it graceful or strong? How does it smell? After identifying it as safe…how does it taste? Make a tea and notice how this herb makes you feel. I hope you take time to become friends with an herb this summer.
As for me, I plan to be in my garden a lot this year. I have new herbs to explore! I hope to share about these in future emails. Be sure to follow along on my herbal journey and begin your own. Step outside. Breathe.