by Kenan White | Mar 29, 2012 | Herbs, Life on the Farm, Miscellaneous |
It’s that time of year again. You know, the time of year where everything is dusted with a thick layer of pollen and your nose takes on that itchy-sneezy-runny quality that heralds in the spring weather. For those of us that suffer from allergies, the term “spring fever” has a much more literal connotation, and constantly taking medication to combat these awful symptoms may offer equally unsavory side effects. So, what is an allergic outdoors-lover to do? Well, one of the major symptoms in terms of discomfort is inflammation of the nasal passages, which, in turn, makes it difficult to breathe and causes headaches. Luckily, places like this cannabis dispensary san jose way provide a number of natural anti-inflammatories which can really help to ease this discomfort, which leads me to my next point; the best cure for allergies are those that are natural, and some can even come from your garden! Consider the following herb plants when you begin to sneeze and sniffle this spring:
Eucalyptus: Did you ever use Vapor Rub as a kid, when you were sick and stuffy? Well the naturally mentholated antibacterial oils in Eucalyptus are perfect for unclogging stuffy sinuses. Just boil some water and add a few cups of the minty Silver Drop Eucalyptus, and lower your head over the concoction. You may want to drape a towel over your head to collect as much steam as possible as this will alleviate much of the sinus pressure and congestion. For more information on using Eucalyptus as a natural remedy for allergies, read our previous blog!
Parsley: Chocked full of vitamins and minerals, Parsley is a wonderful antioxidant that will boost your immune system and help your body fight off symptoms from allergies. Because of Parsley’s anti inflammatory abilities, it acts as a natural antihistamine and helps to quell runny noses. The Italian Flat Leaf variety is packed with higher levels of Vitamin C, Iron and antioxidants than its Curly cousin, but making tea with either will soon have you feeling much better!
Chamomile: Just like Parsley, Chamomile contains anti inflammatory benefits which will help clear congestion and prevent your nose from running. When made into a tea, this lovely medicinal herb also has a soothing effect on your body, allowing you to relax and rest which helps your body fight off attacks to its immune system.
These are just a few of the many wonderful healing herbs that we grow that can help cure what ails you. Read through our great list of medicinal herb plants to start curing yourself the natural way!
by Kenan White | Mar 14, 2012 | Basics, Flowers, Gardening, Growing, Herbs, Life on the Farm, Miscellaneous |
Well it’s definitely safe to say that Spring has sprung. Our forecast here in Virginia (zone 7b) calls for temperatures at or above 68 degrees for the next ten days! But, before I break out the shorts and sandals, here are a few things that still need to be done in the garden before Spring truly takes over:
* Enjoy these warm afternoons by doing a little spring cleaning! Clean and oil your garden gear and make sure to sharpen pruners, shears and shovels for clean cuts in the garden. Cleaning and sharpening your tools will promote a long life for your tools and better health for your plants. Dull blades may mash the stems of your herb plants and flowers, opening the door to disease or decay. Don’t forget to keep all your tools and gardening equipment somewhere safe – small sheds are a great solution if you need more storage space in your garden.
* Finish clearing the gutters, gardens and other nooks and crannies of all lingering Fall leaves. This will be a huge help once April hits and we start to see more rain. Removing debris like old leaves, will allow your rain gutters austin to drain, preventing insect larvae and mold from inhabiting your home. Once you’re up there cleaning the gutters, take a look at your roof to check for any damage it may have gotten over the winter months. Contact the Ace Roofing Company if you see anything that could lead to water damage. After you’ve cleared your gutters, it’s a great time to install a rain barrel to collect the runoff for your garden. It may take longer for some people to completely remove any unwanted debris that is living in your guttering system. Don’t worry, you don’t have to complete this process alone, as there are many companies similar to Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Atlanta who will be able to make sure that your gutter has been completely cleared so that you are able to install a rain barrel with no other complications. This will be a huge help when rain is scarce, and the natural minerals in the rainwater are much better for your plants. Lastly, be sure to clear all leaves, lingering foliage, or dead plants from your garden to discourage disease and give your Spring plants a fresh start.
*Once you’ve cleaned your gardens, it’s a good time to test and amend your soil. You can find soil test kits at your local hardware store, and if you don’t have a composter, you should pick one of those up while you’re there! Adding two to three inches of organic compost to your garden is a terrific way to boost the nutrients in your soil and give your new garden a great makeover.
*Give your perennial herb plants like Cutting Celery and Italian Flat Leaf Parsley a good pruning to encourage tender spring grow. Are you petrified of pruning? Watch our how-to video, where I show you the proper way to prune Parsley!
*Here in VA, we should be clear of any frosty nights, so you can start planting cool weather crops, like Arugula, and most herbs, especially herbs that bolt during the heat of summer, like Cilantro. If you’re planting herbs that may be more sensitive, like Basil, make sure your night time temperatures will consistently be at or above 50 degrees before planting outside.
by Kenan White | Jan 18, 2012 | Books & Design, Flowers, Gardening, Inspiration, Miscellaneous, Recipes |
When our Co Owner, Kenan White, recently found an opportunity to see James Farmer speak, she immediately booked her flight to the AmericasMart show in Atlanta, Ga. Meeting him after his talk was an exciting added bonus! Read on to see why we are so impressed with this brilliant Southern gentleman.
James Farmer’s lecture on “Herban Gardening” at the Atlanta Mart was the highlight of my buying trip!
This true Southern gentleman would make his mama proud! Handsome, polite, self-effacing, and oh so talented. Since I have been following James’ work for some time, I didn’t quite know what to expect, but this one is the ‘real deal’! I’ve been in this business for over a decade, seen them come and go, but my guess is that James is here to stay. Talented for sure, but authenticity counts almost as much.
I’ve tried to recreate his gorgeous arrangements and delicious recipes at home, but after spending an hour watching him arrange and cook and entertain, I realized I have a lot to learn. His seamless and gracious presentation had me imagining myself on his front porch, a late afternoon summer breeze making it all bearable, sipping on his mint infused tea and taking a bite of Mimi’s Apple Cake.
For anyone who’s unfamiliar James, check out his website … and go out and get his book – A Time to Plant: Southern Style Garden Living. For all of us below the Mason Dixon, he reads like a well known novel. For those of you outside of the real South, get ready to experience ‘our’ way of life!
Bless him for sharing.
by Kenan White | Feb 17, 2011 | Miscellaneous |
We have included Eucalyptus ‘Silver Drop’ in our selection of herb plants for the past twenty years. The plants are started from seed about six months before they are ready to sell. Eventually growing into a small tree or shrub, they provide excellent stems of silvery foliage for use in cut flower arrangements. Not only beautiful, it is long lasting and aromatic. Eucalyptus also dries well for use in dried arrangements. As useful as it is beautiful, Eucalyptus is also a great decongestant. This herb’s the full package- a lovely aromatic herb for arrangements and landscaping which is also a useful medicinal herb as well!
Having sent several hundred little plants out into the world we often wonder what became of them. Around town there are a few large specimens grown from our starter plants. Here is a picture of one that is cut each summer and still makes a nice landscape plant. And even though they are rated for hardiness zones 9-10, they do not seem bothered in the least by our zone 7 winters. (Even as hard as this past one has been!) We just love to see our plants growing strong and healthy after leaving our greenhouse. It’s a great feeling to know that something you’ve nurtured is continuing to bring others joy as it grows!
by Kenan White | Oct 28, 2010 | Miscellaneous |
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt or 1/3 cut nonfat Greek Style yogurt
1/3 cup lowfat buttermilk
3 tlb mayonaise
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tlb finely chopped fresh Garlic Chives
Salt and Pepper
Mix ingredients, chill and enjoy with fresh veggies.
