Harvest of the Herb

Roman Chamomile

Herbs. they are pretty great plants. and they are at their peak right now in the mid-late summer. A really beatufiul, button like German Chamomile, was ready for harvest. see above.  we love it here for teas, and Commonweal Gardens (where RDI resides) always has its own stash of dried Chamomile. thought it would be good to replenish. Its great before bed, in teas, and the plant responds best for the body steeped in natural spring water brought to just under a boil. we are a little spoiled with our spring water here.

Calendula

 Calendula is one of my favorite flowers, and it was one of the first flowers i ordered from a catalog. it was called Flashback Calendula, and it was a sun burst of yellow pedals that faded at the tips and to the center of the head in a hue mix of pink, yellow, and a red center. here at Commonweal we have stunning varieties of both domesticated and wild Calendula, the later being almost twice as small in flower, and a slender creeping weed; we let it be most of the time to be a filler. yellows, oranges, and a few in between populate almost every nook, edge, and disturbed soil spot that we have. This little flower is edible and great in salads, although it is a strong medicinal. tinctures, teas, fresh and dried, this flower is a great healer, and especially vital in salves for topical application.

drying racks ready

Liam and White Coyote Mint, from Ebbet's Pass

 Liam has been adventuring around with a Medicinal Guru named Tellur Fenner http://www.bluewindbmc.com/bios.php and went up to the Sierra ranges and grabbed some fun plants. Tellur will be teaching a 12 month 200 hour medicinal california native botany class here at RDI starting in October-  http://www.regenerativedesign.org/edible-medicinal-plants-ca

Nicociana (wild tobacco) and Mint

 Yarrow (below) is another one of my favorite plants, revered in medieval times and used in beer and to make bitters before hops. an old world plant, its name Achillea Millefolium is referenced from greek culture because Achillies would carry it for his army as a treatment for wounds. much of it has established its self in most of the northern hemisphere. unsure of how we will use it, but drying it is a main priority.

Wonderful Yarrow