I'm really a fall/winter person which is one of the reasons I love living in the mountains of Western NC.  Though in the last few years, spring has brought a new found sense of awareness and love for my garden. Once upon a time, we planted veggies and some culinary herbs but that was years ago. Soon after my housemate moved out, I discovered I'm not really a great solo gardener as I tend to lack the time and motivation it takes to cultivate those well maintained and manicured gardens you see about town. When I talk about my garden, I always giggle a bit when I say "garden" because mine is a wild garden; somewhat organized, lush (slightly overgrown) and brimming with possibility.

Last spring, I was blessed with a few wilds growing naturally in my yard. I became fully immersed in the benefits of purple dead nettle, plantain and dandelion. I brewed teas, tinctures, salves and oxymels. This spring, I discovered I have 46 wild growing medicinal herbs/plants growing in my yard. Having been here for 4 years with the last tenants before me having been here for 10 years, I can accurately say no pesticides have been used on this land for at least the last 14 years and I am so grateful I can work with these natural medicinals in making my favourite butters, elixirs, syrups and salves.

There's so many laws governing herbal body products, it's doubtful I will ever create a full fledged herbal business. My eyes tend to roll when people talk about how you can't say your product is organic (even though it is) or how you can't proclaim something works (even though it does). So for now, I will continue to gift my creations to my friends and as always, gratefully accept donations.

Here's a sample of what's steeping, brewing and happening in my homegrown apothecary.