Herbs To Go

As of this writing, it is April 19, 2023. It is the time of year to dive into those visions of what can be. Fresh herbs lend a brightness and pop to cooking that just can't be matched by dried herbs from the store. Fresh herbs are a healthy tonic for body and mind. Growing plants freshen the air and lift the spirits. Living and traveling in an RV or an apartment, things have to be efficient. This is how I garden right now. It is simple, efficient, and sustainable. Best of all, the total cost of this was $5, and I can move it to its best spot.

I chose the elements for this garden for both their practical value and their symbolism. The Eye of Horus is a symbol of good health, healing, and reminds me to have a vision for the future. The rosemary and thyme benefit the heart, mind, and lungs; and symbolize seeing the future. Chives are in the onion family, also heart healthy and visionary. The rose blossoms and hips are edible and symbolize love.

To create this mini-garden, I grabbed an old roaster pan that was going to be tossed out. Then I grabbed a friend and we went to the beach for an afternoon of foraging fun.

I put a few flat rocks in the bottom so the drainage holes don't get blocked.

Fill the pan about 3/4 full of potting soil and mix with rain water or filtered water.

I do a rough lay out of my design elements in the garden so I know where to put the plants.

It's time to put in the plants. I chose rosemary, rose, chives, and creeping thyme.

I start at the back of my garden with the chives. When they fill in, they will make my "garden hedge".

Next is the rosemary and the rose. I start with tiny plants so I can keep them as small bonsai.

I finished filling the pot and reset my garden path.

My friend has an outdoor planter of creeping thyme that needed to be replanted.

I used a soil knife to cut the thyme out of its old home and took plugs to put in my garden. (I will redo her planter later)

An hour later, the garden is done. The only thing that I am concerned about is the tiny little rose. It had three one inch long roots when I put it in the pot.

In one to two weeks, I will give things a trim and start training the rosemary.

Other plants to try are salad greens, bunching onions, oregano, and bay. Have fun and start small.

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The Long View

As I put together this newsletter, it is the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, I live in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The winters here can be cold and harsh or cool and damp. This year it was both. Either way, the growing season is book marked by a freeze on each side. The clear changing of the seasons here act as a constant reminder of the cycle of life, and the wisdom of living within that cycle of life.

The Oracle at Delphi used Bay Laurel to help her see the past, present, and future. The Eye Of Horus sees what is in order to get a sense of the future. The herbs that I chose to highlight in the profile and the project all promote the health of the mind and body. Spring is all about taking the long view. This is a time when, hopefully, we have learned the lessons of the past so we can plant seeds in the present to create abundance and resilience in the future. With a little bit of vision, we create a bountiful and sustainable harvest.

I grow plants because it keeps me in the sustainable cycle. I grow plants because it reduces the toxins and trash that will challenge the next generation. I nurture plants because when we take care of them, they gift us with life and health.

In talking and working with others, I find that everyone has some sort of constraint in their life. Mine is space, time, and light. As a working artist, my income is uneven. Other people in my life are constrained by mobility. These constraints often become blessings if you take them as a challenge to see if you can get the neighbors to scratch their heads.

To create sustainable abundance in my life, I took some lessons from my grandmother. She taught me to re-purpose what was at hand to create my vision of the future. By looking around the neighborhood with the tiny home that I am creating in mind, I am finding what I need for a useful and efficient mobile garden.

This is my invitation to you to think out of the box to serve your long view. Sometimes the harvest is a lesson. Sometimes the harvest is beautiful and tasty. (YUM) Always, the harvest is an adventure.

Besides, it's fun when the rubber-neckers can't figure out what you are doing.

The Rising of The Phoenix

This is an old story. It happened many lifetimes ago. Or, did it happen yesterday. Or, maybe I saw it in a vision of tomorrow. I'm sorry, I just can't remember any more, and maybe it really doesn't matter. After all, it is just a story, in all of its glory. Just the conjured illusions from the mind of a fool......

A digital print of my original pen and ink, The Phoenix, along with the full story are available by clicking on the link. Your support through purchase or subscription helps me do the research and trials to bring you ideas and stories.

And for a little bit more

Events

April 20 - New moon, Solar eclipse

April 22 - Earth Day

April 28 - Arbor Day

May 1 - May Day

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo, Full moon, Lunar eclipse

May 14 - Mother's Day

May 19 - New moon

Bay Laurel

When it comes to plants that I never want to be without, bay is in my top five. It is a great flavoring for soups and stews. The wood can be used for smoking food. It has a number of health benefits from helping your body digest fatty meats to helping to relieve aches and pains. Like most aromatic herbs, it contains a number of compounds that are of overall benefit to the body. The ancient societies around the Mediterranean also had a number of symbolic and magical uses for this herb. I find that it helps to clear my mind and promotes focus.

Bay Laurel is a Mediterranean tree that, when grown in its native habitat can get 20 feet tall. It needs well drained soil, moderate moisture, and temperatures above 20*F. I grow mine in a 3 gallon stock pot and intentionally keep it small. My two year old plant is in the beginning stages of bonsai training. I keep it outside during the summer and in a cool spot inside for the winter. I have propagated bay from cuttings, but it is one of the more difficult plants to take cuttings from. If I get the conditions perfect, I might get a 5% success rate. Once it is growing, it is fairly easy to care for.

For more information, there is a longer article here:

Eye of Horus / Eye of Ra

One of the most widely recognized symbols of ancient Egypt is the eye. The actual origin of this symbol is lost to the mists of time and probably predated the Egyptian civilization. It has become associated with a number of Egyptian myths and legends that give it its modern connotations. These meanings make it perfect for this time of year.

When it is associated with Horus (drawn as the left eye), it symbolizes healing, regeneration, wholeness, and intuition. When it is associated with Ra (drawn as the right eye), it symbolizes power, intellect, and the ability to see all.

These are all at play in my mini garden. Left eye or right eye - that is for you to decide. Which symbol brings balance into your life.

The full article is at:

And I'm Not The Only One

Here are a couple of places to find more information.

Reeds and Roots Skill Share is a wonderful organization in my area dedicated to sharing sustainability and resiliency skills. There are a number of organizations around the world dedicated to the same mission. For North Eastern Ohio, USA

reedsandroots.org

Some one I'm following:

Andrew Millison is putting together a new series of videos revolving around sustainable water management. India's Water Revolution. He is at youtube.com/@amillison