Good points about the value of tea, though as the first 50 years of my life were spent in the UK it is still "real tea" that I turn to. Chamomile though - yes, that's good too and only recently I discovered by virtue an inadequately cleaned mug that it goes surprisingly well with coffee.
What a delightful post with gorgeous photos. It felt like a delicious treat for my weary body and soul. I'm so looking forward to a new cut flower garden that I'm going to start when Spring comes. Now I'm inspired to make herbal tea with some of the flowers. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Louisa! It's so beautiful the way that flowers come bearing multiple gifts - beauty, fragrance, pollinators, cut flowers, teas, so much wonder and so much fun!💕
I had no idea it was that simple! 🤭 All of you homesteaders and gardeners are inspiring me. I believe the bees 🐝 and butterflies 🦋 will be happy to see things planted this year.
Thanks so much, Jenny! Sometimes it really is that simple :) I honestly don't have much of a green thumb, but happily there are so many plans that just roll their eyes and don't need me at all 🤣 I'm excited to hear about what you plant this year, too!💕
This is just what I needed today was dreams of spring and summer flowers and teas. Although it’s not hardy here in VA I overwinter a pot of lemon verbena for harvesting the leaves for tea. But all you mentioned are wonderful. I miss my rugosa roses from our big house. I lack space here in our retirement cottage.
Love that you mentioned Pineappleweed! It was my introduction to herbal teas. As a little girl, an elderly neighbor was sometimes my babysitter. She showed me how to pick the Pineappleweed buds and then we would make a pot of tea with them, with a drop of honey in each cup. I still prefer it to chamomile, though I have experienced different flavors of Pineappleweed. It is like chamomile in that regard. It's fragrance on the hand while picking, will reveal the flavor it holds. These days my favorite herbal teas are Stinging Nettle and a blend that includes Ashwagandha and Holy Basil. The Stinging Nettle has a pleasant taste and does a surprisingly quick job of relieving minor aches and pains. And the Ashwagandha blend helps me through the angst of our days. As does the Pineappleweed!
Herbal teas are popular here in Iran, too because of their health benefits but the truth is, usually the younger generation isn't much familiar with these herbal teas (I'm an exception because my mom and i sometimes drink a cup of these herbal teas). Chamomile tea has a nerve-soothing quality and leads to a better night sleep (Here in Iran, you can usually find it in tea bag form in supermarkets). There are also other herbal teas which are made from plants only found in Iran, plants like fernjameshk, and mountain tea, and white tea. Oh, i forgot the roses. Damask roses are also very popular here because in some parts of Iran, making rose waters is one of their springtime traditions (We also have one in our villa-garden).
It's true, these herbal benefits aren't really handed down anymore. It's been nice here with my family to sort of learn about our local wild flora, and identification, and foraging. My kids have grown up with it, and now that's part of the way they look at the world! They recognize a lot of plants, but also just have that curiosity to look at something, and wonder about it - and look it up!
It's truly great that your kids know about these plants and it's very sad to see kids not knowing about wild plants and also not curious to know these and so many things. Teaching kids about wild plants and how to look at the world curiously is a very time-consuming process (parents should do that in regular intervals, not in one-off times). And one more thing: Some kids are more interested to know about these (higher levels of Naturalistic intelligence), and some are not. Let the less-interested kids alone.
A good cup of tea is such an oasis for the soul. What they call Venetian Sunset is a favorite of mine, chamomile and lavender. Lavender! It's fabulous together with fresh rosemary and garlic in roast potatoes too. I've not had any luck growing lavender here, but I can in Colorado. Already dreaming of my garden.
As far as I know, Sarah, every one I’ve ever researched is edible! Especially the wild ones. We have meadow roses that grow all over our property, and I collect them just like the beach roses. I’m a little less sure about all the specially-bred garden varieties - but I think a quick search of any specific variety would let you know!
Intriguing! I’m always afraid of poisoning myself! And flowers vs leaves? Or both? I know that ‘normal’ tea is just a form of camellia, dried leaves, and yes that pot of chamomile the other day looked like flowers, but we’re warned from such an early age to be careful in case that mushroom is the poisonous type (though I remember happily collecting and cooking them as a kid!) that caution wins out. I need to seek out an expert like you for training obviously. Hugs my dear. Enjoy those wonderful experiences. 🤗🤗💕
🤣 I can totally relate, Beth! You're right about the chamomile, it's literally the pinched blossoms right off the plant, dried. Isn't it fun to know that's just a little pile of flowers steeping in your cup? Hope you're well!🤗
Good points about the value of tea, though as the first 50 years of my life were spent in the UK it is still "real tea" that I turn to. Chamomile though - yes, that's good too and only recently I discovered by virtue an inadequately cleaned mug that it goes surprisingly well with coffee.
Thanks so much, Richard! What a happy accident to blend chamomile with tea!
What a delightful post with gorgeous photos. It felt like a delicious treat for my weary body and soul. I'm so looking forward to a new cut flower garden that I'm going to start when Spring comes. Now I'm inspired to make herbal tea with some of the flowers. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Louisa! It's so beautiful the way that flowers come bearing multiple gifts - beauty, fragrance, pollinators, cut flowers, teas, so much wonder and so much fun!💕
Yes, the gift of flowers just keeps giving ⚘️🌼🌻🌸
I had no idea it was that simple! 🤭 All of you homesteaders and gardeners are inspiring me. I believe the bees 🐝 and butterflies 🦋 will be happy to see things planted this year.
Thanks so much, Jenny! Sometimes it really is that simple :) I honestly don't have much of a green thumb, but happily there are so many plans that just roll their eyes and don't need me at all 🤣 I'm excited to hear about what you plant this year, too!💕
This is just what I needed today was dreams of spring and summer flowers and teas. Although it’s not hardy here in VA I overwinter a pot of lemon verbena for harvesting the leaves for tea. But all you mentioned are wonderful. I miss my rugosa roses from our big house. I lack space here in our retirement cottage.
How nice, Glo! Those roses definitely turn into monsters 🤣
Love that you mentioned Pineappleweed! It was my introduction to herbal teas. As a little girl, an elderly neighbor was sometimes my babysitter. She showed me how to pick the Pineappleweed buds and then we would make a pot of tea with them, with a drop of honey in each cup. I still prefer it to chamomile, though I have experienced different flavors of Pineappleweed. It is like chamomile in that regard. It's fragrance on the hand while picking, will reveal the flavor it holds. These days my favorite herbal teas are Stinging Nettle and a blend that includes Ashwagandha and Holy Basil. The Stinging Nettle has a pleasant taste and does a surprisingly quick job of relieving minor aches and pains. And the Ashwagandha blend helps me through the angst of our days. As does the Pineappleweed!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Sandy! I've never had Stinging Nettle or Ashwagandha, actually, but you've made me curious :)
Herbal teas are popular here in Iran, too because of their health benefits but the truth is, usually the younger generation isn't much familiar with these herbal teas (I'm an exception because my mom and i sometimes drink a cup of these herbal teas). Chamomile tea has a nerve-soothing quality and leads to a better night sleep (Here in Iran, you can usually find it in tea bag form in supermarkets). There are also other herbal teas which are made from plants only found in Iran, plants like fernjameshk, and mountain tea, and white tea. Oh, i forgot the roses. Damask roses are also very popular here because in some parts of Iran, making rose waters is one of their springtime traditions (We also have one in our villa-garden).
It's true, these herbal benefits aren't really handed down anymore. It's been nice here with my family to sort of learn about our local wild flora, and identification, and foraging. My kids have grown up with it, and now that's part of the way they look at the world! They recognize a lot of plants, but also just have that curiosity to look at something, and wonder about it - and look it up!
It's truly great that your kids know about these plants and it's very sad to see kids not knowing about wild plants and also not curious to know these and so many things. Teaching kids about wild plants and how to look at the world curiously is a very time-consuming process (parents should do that in regular intervals, not in one-off times). And one more thing: Some kids are more interested to know about these (higher levels of Naturalistic intelligence), and some are not. Let the less-interested kids alone.
We have lavender in the yard and love it.
It really is delightful!
A good cup of tea is such an oasis for the soul. What they call Venetian Sunset is a favorite of mine, chamomile and lavender. Lavender! It's fabulous together with fresh rosemary and garlic in roast potatoes too. I've not had any luck growing lavender here, but I can in Colorado. Already dreaming of my garden.
Venetian Sunset, I’ve never heard that before - what a beautiful name for a terrific blend! This is definitely when the garden dreaming begins :)
I didn't know that wild rose flowers only lasted a day! Can I safely collect any wild rose petals? If so, I'll give it a try this summer.
As far as I know, Sarah, every one I’ve ever researched is edible! Especially the wild ones. We have meadow roses that grow all over our property, and I collect them just like the beach roses. I’m a little less sure about all the specially-bred garden varieties - but I think a quick search of any specific variety would let you know!
I love this post Sydney, and also the photos. Your gentle humor adds the sprinkle of delight to the experience of reading your words.
I am now off to brew a cuppa tea and ponder the coasts of Maine. I miss New England at times.
Thank you so much, Teyani! It’s so lovely to think of a little Maine-reminiscing tea time :)
Beautiful as always. I could almost taste them. Go well Sydney. May your heart always be held by nature.
Thank you so much, Ian!
I love herbal teas, and your words and pictures have renewed my interest in growing a tea garden.
How fun, Rebecca, a tea garden will never disappoint!
mmmm delicious! thank you. 💐
Thank you, Sara!
Intriguing! I’m always afraid of poisoning myself! And flowers vs leaves? Or both? I know that ‘normal’ tea is just a form of camellia, dried leaves, and yes that pot of chamomile the other day looked like flowers, but we’re warned from such an early age to be careful in case that mushroom is the poisonous type (though I remember happily collecting and cooking them as a kid!) that caution wins out. I need to seek out an expert like you for training obviously. Hugs my dear. Enjoy those wonderful experiences. 🤗🤗💕
🤣 I can totally relate, Beth! You're right about the chamomile, it's literally the pinched blossoms right off the plant, dried. Isn't it fun to know that's just a little pile of flowers steeping in your cup? Hope you're well!🤗
What a gorgeous reminder that spring and the promise of rebirth is on its way soon. ☀️🦋🌸
Thank you so much, Grace - spring will be most welcome! 🌸