Simple Herbal Gifts

Dream pillows are simple gifts I make for Christmas gifting.  I use Dream Herbs  Pillow Mix from Mountain Rose Herbs but you could easily mix up your own blend using your favorite relaxing herbs such as lavender, rose petals, hops, chamomile, mugwort, and a few drops of rose or lavender essential oil. I tuck the dream herbs...

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Fall Fun with Herbs

I organized the still room pantry this week.  In the process I discovered jars of herbs and spices that I had forgotten about- star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel.  It is time for some fall herb crafting around here!  Last fall I used those ingredients to make a pretty potpourri.  This season I think I'll...

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Soon ...

our resident toad that loves to soak in the dog's water bowl I'll be back soon ... fall is coming (so ready for this) and I'll have more time (and energy!) for posting here. While I'm here ... My herb garden has suffered this summer- heat, neglect, and a very naughty puppy have made things quite the challenge.  But, a new season...

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Summer Garden~ Pineapple Sage

One of my summer garden favorites- Salvia elegans, Pineapple SageA tender perennial in my area, it seldom survives the heat of August; but just maybe this year it will persevere.  Thus far it is lush and lovely, though no longer blooming.  The red blossoms are loved by hummingbirds as well as humans, and make a sweet addition to...

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Cool Drinks for Hot Days

Sunny summer days call for refreshing drinks.  Herbs make fabulous teas and flavored waters.  One of the simplest is also a favorite here in the Love household.  A few sprigs of lemon balm, ginger mint, and spearmint in a pitcher of water.  I set it on the windowsill in the morning and by lunch time it is ready to drink....

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Summer's Perfect Pair

fresh basilred ripe tomatoesJuicy, warm from the sun, tomatoesfresh picked basilorganic extra virgin olive oilsea saltfreshly ground black pepperslice or halve tomatoes depending on size and varietychop basil and sprinkle over tomatoes drizzle with olive oilseason with sea salt and pepper to tasteEnjoy!...

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Blooming

The rains have been glorious, and the flower gardens are blooming their thanks. Rock Rose Moses in a Basket (Purple Heart Wandering Jew, I think) Crape MyrtleWhat's blooming in your garden these days?Blessings,Cather...

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Simple Joys

herbs in a mason jar on the windowsill ... simple. beautiful. perfe...

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Still Room Herb Walk

Like to take a virtual herb walk with me?I wandered about this morning and snapped photos of many of my herbs to share with you.  As you can see some are established in beds and borders, some are happily thriving in containers, and some are just getting started as tiny sprouting seeds or small seedlings.  I've had lots of fun plotting...

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Nettle & Honey for Allergy Relief

A repost from the archives with an update at the end.   Allergy season is upon us.   I have a simple herbal tonic that I make every year to help prevent and alleviate the misery of sneezing, itchy eyes, and so forth that plagues members of my family.  First I make a nettle infused vinegar and then mix that with local...

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Springtime Thoughts

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~ Ruth StoutSpring is in the air here at The Still Room.  Lavender, sage, and rue are in bloom much to the butterflies and bees delight, as well as mine!  I planted basil, dill, parsley, Greek oregano, sweet marjoram, thyme, and rosemary in the raised beds and scattered an assortment of herb seeds throughout the front gate garden.  I...

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Easter Wishes

I pray your Easter is filled with love, joy, peace, and the blessed hope of new life! He is ris...

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Foiled Plans

Best laid schemes of Mice and Men oft go awry,  said Robert Burns.And my plans for the Lavender Love Link-up did just that. Rather than dwelling on my foiled plans, I'll just say it wasn't to be at present and plan to try again sometime soon.  Perhaps next week ... I'll wait until I have the post up to announce it though- March...

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Lavender and Lemon Love

Lavender and lemon are a fabulous pair. There is something amazing that happens when you mix these two together. Either in aromatherapy, 'cookie therapy' (hey, cookies always make me feel better!), or in a simple herbal tea- lavender and lemon are a winning combination.lavender lemonadeSince Spring is in the air in my world, and things have...

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Herbal Homekeeping ~ Lavender Love

Lavender is one of the best loved herbs, and for good reason. Lavender, named by the Romans from the latin- lavare, meaning to wash, is used for many cleansing purposes.  Used in the bath or laundry, lavender gives a soothing, clean fragrance. Lavender sachets or bags- a small pillow filled with dried lavender, is a pleasant way to scent...

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Thinking Spring

Spring weather is popping in and out at my house these days.  These warm, breezy days bring out the gardening bug in me quickly.  I am ready to plant a new herb garden; but first a garden spot has to be established and the soil prepared.  I prefer no-till or lasagna gardening, but since we are going from established yard to...

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Herbal Winter Warm-Ups

Wintry weather is making an appearance this weekend, causing me to seek out warming cups of herb tea and other ways to keep the cold at bay.  A cup of ginger tea is a simple way to bring warmth to a cold body.  I add a couple of slices of fresh ginger to my tea cup, pour in boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. ...

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Within Your Reach

This spoke to me today-Mend the parts of the world that are "within your reach".  ~ Clarissa Pinkola EstesLovely.  And so wise.  If we each mend what is in our reach, we can indeed change the world, one life, one home, one community at a time. I'm thinking of roses today- of planting a few  to grow along the fence, bringing...

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Simple Home Remedies ~ Elderberry Honey

This herbal home remedy or tonic is one that I make frequently, especially during cold and flu season.Elderberry Honey is so simple to make, all you need are 3 ingredients:Elderberries-1 cup fresh, or 1/2 cup dried (I used dried)Water- 3 cupsHoney- 1 cupPlace elderberries and water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook slowly for 30-45...

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Rose ~ Herb of the Year 2012

The rose, favorite flower of many, is the Herb of the Year for 2012. Each year the International Herb Association chooses one herb to be featured for the year.  Last year it was horseradish, and you will note that my blog was largely silent on that one other than perhaps a post announcing it being the Herb of the Year.  Horseradish...

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