Well, I thought I’d better get started with my blog and begin by introducing myself and my aspirations for the coming year.
My name is Anita and I live in Gloucestershire with my husband, 3 year old daughter, 5 cats (that’s Henry in the photo above) and 5 chickens. I’m lucky enough to have a couple of acres of land, which for the last 7 years we’ve been trying to decide what to do with! So now I’m starting my apprenticeship, a large herb garden is a must I think! Anyone handy with a spade or fork?
Over the coming year I would like to expand my knowledge of my chosen plants (listed below), as well as learning how to grow, find, harvest and prepare them for various uses and I would also like to learn how to treat my family for common ailments. My daughter also has a bit of eczema, nothing too bad, but I would also like to be able to make some concoction that will help with that too.
My chosen 20 plants are:
Angelica – Angelica Archangelica
Arnica – Arnica Montana
Bergamot – Monarda Didyma
Chamomile (Roman) – Chamaemelum Nobile
Chickweed – Stellaria Media
Comfrey – Symphytum Officinalis
Dandelion – Taraxacum Officinale
Dog Rose – Rosa Canina
Echinacea – Echinacea Purpurea
Elder – Sambucus Nigra
Lady’s Mantle – Alchemilla Vulgaris
Lavender – Lavendula Angustifolia
Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis
Marigold – Calendula Officinalis
Nettle – Urticaria Dioica
Valerian – Valeriana Officinalis
Vervain – Verbena Officinalis
Wild Garlic – Allium Ursinum
Witch Hazel – Hamamelis VirginianaYarrow – Achillea Millefolium (also my herbal ally)
I have always been aware of the medicinal properties of plants, having used a variety of essential oils after qualifying as an aromatherapist many years ago, but since having my daughter my interest has been rekindled. I’ve never liked using allopathic medication and try to avoid it, opting for natural alternatives wherever possible. However, my knowledge of natural remedies is limited and now I have a little person to look after, I feel it’s time to expand my repertoire so that I can effectively and confidently treat my family.
I’m looking forward to attending the workshops at the Sanctuary and meeting my fellow apprentices over the coming year.
The photo below is our orchard in last year’s snow.
neetyp 