Finally, after the rainiest June in memory, blue skies have returned to New Hampshire. Borage blooming in the herb gardens at the side of the house capture the quintessential hue of Summer skies. The weather is still cooler than normal, but the plants are making up for lost time. The sunshine has brought us back from the edge of a dark, rainy chasm. Now is our chance to enjoy being outside in the wild places and in the garden.
Outdoor rambles could not wait for a dry spell. A stalwart group of plant enthusiasts took a wonderful hike into the wilds of Waterboro, Maine a few weeks ago. There is wonderful energy up at Johnson Ridge Farm and it was so nice to take a walk that didn't involve the treadmill. Yes, I got soaked, but all in a good cause. We found a whole colony of Sundew (Drosera intermedia) at the gravelly edge of a woods road. Meeting a plant in person for the first time is definitely a peak experience. I've been on the look out for this wetland dweller for a few years now and am thrilled to have communed with Sundew finally.
In fact, I seem to be on a roll as far as meeting new plants goes. I made the acquaintance of Red Elder a few weeks before Sundew. The beautiful red berries caught my eye on the side of the dirt road. I was able to rescue a plant from next year's snow plowing and bring it back to Lichenwood where it seems to have made the transition with grace. I have a little grove of Elderberries started, partly through rescue, garden center purchase, and natural seeding. Most are the Sambucus nigra, or Black Elderberry, that we commonly use for medicine. That's the beautiful plant that is now just past the peak of bloom in our wet areas and all along our country roads. The beautiful lacy flowers are finally available to me where I can easily reach them. This encouraged me to co-create a flower essence.
My most recent new green friend is Malva neglecta, or "Cheeses" which I discovered amongst the Basil plants as I weeded out the main garden bed. This plant can be used just as you would use Marshmallow. They are close relatives. Of course, this meant that I could not remove this new ally from the rows of spicy Basil. They will have to make room for one another!
So, despite the fear that the gardens would wash away and no plants would flower or make fruit, root, or vine, Nature continues her miracles. The garden grows and the wild things flourish. I'm trying to stay alert and focused, so as not to miss any medicine making opportunities. Extracts are lined up on the kitchen counter where they can be shaken and energized daily and oils are infusing, lined up at sunny midday on the back deck railing in all their jewel toned loveliness. Blue Skies are back and Summer is proceding as it should.
Great post, Christine! I'm so happy to see the blue sky! I was beginning to wonder if we ever would. Although I couldn't get your link to Red Elder to come up for me I did look it up. What a beautiful plant. And the Sun Dew...gorgeous. Glad to hear things are finally coming to you in your new home! :)
Posted by: Robyn | July 13, 2009 at 05:46 AM