Herbalist, story teller Doug Elliott

Herbalist & story teller Doug Elliott spent the day at Red Wiggler farm this past Saturday leading nature walks, identifying useful herbs and telling stories. i've seen and heard him twice now and he is truly an energetic, positive & joyful person to be around. he is full of interesting antidotes, stories, wisdom and useful information. one thing i am trying to do as a master gardener is identify more native and other useful plants.

Doug talking about the many uses of stinging nettle

a boutonniere made of burdock burrs and a small flower will naturally stick to clothing. he also mentioned that the man who invented velcro was inspired by the burdock burrs.

chicory Flower

plantain- roots and leaves (can be used as a poultice)

POISONOUS~ Hemlock or Cowbane

Oxcalis~leaves can be eaten in salads to lend a tangy, sour taste.
*please see further information regarding plant use since many plants may have parts that are edible and other parts poisonous (or certain preparation must be followed for safe use).

Red Wiggler Solar Events

this upcoming Saturday between 4-6PM Martin Vosseler, who has been walking across the US since Jan '08, will be at Red Wiggler farm in Gaitherburg MD to celebrate solar! please click the image below for more details about this upcoming event.

CSA Haul Week 2

serious bounty. we got spring onions, turnips, turnip greens, radishes, garlic scapes, asparagus (probably the last for the year), strawberries, mixed braising greens & snap peas. From the PYO (pick your own) garden I got dill, cilantro, gallardia, yarrow, bee balm, batchlor's button, lovage, nasturtium, lavender & mulberries! Whew, what a great week all for around $25!
i spent the weekend cooking and gardening, it was lovely!

Art Farm at Red Wiggler

I spent a few hours this Saturday volunteering at Red Wiggler (See links left) which is the CSA I belong to. They participated in the annual Montgomery County (Farm Alliance) Farm Tour and Harvest Sale of which they are one of the "Art Farms" on the tour. There were stilt walkers, drum circles, veggies for sale, bands in the barn, site specific sculptures and other various happenings. I particpated in a "Peace" project where we all spelled out the word and symbols for peace while a plane flew over and took video. I should get a link to that eventually. I always enjoy seeing people out enjoying the farm durring this event and I certainly look forward to my weekly visits to the farm to pick up my share. It is so peaceful and pleasant and I LOVE the PYO (Pick your own) flowers and herbs. I forgot my camera so I used my Treo and took some shots, they aren't great but you can view a few Here . I had a little fun in Photoshop with a few of them, especially the sunflower and funny colored cherry tomatoes.