A Summer Gathering, Healing Trees & My Favorite Hibiscus Tea
I'm writing to you today from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My father has been hosting a family reunion here every other year for more than 20 years. We have four generations together this week, and it has been such a gift to watch the cousins reconnect, laugh together, and make new memories.
These gatherings remind me how important it is to slow down and spend time with the people we love. Summer has a way of inviting us to linger a little longer—whether around a dinner table, on the beach, or in the garden.
Speaking of summer, it has been such a hot one that I've found myself missing the cold hibiscus tea I've been enjoying back home in Colorado. It's one of my favorite ways to cool down, and it's naturally rich in antioxidants. The recipe is simple, beautiful, and perfect for these warm afternoons.
Hibiscus Summer Tea
This is one of my favorite cooling beverages for hot summer days. Hibiscus is naturally rich in antioxidants and makes a beautiful ruby-red tea that is both refreshing and delicious.
Ingredients
¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
3–4 cinnamon sticks
4 cups cold water
½ cup simple syrup (or to taste)
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
Plenty of ice
Directions
Combine the hibiscus flowers, cinnamon sticks, and cold water in a large jar or pitcher.
Cover and allow to steep for 2–4 hours.
Strain out the hibiscus and cinnamon.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
Pour over plenty of ice, or add enough ice to fill an 8-cup pitcher.
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Enjoy on a warm afternoon, in the garden, or anytime you need a refreshing way to cool down.
When I return home, I'll be leading a Healing Trees Walk at Hudson Gardens. I've had so much fun researching the medicinal uses of our local trees. Many of the trees we pass every day have remarkable healing properties, and I'm looking forward to sharing their stories and helping participants see these familiar trees with new eyes.
August is also shaping up to be a wonderful month of learning together. From eco-printing and herbal creativity to exploring herbs with your children and a late-summer retreat, there are several opportunities to deepen your connection with plants and community.
I hope you'll join me for one—or perhaps more—of these gatherings. You can find all the upcoming classes and event details on my website.
Until next time,
Kirsten