Coming Full Circle

Thirty-five years ago this summer, I left my family and college in Ohio and moved to Colorado to work at a dude ranch—Lost Valley Ranch. I ended up staying for four seasons. It was there that I learned the value of hard work, discovered the joy of serving others, fell in love with Colorado, and later fell in love with my husband, Bill, who was working there as well.

The ranch has held a special place in our hearts ever since.

Recently we returned to watch our son Wyatt, now in his fifth season as a wrangler, compete in the weekly staff rodeo. Afterwards we shared dinner with the staff and guests. It is always good to be back.

One thing that has changed over the years is how I experience the land.

When I first arrived, I noticed the mountains, the horses, and the beauty of the ranch. Now I find myself walking a little more slowly, noticing the plants growing along the trails and in the meadows. I love trying to identify them and thinking about how they have been used as medicine for generations. Even in this dry year, I was amazed by the abundance of plants growing there.

Herbalism has changed the way I see the world. Wherever I go, I find myself wondering, "Who are you?" and "What do you have to teach?"

I think that is one of the greatest gifts of studying plants. You begin to notice what has always been there. A walk becomes something more than exercise or beautiful scenery. It becomes an opportunity to pay attention, to become curious, and to deepen your relationship with the living world around you.

If that way of experiencing the plants speaks to you, I'd love to invite you to join me for one of my upcoming classes.

Impressions of the Garden

This Thursday evening I'll be partnering with ceramic artist Julie Vincelette for Impressions of the Garden. I'll be sharing about fennel—one of my favorite herbs for supporting digestion and one that also leaves beautiful impressions in clay. Julie will guide you in creating a ceramic wall hanging using fresh plant material. It is such a lovely combination of creativity and herbal medicine.

Rooted in the Garden: Create Your Homegrown Herbal Apothecary

I also have exciting news about my herbal weekend retreat.

So many women reached out to tell me they wanted to attend the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary, but the July dates didn't fit their summer schedules. To make it possible for more of you to join us, I've moved the class to August 28–29 and given it a new name that better reflects the heart of the weekend:

Rooted in the Garden: Create Your Homegrown Herbal Apothecary

We'll spend the weekend in the garden getting to know medicinal plants, harvesting herbs, making simple remedies together, sharing meals, and slowing down enough to really notice the gifts the plants have to offer.

You'll leave with herbal remedies you made yourself, practical skills you can use at home, and, I hope, a deeper relationship with the plants growing all around you.

I hope you'll join us.