Imagine Gardens

Now is the time of year where imaginings about next summer's garden take hold in the minds eye. Seed catalogs arrive in inboxes and mailboxes. Enticing descriptions, beautiful drawings, vivid pictures offer endless possibilities.
I want to grow everything, 5 different varieties of summer squash, an array of beans, lettuces, cucumbers, a bounty of colorful and vibrant flowers, a host of delightful herbs...
Yet, I did not get my greenhouse built this year, so starter space is limited. Also, my fellow and I are talking of moving mid-growing season, so what does that mean for my garden?
There are always a myriad of limiting factors and challenges to planning and growing a garden. Being honest with yourself while garden planning, and open to the possibilities available.

Since I know my starter space is limited, I am taking time to plan. I want to grow starts for market that folks have interest in, and minimize the excess of starts of plants folks might not need this spring. I will seed enough for myself, and calculated quantities for share in sale.
Since I might move mid growing season, I will concentrate on early growers, like peas, summer squash, and lettuces. I will avoid crops that I may never see mature, like kohlrabi or brussel sprout. I will step up my portable container gardens for carrots, spinach, and other crops. I will plant perennial herbs that they may thrive on their own.
Meanwhile, I will still enjoy the bliss of dream gardening as I peruse the catalogs.

Are you planning and dreaming your garden? Or maybe you live in a clime where planting happens now, before the intense heat of summer.
What ever your situation, enjoy the process. Open to possibility. Revel in growth. We are plant lovers, after all.

Check out the seeds available through BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things. I send anywhere in the continental U.S. Let me know what you plan (or imagine) to grow.

picture of Purple blooming morning glory, and budded anise hyssop.

Wish List

Autumn invigorates me  profoundly, yet in a different way than spring. I am busy each day harvesting plant material, from root to seed and most everything in between. The daily labor intensive task of seed saving awakens a wish for seed sorting trays. The trays would simply matters immensely and save time. Perhaps by next growing season I shall have obtained a set.  https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/stainless-steel-and-cedar-seed-cleaning-screens-set-of-8/

I am getting much use out of my thrift store procures dehydrator. I do wish it had a temperature setting, though. Some material requires a lower temperature, lest constituents be lost in the process. Other, denser items, like some roots, do well with a slightly elevated temperature. My dehydrator operates only in 'on' or 'off' options, and I do not know at what temperature it dries. So, on my wish list goes a temperature setting dehydrator.

If dreaming, why not dream big -
     https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tribest-Sedona-Express-11-Tray-Black-Stainless-Steel-Food-Dehdyrator-with-Built-In-Timer-SDE-S6780-B/206351099 


Though for a similar price is this large model:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weston-Pro-2400-24-Tray-Black-Food-Dehydrator-with-Temperature-Control-28-0501-W/304105507

Perhaps a more realistic option for now, given the cost, is this smaller, plastic tray model.

The final item on todays wish list is a greenhouse for seed starting and plant propagating over the winter. I have dreamed of having a greenhouse of my own for 25 years. Someday, maybe.

September is for Seed Saving

Each evening I spend time sifting, sorting, labeling, and loving the seeds I saved from the yarden.
Some plants yielded sufficient seed quantity that I am able to offer them for sale. I save ample supply to start plants in spring, for sale and self. After that quantity is set aside, if seed bank remains, I sort it for sale.
Currently I have ample tulsi, larkspur, columbine, marigold (Tagetes sp.), and heirloom red beans for sale. As I continue to process the seed, I hope to have other varieties to announce.
https://bewell-bohemia-herbs-and-things.square.site/home

Sunflowers in Septemeber

Yarden goodness shifts in September as summer shifts to autumn, days shorten, and weather is cooler overnight. I feel a renewed call to connect with plant and soil after the hot days of July and August that had me heading into shade to avoid the heat. Noe, the scent of moisture as rains roll through softens the soil and surges final season growth.
I have planted perennial herbs to afford time to root before winter.
I also turn my attention to the sunflower.
The sunflower bed sports sown and self-seeded variety, varying in petal color, scent, inflorescence space, and height. I love them all.
I have let many of the flower heads remain on stalk to shift to seed and feed the local birds. I also, have harvested seed heads to dry and prepare for food for myself and my household.


I have not dried and prepared harvested sunflowers before, so I begin with some research. None of me garden or recipe books discuss sunflowers, so I turn to the wide net of the interwebs.

I visited the American Meadows blog.  https://www.americanmeadows.com/blog/2016/10/12/harvest-sunflower-seeds-planting-roasting-feeding-birds

Great place to start, and yet I found myself thinking, "what about raw sunflower seeds?" I will roast some, but I would like raw seed too. Also, before I take the suggestions to use, I want to corroborate them with at least two other sources.

Back to research mode for me.

Some sites stated the seeds could be eaten once dried without any treatment, others promote baking seeds before eating, and others recommend soaking in a salt water solution, drying, then either eating or baking.

The University of Illinois Extension website, for example, states that after harvests,  drying, separating from seed head, and cleaning, the seeds may be soaked in a salt water solution over night. The resulting seeds are 'raw' and may be eaten, or you may bake the seeds and use.


In the research quest, I reached the health line webpage about sunflowers. While the webpages does not discuss harvesting and preparing sunflowers for consumption, it does provide a wealth of information about sunflower seeds, so I include it here. The information includes mineral and vitamin content of sunflower seeds, eating raw versus roasted sunflower seeds, and various other excellent and relevant information.  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sunflower-seeds#downsides


After reading many sources, and reflecting on my prior knowledge and experience, I have concluded that once I remove the sunflower seeds from the seed heads and sift out debris, I will save some for planting next year, soak and dry some to remain raw and roast some, and sprout some to have fresh tender nutrient rich sunflower seed sprouts.  I am exited about having healthy seeds to supplement my diet and support my wellness. Thanks again, plants, you are awesome!


You can visit the provided links for the full discussion, and steps to harvest and prep sunflowers.

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortihints/0108c.html

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/roasted_in_shell_sunflower_seeds/

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-harvest-and-roast-sunflower-seeds

I have an idea for next year's garden, inspired by some plants that volunteered to grow in my yarden, probably thanks to the birds.
A stretch of yarden along the sidewalk is featuring unexpected sunflowers and morning glories. The sunflowers are tall, erect on sturdy stiff stems. The morning glories clamor over all the other plants in the space in a haphazard, opportunistic manner. The result is a waterfall of deep purple morning glory glooms cascading over the bright yellow rudbeckia and vibrant yellows of sunflowers.

Next year, I shall plant sunflowers along the eastern edge of my yarden, and morning glories beneath. The east edge is under a sparse branched white pine. The area receives hours and hours of sun, but by August, the plants that grew beneath the pine appear scorched and worn. In spring and early summer, the ground ivy, dandelions, peonies, plantain, and purple dead nettle all fare well. But July and August wears them down quick, which is just the time sunflowers and morning glories begin to com into their own.
So, the succession from one group of plants to the next affords lasting beauty and food for pollinators, and a privacy screen from neighbors.
Yippee! I love it when I observe nature, learn from its wisdom, and am able to support wellness of self and world by replicating what I have learned.

Seeds, BeWell Bundles, and Workshop Wonders

The bright July sun warms to the very bones. I am reveling in the bliss of summer. The bees buzz lazily from calendula bloom to tulsi blossom.  Subtle yellow flowers of lemon balm bedeck stem after stem.

I have collected seed from the spring blooming columbine flower, and have them available for purchase on my online store. I will also have them at upcoming vending events in the greater Lafayette, Indiana area - watch for details in the coming days.
Hummingbirds love these orange and yellow flowered columbine.

In addition to the promise of future flowers (seeds),  BeWell Bundles, and Workshop Wonders are available.

BeWell Bundles are opportunities for you to regularly receive themed packages, virtual or physical, depending on your selection. Check out the options.

Workshop Wonders are individually crafted by me, Brooke, herbalist and educator. What have workshop participants been saying?

"I learned not only what the plant is, and  that it is edible, and I loved the taste test." Marcie

I liked best that we saw how to make recipes step-by-step, then we got to taste it."

I enjoyed learning about the plants and how easy it is to use them in teas. I was walking through my yard and I thought, 'Hey, there is that ine with the purple rib - I remember that plant.' " Wilma

Visit the online store for more information or to place an order.
Contact me with questions or to discuss details"

bewellbohemia@gmail.com
765-250-1509
https://bewell-bohemia-herbs-and-things.square.site/s/shop

Lemon Balm Monograph

BeWell Bohemia Herbs & Things

Herbal Monograph, by Brooke Criswell

Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis

When I moved into our current house mid-summer last year, I was astounded at the abundance of lemon balm growing in rock strewn plantings, along the house, in the yard… everywhere. An assertive grower, as many mint family plants are, the lemon balm was well established and comfortably spreading every which where. I harvested a bountiful crop, dried, and stored it. Over the winter I shared the bounty with friends. Lemon balm has many positive attributes, including a subtle lemony-flavor and sooth to nervous system. I don’t drink much lemon balm because I have a hypo-thyroid condition, and lemon balm can impact the thyroid in a ‘slowing’ or ‘calming’ capacity, which is not helpful to me. I do drink tea blends with lemon balm on occasion. I find it especially delightful in a spritzer or iced tea.

Lemon balm is easy to grow, so, if a timid or novice gardener, lemon balm eases the way into successful gardening. Put it in a pot or the ground, it does well in either; full-sun, part-shade, also both. Dry conditions, no problem if it is an established plant and in the ground (in a container, drought is another ballyhoo entirely).

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Garden Use

Growing Conditions  Lemon balm is a confidant perennial to zone 4.

Preferences

Moist soil
Fun sun to part shade
Neutral pH (7.0)

Plant details

Height 2 to 3 feet

Width up to 2 feet, spreads abundantly

Companion Planting Affiliations

Bees are found of lemon balm

Care notes

Since lemon balm is an assertive grower, you might want to control it with limits; for example plant it in a raised bed, a bed with edging, or a container. Or Dig it up and share with a friend when it pops up beyond where you prefer it to grow.

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Herbal Use

Parts Used  - Leaves

When to Harvest

Harvest ongoing for immediate use
Cut back early summer and again late summer and dry crop

How to Prepare

There are many ways to use lemon balm to support wellness.

> As a compress
Use a clean soft cotton cloth soaked in a strong infusion of lemon balm to relieve painful swellings (e.g. gout)

> As an infused oil

• Begin by harvesting lemon balm leaf and drying it completely. In order to decrease the likelihood the oil will go rancid, make the infused oil from dried lemon balm leaves. If you opt to use fresh leaves, crush or chop them first, and know the shelf-life of the infused oil is considerably shorter.

1. Fill a clean, wide-mouth glass jar ⅔ to ¾ full of herb
2. Pour carrier oil, such as olive oil, over plant material the place lid tightly on jar
3. Set on the counter (some folks say in a sunny window, others say a dark spot - experiment and choose your preference)
4. Shake daily to mix oil and herb
5. Allow to sit for at least two and up to five weeks
6. Strain and store in a cool, dark, dry place

Penelope Ody, in The Complete Medicinal Herbal, suggests applying a warmed lemon balm infused oil as an ointment1 on chest to help open airways and soothe tension.

> As an insect repellent

• Rub crushed lemon balm leaves onto a table to thwart insects
• Toss a bundle of lemon balm leaves onto a campfire; the smoke repels insects

> As a steam 

A lemon balm steam reportedly cleanses pores and the skin.

• Place crushed lemon balm leaves into a bowl
• Pour boiling water over leaves
• Make a loose tent using a towel over the shoulders and head
• Breath in steam* be careful, it is steam - hot, moist air - do not burn yourself, keep a safe distance between you and the bowl, remove head from tent if the air is too hot

> In Recipes suggests Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia2

• Chop fresh lemon balm leaves and add to orange marmalade
• Stuff fresh lemon balm sprigs into a whole fish before grilling or baking; remove sprigs before eating the fish

> As a tea

Infuse the herb in boiling water to extract many of the beneficial constituents.

1. Boil water
2. Place 2 tsp of fresh or 1 tsp of dried herb per 8 oz water into teapot, press, thermos, or mason jar *The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody states that the infusion is best made from fresh plant material.1 (aren’t you glad you have it growing in your garden?)
3. Pour boiling water over blooms
4. Cover (this is very important, for if uncovered the constituents will rise with the steam, and you will have a less flavorful, less potent cup of tea)
5. Allow to steep for 10 minutes
6. Strain and Enjoy!

Lemon balm flavor can be mild, so blending it with other herbs makes an excellent choice.

The "Medicine Chest" column of the Summer 2017 issue of Herb Quarterly suggests pairing tulsi and lemon balm. "Holy basil [another name for tulsi] and lemon balm blend calms the nerves and uplifts the spirits."3

Cautions/Considerations

Lemon Balm may slow or lower thyroid function if taken in high doses.

References

1. Ody, Penelope. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. Dorling Kindersley, 1993

2. Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs: Editors. Rodale Press, 1987.

3. Graves, Maria Noel. "Medicine Chest." Herb Quarterly, 2017, pp. 20 - 22.

Thyme Herbal Profile

BeWell Bohemia Herbs & Things

Herbal Monograph, by Brooke Criswell

Thyme -Thymus vulgaris

Who does not know, and find themselves occasionally singing the lyrics of the folk song made famous by Simon and Garfunkel, “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme…” The last in a list of beloved herbs referenced, thyme closes the line. Do you know the plant as well as the lyric? Does it come to mind when cooking? Considering herbal medicine? Well, this herb offers much in kitchen and apothecary alike; from the heady aroma of a thyme steam, to the flavorful seasoning in main dishes.

If you have a head cold, a thyme steam works wonders to clear your sinus and ward of infection due to its antimicrobial aromatic constituents that enter the respiratory tract upon the moist air as the steam is inhaled. Katja Swift of Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalist touts the effectiveness of a thyme steam, both at the onset of infection and as a preventive measure in advance of illness, “...breathe in that hot Thymey steam. It’s hot alright – and not just because the water was boiling, but also because the volatile oils themselves are super carminative. It will feel pretty intense to breathe in deeply, but try to – the further down into your lungs that you can get that Thymey steam, the more microbes you’re literally killing on contact! So breathe deep, and have your handkerchief at the ready, because this is one of the best sinus-clearing methods I know.”

Thyme grows as a creeping ground cover, that develops woody stems in areas where it successfully overwinters. An excellent plant for rock gardens, or as a low growing plant beneath taller growers. Thyme holds a long history in Greek, Roman, and Medieval European cultures; associated with imparting courage, warding off evil, and as a healthful tonic. Contemporary research explores many and varied compounds and actions of Thymus vulgaris. The abstract of Determination of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and antifungal effects of Thymus vulgaris, Trachyspermum ammi and Trigonella foenum-graecum extracts on growth of Fusarium solani states, “... thyme and fenugreek are spice and aromatic crops with a number of medicinal properties which are known as important sources of essential phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and antifungal activities of these plant extracts…”  This, and many other studies, discuss the impact of thyme, in either essential oil or plant extract (in alcohol) form. The article explains the methods and conclusions of the study, including a detailed description of how the essential oil of the plants were collected, and how the plant constituents were extracted in alcohol solutions. The study showed that many phytochemicals are present in thyme, and reinforced that the method used to extract phytochemicals informs which are present, and to what degree, in the resulting item. Or to put more simply, whether you use water, vinegar, or alcohol determines what attributes of thyme are extracted; different constituents are soluble in different media. This is true not only of thyme, but of any plant used to make herbal concoctions. If you have little interest in specialized scientific research into plants, but are curious about the plant’s cultivation needs,  and at home uses, we can turn focus there.

As a home gardener, thyme will be used as a tea, spice, or even to make homemade tinctures, oxymels, vinegars, or other herbal preparations, rather than as an essential oil, which requires special equipment and vast amounts of plant material. Many of the benefits of thyme are accessible via home preparation. Additionally, thyme has much to offer the garden ecosystem: a companion to brassica family plants, thyme may repel cabbageworm and whitefly. Thyme is also reported to enhance the growth of some nightshade family plants, including potato, eggplant, and tomato.

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Garden Use

Growing Conditions

Thyme grows as a bushy,  or creeping & low-growing woody perennial (depending on cultivar) in zones 5 through 9. While thyme will tolerate poor soil, good drainage is a must; without good drainage, thyme may be susceptible to fungus. TanyaDenckla, in The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food states that pruning helps keep the plant bushy and prevent it becoming, “woody and straggly.”

While not especially noted for its flower, thyme is a summer bloomer, flowering in June and July.

Preferences

• Full sun
• Well-drained, light, dry to stony poor soils
• Tolerates drought
• pH 5.5 - 7.0

Plant details

Flowers pink to lilac* varies (along with leaf color) depending on cultivar

Height to 12 inches* varies by cultivar`

Width 18 inches - 3 feet* varies by cultivar and pruning

Companion Planting Affiliations

Thyme enhances the growth of many nightshade family plants

Potato

Eggplant

Tomato

Thyme repels pest insects, including:

Cabbageworms

Whitefly

“Bees love the tiny blossoms.”

Care notes

Be sure to site thyme in an area of your garden that has consistent and expedient drainage. Thyme does not tolerate ‘wet feet’. Choose a spot with ample sunlight. Remember, thyme is a mediterranean plant by origin, and thus is partial to warm, balmy, sunny, and dry conditions.

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Herbal Use

Parts Used  - leaves, aerial parts

When to Harvest

• Harvest as needed for use or midsummer cut plant back to 2 inches of growth. Freeze or dry the harvest for future use. After the cutting, the thyme plant will regrow before onset of winter. Continue to make light harvests for single use, but if you trim back the second growth before winter, the plant may struggle to survive the winter.

How to Prepare

Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs asserts, “[Thyme] has served as a carminative, vermifuge, rubefacient, and antiseptic. Thyme is particularly beneficial in quieting gastrointestinal complaints…. A tea ..for shortness of breath and congested lungs.”6

Below are some ideas for using your home grown yarden thyme as a culinary spice and medicinal concoction. I love the savory flavor of thyme in tea; warming of a winter day and refreshing iced in summer.

• As a tea - Infuse the herb in boiling water to extract many of the beneficial constituents.

1. Boil water
2. Place 2 tsp of fresh thyme or 1 tsp of dried herb per 8 oz water into teapot, press, thermos, or mason jar
3. Pour boiling water over herb
4. Cover - if uncovered the constituents will rise with the steam, and you will have a less flavorful, less potent infusion
5. Allow to steep - 12 minutes is my favorite flavor and texture; infuse least 10 minutes to extract medicinal doses of constituents
6. Strain and Enjoy!
1. Drink while hot
2. Cool, add ice, and savor the savory.

• As a spice 

Add dried or fresh marjoram to dishes while cookingUse in recipes

> “Add sprigs of fresh thyme to olives in their brine”6

> “Serve sprigs of thyme on iced beet borscht that has been topped with plain yogurt”6

> Saute sweet peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil; add thyme; serve over pasta, rice,(6) or spiralized vegetables

• As a steam

If you have a head cold, a thyme steam works wonders to clear your sinus and ward of infection due to its antimicrobial aromatic constituents that enter the respiratory tract upon the moist air as the steam is inhaled. Katja Swift of Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalist touts the effectiveness of a thyme steam, both at the onset of infection and as a preventive measure in advance of illness, “...breathe in that hot Thymey steam. It’s hot alright – and not just because the water was boiling, but also because the volatile oils themselves are super carminative. It will feel pretty intense to breathe in deeply, but try to – the further down into your lungs that you can get that Thymey steam, the more microbes you’re literally killing on contact! So breathe deep, and have your handkerchief at the ready, because this is one of the best sinus-clearing methods I know.”1

As a flavored (infused) honey
Follow the recipe from “Pantry Profiles” in the Fall 2018 Issue of Herb Quarterly

• Fill a glass jar ⅔ full with fresh thyme. Including leaf and blossom
• Cover with Raw honey
• Stir to remove air bubbles
• Seal jar and set in a sunny window for two weeks
• Gently heat honey over low heat (less than 110degrees farenheit) so that you may strain out the thyme
• Place in airtight bottle and store in a cool dry place

The honey can be used to sweeten tea, or seltzers or taken by spoonful as medicinal dose, or in any way you would otherwise use honey.

Cautions/Considerations

Fresh thyme may be enjoyed ingested or topically.

Do not ingest or apply topically the essential oil of thyme, it is very concentrated and must be diluted in a carrier oil for topical use or diluted in water for steam inhalation.

Reference List

1. “Thyme: Herb of the Week · CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism.” CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, 12 Apr. 2018, commonwealthherbs.com/thyme-herb-week/.

2. Gedikoğlu, Ayça, et al. “Evaluation of Thymus Vulgarisand Thymbra SpicataEssential Oils and Plant Extracts for Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties.” Food Science & Nutrition, John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526640/.

3. Denckla, Tanya L. K. The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organid Food. Storey, 2003.

4. Buchanan, Rita. Taylor's Guide to Herbs. Houghton Mifflin, 1995.

5. Wilson, Rickie. “Companion Planting With Herbs: Boost Your Garden This Season with the Right Pairings of Plants.” Herb Quarterly, 2018, pp. 48–52

6. Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs: Editors. Rodale Press, 1987.

June - a time of planting, tending, and harvesting

Yesterday I spent hours in the garden completing a wide range of tasks: preparing and planting a tulsi bed; cutting tall grass to use as mulch in garden beds, planting tulsi and basil starts, watering hollyhock seeds and herb transplants, installing fencing, and harvesting lemon balm.  Seems that the tasks to be done outlast the time to do them, which allows the promise of more time in the yarden on the morrow. Bliss.
I am also watching the columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), for soon the seeds will be ripe for harvest.
BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things is expanding to offer mail order seeds, starting with columbine. Contact me via email or facebook to discuss orders. I will organize a detailed post about the plant and seed sale soon.
bewellbohemia@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/pg/BewellBohemia/posts/

Hibiscus sabdariffa, the roselle for my garden

The packet of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds yielded 25 plants. A few of which I sold at the garden expo or as a direct order, the remainder I have transplanted to either container or garden location.
My yarden is blessed with a variety of habitats, so choosing plants suited to a niche is an important step in planting.
I am protective of the Hibiscus sabdariffa seedlings, perhaps because this is my first season growing them and I am looking forward not only to becoming better acquainted with the plant, but also hopefully harvesting calyces for making tea.
The roselle hibiscus, as Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly called, is a native of a tropical clime, and so will not survive the harsh midwest winter of Indiana. I am growing some seedlings as annuals in my yarden, while others I planted in containers to bring indoors for the winter. (Here is a video on container gardening where I discuss how to prepare a pot for planting my roselle hibiscus). 

Hibiscus sabdariffa, like Ashwagandha, are tropical; however, the growing conditions each prefer differ greatly. Check out the post about Ashwagandha for more information on its preferences. 

Hibiscus sabdariffa enjoys warm air and soil temperatures. The plant will tolerate 'wet feet', which means it is suited to a location where the soil holds moisture.

I planted a collection of Hibiscus sabdariffa one the south side of my yarden in a low-lieing spot where the water collects, and the soil drains more slowly than many parts of the yarden. The Hibiscus sabdariffa are in two 'rows' (loosely row-like) just at the edge of some trees. The way the sun moves through the sky in summer, the area where I planted the hibiscus are in sun most of the day.

I look forward to watching them grow, and noting how the site serves the plant.