Hamlet Organic Garden

Wormwood from the medicinal herb garden, waiting to be added to mead last summer

Spring: the ground thaws, the days get longer, buds appear, sap rises, and everything and everyone starts to become more active. Spring fever, understood literally, can be taken to symbolize this re-awakening of the body. Lymph flow tends to be more sluggish in winter. Spring gets things going again. There are several herbs which aid this process. Both Calendula and Cleavers gently encourage lymphatic drainage. In combination as a tincture, these two herbs really help to energize that sense of Spring in the body. This year at the farm, the medicinal herb garden is being expanded by about 15 species. Those who were members last year may remember some tinctures being sold at the pickups. Over the winter, I was busy making more tinctures from all the herbs that were harvested in the Fall. So far, tinctures include:
-the Calendula/Cleavers “Lymphatic” tincture.
-a “Sinus-Clearing” tincture composed of Nettles, Plantain, Baikal Skullcap, Eyebright and Goldenrod.
-a “Relaxation” tincture made from Chamomile, Skullcap and Valerian.
-a “Carminative” tincture made from Catnip, Bronze Fennel and Anise-Hyssop.
-a “Cleansing” tincture made from Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root and Red Clover.
-an “Adaptogen” tincture (good for overall energy and vitality), made from Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, and Licorice Root.
-a “Memory” tincture made from Ginkgo, Sage and Gotu Kola.
-Nettle (a good anti-inflammatory)
-Anise-Hyssop
-Raspberry Leaf (used for menstrual discomfort)
-Lemon Balm (a calming herb)
-St. John’s Wort

Dried herbs that are available include Calendula, Ginkgo, Sage, Rosemary, Chicory Root, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle Seed, St. John’s Wort, Nettle, Lavender, Yarrow, Chamomile, Red Clover, Mint, Bronze Fennel, Anise-Hyssop, Gotu Kola, Motherwort, Blue Vervain, Thyme, Comfrey Root, Ashwagandha, Eyebright, Marshmallow Root, Astragalus, Baikal Skullcap, Common Skullcap, Pleurisy Root, Elecampane, and Licorice.

If you are interested in any of these tinctures or dried herbs, or if you have any questions, or if you’d like to help out with the herb garden this season, please contact Brian at nicedream815@yahoo.com The remaining herbs will be available at the Annual HOG Mother’s Day Plant Sale May 7th 8th and 9th

Our first onions, scallions, and shallots have germinated, and now our little greenhouse is filling up with the strong green seedlings!  What is hopefully our last snowfall is melting fast, revealing shoots of wild onions and crocuses.  We received the insurance money on the electric tractor that was destroyed in the barn fire, so Sean, Steve and Elliot have been working on rebuilding it.  They took it all apart, had it sandblasted, and are repainting all the pieces.

We will also be busy building a new greenhouse south of the new field, which will take the place of the Red Barn for the next few seasons.  Luckily our first apprentice, Diego, will be arriving ready to work in mid-March.
We have also been ordering all our supplies for the 2010 season, including seeds, plants, potting mix, fertilizer, trace minerals, and all the bits and pieces we will need to have on hand for the season.  About 70% of the farm’s expenses are due before the season even starts, so mail in your application today to secure your spot!  If you are already a member, considering paying down your balance by sending in $100 each month–it will help us have the money we need early in the season, and will lessen the strain on your wallet in May when balances are due!