Foraging, Folk Herbalism, Edible Weeds + Inspiration for a Slow Life

Usnea barbata a.k.a. Angi angi in Aotearoa.  Usnea grows on trees like an "Old Man's Beard", cascading from the trees looking much like a white bea...

~ Amanita Muscaria ~ This iconic, fairytale mushroom has been used for religious, recreational and even food for millennia. It’s use in folk me...

~ Wild Mint ~ Mentha spp. There are so many varities of Mint in the world, all of them known for their strong, fresh, ‘minty’ smell & taste. Ap...

~ Poor Man's Capers / Pickled Nasturtium pods recipe ~   It is the time!! The Nasturtiums are in full flower and there are many ripe seedhead...

Did you know that the young green seedheads of Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago Lanceolate) taste just like mushroom? Well they do. Just pick the fres...

Preparing Walnut husks for natural dyeing. The husks create a deep, rich, brown color, & the natural colorant 'juglone' creates a 'substan...

I was delighted to discover an entire field full of Chamomile ripe for picking, not far from home. The kids frolicked and gathered, and even played...

Pikopiko everyday, everyway. Sauteed with oil & salt, added to a pasta sauce, pickled in a brine, and last night in a sauce that topped the...

A few days ago a whole lot of Onion Weed came out of my garden & there was only one thing to do with so many big, fat, juicy onion weed bulbs...

Ginkgo Biloba An ode to this beautiful tree which is the star of my homegrown garden, standing proud in the middle of the edible lawn, she ...

Amanita Muscaria mushrooms. This iconic, fairytale mushroom has been used for religious, recreational and even food for millennia, although...

An ode to our native Harakeke (Phormium tenax)... I'm in awe of this hardy coastal plant as I've come to discover a use for every part of the plant...