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

Puha, Rauriki, Sonchus Oleraceous 'Puha' is a Sow Thistle from the Sonchus family.  It’s a very common misconception that ‘Puha’ is native to New Z...

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...

Marinated Wood Ear mushrooms   This week in between torrential rain & piping hot sun, I took my kids into the bush, where I expected to,...

Hakeke / Wood Ear / Pigs Ear / Jelly Fungus For me these are one of the most abundant, easy to find and identify mushrooms in the New Zealand bush ...

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...

Pickled Magnolia Petal Recipe Glorious Magnolia which flower late Winter & early Spring are stunning, majestic trees, with giant pink & wh...

Cleavers (Gallium Aparine) Finding lots of fresh Spring Cleavers popping up at the moment, perfect for cleansing & detoxifying our system a...

NZ Beach Spinach (Tetragonia spp)  Wild NZ Beach Spinach grows in abundance along our New Zealand coastlines. Whilst it usually flowers & fruit...

Sweet Violet (Viola Odorata) 'Common' or 'English' violet, is in full bloom during the depths of winter. ~Legends from the Greeks tell of the Godde...

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 ...