If you've been to the farm, you've likely visited under this ancient linden tree. The ice storm last month wrecked havoc on so many of our older and larger trees. I still can't pull up to the driveway and not feel renewed grief when I look up at the destruction among our ancient oaks who've been quietly holding space in their grove for hundreds of years.
We've all had a really rough year, haven't we? Sitting under that dear linden (and maybe enjoying my quinine in a G and T) was a source of solace during the early times of the epidemic. Where did you find solace?
In late June we harvested the flowers from this Goddess. Known as the tree of calm and good judgment, I keep the dried flowers for use all year during stressful situations. You might have enjoyed some yourself because I likely sent you home with some.
Here's a link to Guido Mase talking about linden. Listen to Linden: The Upside Down Justice of the Linden Tree with Guido Masé by Herbal Radio on #SoundCloud
When the fires came last fall the last thing I did as I was leaving our farm, not knowing what would be here when returned, was grab a couple bags of linden tea and take a photo of her in the red, smoke filled morning sky.
We were spared but so many weren't. But we weren't spared the awful experience of COVID at the first of the year. The outcome of that is the mighty oak of our family is roughed up a bit and we're both still gaining strength. I have some thoughts about that experience I'm happy to share if you email me.
The newness of all of this is that a doorway opened so that we can work together on the farm now. We're now selling our chickens, small batch botanicals, fleece and othet goodies at Silverton Farmer's Market. Come find us!
We've all made it through the fire and ice and now we have the opportunity this season to look at the world anew. The young oaks have a chance to breathe and grow. We will try to start some baby lindens from the cuttings. Maybe a linden grove will be born of this misfortune.
The herb gathering season is just beginning so I'll try to be more consistent in "taking you gathering with me" via Facebook Live posts on my @EmbreeFamilyFarm page.
You can find Aaron and me at Silverton Saturday market and after we get some storm damage cleaned up, some porch pick up for our small batch botanicals and chickens.
I'm looking for a location for an outside 'Place Based Herbalism' class on weeknight mid-May on for 12 weeks. We will look at 12 categories of herbs for our body systems that can be easily grown or wildcrafted in this bioregion. More info coming soon.
What will you rebirth this season?
Warmly,
Randi