blackbirdsbackyard

Healing Oil (COMFREY)

When I lived in the Pacific Northwest, Comfrey was a plant to be feared. Do too much digging around it, and this plant will quickly take over a garden bed. This herb is never to be easily removed once happy and established. Comfrey is best added to a backyard pharmacy by ordering the rootstock fromContinue reading “Healing Oil (COMFREY)”

Gluten Free Black Currant Cake

I love the color and texture of this cake. I was not sure how our fresh black currants would taste in it as our berries are a bit spicy. But the sugar and almond extract provided the needed balance. There are not many recipes that I have found to use up all of our blackContinue reading “Gluten Free Black Currant Cake”

Matcha, Mint, and Cantaloupe Popsicles

Even though we have a month until the fall equinox, it feels like summer flew by and has already ended. My kids start school tomorrow. I have to remind myself that there are still many weeks left of harvesting, weeding, flowers, outdoor dinners, and lovely weather. For those hot days still to come this isContinue reading “Matcha, Mint, and Cantaloupe Popsicles”

Healing Mobile (lavender)

This is one of those ideas I wish I had come up with when my kids were little. A simple healing mobile combines the healing energy of the five elements and freshly picked plants. Imagine waking up from a nap to this sweet surprise hanging on your bedroom wall while recovering from some childhood illness.Continue reading “Healing Mobile (lavender)”

Basil and Peach Salad

My husband loves to buy boxes of Palisade peaches this time of year. The over ripe ones are cheaper but they have to be used up quickly. I have been making this salad during the summers for more than a decade. It still remains a favorite of mine. It is the perfect way to useContinue reading “Basil and Peach Salad”