Bittersweet Nightshade: identify and act
Bittersweet Nightshade is poisonous but ecologically active: it can feed pollinating bees via buzz pollination, add cover/structure, and provide bird food.
Bayberry: Culture, Candles, Compost
The Northern Bayberry is far more than a source of natural wax. Between coastal winds and colonial history, it tells a story of sustainable craft, folklore, and ecological resilience. Today, it is quietly returning — in candles, compost, and culture.
Canada Goldenrod – golden abundance along the wayside
Canada Goldenrod lights up late summer with golden blossoms that feed pollinators and offer us healing, nourishment, and craft. Once seen only as invasive, this resilient plant reveals a wealth of uses – from herbal teas and tinctures to natural dyes and cosmetics – when harvested with care.
Usnea – Forest Wisdom in Threads
Usnea, also known as beard lichen, is more than forest decoration. As a bioindicator of clean air and a quiet herbal ally, it thrives where nature still breathes. In this post, you’ll discover its healing properties, how to identify it, and why respectful use matters more than ever.
When the Soil Lives, Everything Thrives
Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. It stores water, supplies nutrients, and supports a resilient ecosystem. This article explains how living soil works, why humus matters, and how to care for and improve your garden’s soil in natural, sustainable ways.
Why Gardening Makes You Happy
Gardening is gentle medicine for body and mind—balancing hormones, reducing stress, cultivating mindfulness, and nurturing resilience. It offers a deep sense of self-efficacy and connection to nature. This article explores the science behind why working with plants, soil, and sunlight heals us—even when the harvest fails.
Planting Garlic Made Easy: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest
Garlic is a versatile plant that is not only easy to grow but also offers many health benefits. In USDA hardiness zone 5b, which covers much of North America, average annual temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Winter temperatures can drop as low as -26.1°C to -23.3°C (-15°F to -10°F), while summer […]
The Hidden Treasures of the Lowbush Blueberry – A Powerhouse from the Forest
On our property, in the lower fifth, we found it: the Lowbush Blueberry. Discovering several large patches of wild blueberries brought us great joy. You can read more about our find in the recent blog post, „Blueberries, Construction Projects, and Animal Challenges.“ For detailed information about the plant itself, feel free to check out the plant […]
Moss Phlox: More Than Just Ground Cover for Sunny Spots
Versatile Use in a Cottage Garden While Moss Phlox is often seen as a purely decorative plant, we discovered that it can be perfectly integrated into the design of a traditional cottage garden. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also protects more delicate plants by acting as a natural mulch […]
Bunchberry: A Discovery from Our New Home
Since settling in Canada, we have continuously encountered plants and animals that amaze us with their diversity and beauty. One plant that particularly caught our attention is Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis). This small, unassuming plant, often found as ground cover in the forests of Nova Scotia, has its own charm and brings many ecological benefits. A Story of […]