Greetings Friends

Growing up in the country, where having a flower and vegetable garden was the norm, and canning and preserving was “just what we did”, I was taught to appreciate nature- especially plants and trees- early on. This love and admiration for the natural world effortlessly evolved into an amazing career working with herbs, which I have been devoted to for over 20 years. One of the greatest influences on my life was my dear grandmother, who was also farm grown.  She was the first and the oldest nature lover that I have ever known. She passed away in 2013 at the ripe old age of 95; and it is from her, my parents, children and our many pets that I have learned firsthand the valuable life lessons of nature, its many cycles, and have become rooted in this way of life.

My family and I live on a lovely little farm called Dogwood and Brambles in central Ontario. I am so thankful that I have been able to nurture and raise my four children in this little piece of heaven; now we have grandchildren, who will be having their own adventures on this family farm. My dad, Frank, works along with us keeping up our gardening and being a land stewart. Did I mention he is 80 years old? Only a small portion of our 100-acre farm is actually “farmed”. While most of our neighbours are clearing every fence row and bush for more workable land, we have taken over 60 acres of workable land and given it back to nature. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers and herbs are all thriving giving place to the surrounding wildlife. Common sightings of deer, rabbits, coyotes, wild turkeys, hawks, raccoons, and rare sightings of bob cats, bears, and even a cougar! For over 30 years this has been an ideal setting for fostering my love of herbs and plants, creating my own personal sanctuary.  We have reintroduced "at risk plants" and welcomed back Mother Nature to stay. We are very proud to be a Botanical Sanctuary Member of United Plant Savers. Since 2010 herbal wisdom has been shared, taught and felt, through The Science and Art of Herbalism Course and our annual Back To Your Roots Herbal retreat.

I am incredibly thankful every day, for my work within the herbal community. Introducing people to the many uses of herbs and seeing them begin to use them daily- for themselves and their loved ones (human or pet)- it is truly my life’s passion!

 

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