After some online research I came across “The Ginkgo Tree Herbal Course”. Even though I live a few hours away from Penny’s Classroom, I decided that this course with all it’s “hands on” components was exactly what I was looking for. My course materials were sent to me very quickly and Penny answered the many questions I had so promptly and patiently.

As a teacher, Penny had so much encouraging, positive and constructive feedback. Even though we have only met a few times at this point, it felt like Penny really cared about my work and helped me grow as well as challenge myself. Each homework was marked so personally and specific to the assignments I have completed.

I am so happy to call Penny my friend and mentor. She truly cared, and even after graduating, still cares about my work and gave me many opportunities to continue working with her as well as the wonderful field of herbalism. All I can say is THANK YOU PENNY, I am truly blessed to be working with you!  Evelyn Mueller, Herbalist

Evelyn Mueller, Herbalist September 29, 2020

“In just a short time of learning from Penelope my knowledge and appreciation for the healing powers of plants and natural world has grown exponentially. Her commitment and the love she shows to land restoration and plant conservation has inspired me to do the same. Now I am working to build my own botanical sanctuary and growing medicinal herbs at my home — and I am starting to pass on this inspiration to others in my community.” — Rebecca Fortin, Whitby, Ontario

Rebecca Fortin September 29, 2020

Penny Beaudrow's joyful commitment to caring for the environment for future generations is contagious. Her love for sharing her knowledge about endangered and at-risk plants inspires one to experience the world with hope and compassion. When Penny takes you on a walk through the Ginkgo Tree's Farm plant sanctuary one feels the embrace of Penny's and nature's generosity. I promise you will feel you are able to make a difference after spending time with the endangered and at-risk medicinal herbs. - Abrah Arneson Cht RH

Abrah Arneson Cht RH September 29, 2020

I have been working with Penny for 18 years. She is always bright, organized, earnest, and enthusiastic 100 times over in her love of plants and people. She is truly a gem.

Michaël Friedman ND

Founder and Executive Director AARM

February 18, 2020

I first met Penny when I attended her lecture at Heartwood Gathering on Herbal Pet Health.  I was struck by both her knowledge and enthusiasm for both plants and animals.  This inspired me to attend the Back to Your Roots herbal retreat at Penny’s farm last September and to sign up for The Ginkgo Tree Herbalism Course.  The course includes a monthly evening of learning at Penny’s farm.  These evenings are full of sharing and instruction with lots of opportunities for hands on medicine making.  I have found Penny’s passion for herbs and her compassionate approach to be very inspiring.  I whole-heartedly recommend attending a seminar or taking the herb course with Penny.

 

 

June 15, 2019

Tracey Winterton June 19, 2019

I first met Penny 2 years ago at the New England Women's Herbal Conference.  She is so lovely.  I met her again at the Heartwood Gathering last year when I was on my mission to find a herbal teacher, close to home with my 3 herbal sisters.  When we connected the second time, I just knew Penny was that person.   Her kind and authentic heart and wise woman ways, with her  knowledge of plants and their practical uses has been such a blessing in my learning.  She has a beautiful way of teaching and sharing this ancient knowledge.  I am forever grateful for her mentorship and look forward to visiting her farm monthly and be welcomed in the most beautiful classroom and botanical sanctuary.  I look forward to  learning more from this amazing woman and her incredible school.

 

 

Aimee Plimmer The Ginkgo Tree Herbal Course June 19, 2019

I had the immense pleasure of meeting and sitting at Penny’s feet during the New England Women’s Herbal Conference this past August. The first thing you notice is her sweet spirit, it’s easy to quickly fall in love with her! She is so knowledgable, and you can tell that she has a passion for her work with herbs and healing modalities. I was struck by her commitment to conservation and saving endangered plants for the generations to come, which to me was another testament of her sweet, mothering spirit. If you have to opportunity to learn from or work with Penny, PLEASE DO IT! You will not regret it, your time will be well spent, and you’ll feel refreshed and loved as you leave.

 

Jessica Couper September 12, 2018

Just wanted to rave about your Mama's Milk tea -- I was beginning to feel myself drying up and My son didn't seem satisfied on my breast but after a few days of drinking your tea blend I feel full and he is satisfied yet again!
So thank you so much!! ❤❤

Krystle

April 25, 2018

Last year I attended BTYR for the first time at Penny's amazing farm and was amazed at the quality and variety of speakers. Learned a lot as I listened to topics as diverse as communicating with animals, our water supply, essential oils & herbs for lung problems, natural facials & massage oils, attended a yoga session plus ate delicious organic, vegetarian food. Planning to attend again this year.

Faye Wilkinson

April 17, 2018

Hello Aunt Jane and Penny,
I just wanted to email you both and thank you again for the ear oil idea
for Brinleigh! Our little girl was treated with antibiotics 6 times before
she was 17 months old for having an ear infection. Since starting the
drops back in September she has not had an ear infection. (KNOCK ON
WOOD!!!) We are only doing the drops once or twice a week but, they seem
to be working well as a preventative. Brinleigh calls them Jane Drops and
always says “Thanks Aunt Jane” after I rub her ears.
Have a wonderful day!
AND thank you again!!
Jen

---

Update April 19, 2018

Hello Penny, 
I just wanted to email you in regards to my daughter Brinleigh again  
The ear drops are still working their magic and we're still infection
free!!! 
Jen

 

February 13, 2018

I first met Penny when she presented a seminar on making herbals teas at Richters Herbs in early 2014. Her knowledge and enthusiasm encouraged me to want to learn more. I contacted Penny and learned that she offers monthly classes as well as The Science and Art of Herbalism Course that provides a diploma upon completion. I attended my first herbal evening in the fall of 2014 at Penny’s (Dogwood and Brambles) farm and was completely impressed. The interactive lessons provide me with the hands on knowledge and skill I need to confidently carry on when I am on my own.  Penny’s passion for what she does is refreshing and uplifting. I enrolled in the course which you do not have to do to attend the herbal classes. It is a “work at your own pace” course which enables me to take time to learn each lesson thoroughly before moving on. Penny is very quick to respond to emails when I have questions or need feedback.  Meeting Penny and attending the classes has changed my life. I have learned so much about health, wellness, gardening, plant identification and the bounties of nature since I first started the classes. I strongly urge anyone who is curious about plants to attend a class.

 

Jane Brosseau April 26, 2017

I have a wonderful herbalist by the name of Penelope Beaudrow. She has been at my side for the past seven years guiding we with my ailments. She is extremely knowledgeable and always eager to help not just me but others with her kindness and caring ways. For me it was with my arthritis which was all over my body. I was on heavy medication from the specialist, now thanks to Penelope I take no drugs only herbs tinctures and Penelope's wonderful teas. Also her knowledge for menopausal women for me has been nothing shy of amazing. I once was a woman on a lot of medication and now at 56 use only herbs and natural products again thru the proper guidance of my herbalist Penelope Beaudrow. Love her big heart.

 

Lorraine Shepherd April 22, 2017

I have wanted to learn about herbs for such a long time. So many books but which ones, who really knows and has the knowledge of herbs?

Then I met Penny Beaudrow when she came to our neighbourhood community centre outside of Gravenhurst to do a talk/workshop on herbs. I liked her instantly: passionate, knowledgeable and patient in her teachings.  I am going to add happy in here because she is a very happy person who exudes her passion for her family, her animals, her farm and all herbs whether cultivated or wild and every growing thing.

I felt I had finally found someone whom I could learn from.  I met with Penny twice before deciding to take this home study herbal course.  Could I manage it, was it over my head, could I learn what I wanted and needed? So many questions.  Penny answered them all with grace and encouragement.

I started the course in September 2016 and have worked diligently on it. Much research is needed and I scoured book stores, including second hand ones for the right books. Again with advice from Penny.

I have asked many questions of her through e/mails and each and every time she answered quickly with in depth answers. She marks my homework promptly with encouraging and positive feedback. It is a delight to get her comments on each lesson.  She inspires you to continue on, to take your time and be patient with yourself in learning.

Each month Penny holds a workshop at her home. These are very informative and fun! We always come away with some of whatever product we have made that evening. What a great way to expand on the course and enjoy new and interesting people. Again Penny makes this a teaching, enjoyable evening.

I have been very fortunate to have met Penny and even more fortunate to have her encourage me to take this home study herbal course. I have learned so much from my studies and from her. I have to thank you Penny for all your help, prompting and the positive attitude that you have in that “you can do this and I am here to help.” I so wish I had of met you sooner but everything happens when it is meant to.

 

Janet Merkley, Gravenhurst April 22, 2017

It is with great pleasure that I describe my experience attending a fall wedding at Dogwood & Brambles Farm outside of Cannington, Ontario. The setting for the wedding was on a family farm. As you arrived you drove down a lane surrounded by mature trees. There was plenty of parking right at the venue. The venue is a family farm with a century home and beautifully tended gardens and walkways throughout. As we arrived we were greeted and invited to enjoy appetizers and drinks before the ceremony. You could sit with friends and family at large picnic tables or on antique benches that were made available to guests. To one side was an outdoor tent area set for the dinner after the ceremony. It was surrounded by gardens and rustic fencing. For the ceremony guests were invited to the front of the house where chairs, benches, church pews, hay bails covered in quilts were arranged in front of  beautiful trees along the lane way.  The couple were married in front of the trees. The setting was idyllic.  After the ceremony guests again were invited to enjoy beverages while visiting with family and friends.  It was like a family picnic where you could wander and enjoy the gardens, scenery, or sit in front of the fire pit.  Dinner was served in the tented area and afterwards guests were invited to walk up a short pathway to a barn on the property.  The barn was outfitted with a bar and room for the dance celebration. And what a celebration! Again, it was beautifully decorated with places for guests to enjoy a drink or sit and visit with friends. What I really liked was the benches along side the dance floor where you could take a break from dancing and sit enjoy watching others celebrate.  If you are looking for a venue where you can have your family and friends arrive and enjoy your wedding celebration without having to drive to different places for the ceremony and reception you need to check out The Ginkgo Tree.  This wedding experience was memorable.

S. Maynard

January 26, 2017

The Ryde Community Co-op has twice invited Penny Beaudrow to share her extensive knowledge of herbal and medicinal teas and tinctures for our Sustainability Workshops series. She is an energetic and entertaining speaker, with vast stores of information and experience in foraging, brewing and extracting beneficial plant ingredients. Her presentation is well illustrated and the tea samples that she provides are yummy!

 

We can't wait to have her return!

Judy Campbell

Program Director

Ryde Community Co-operative Inc.

April 7, 2016

“It went very well! The team greatly enjoyed Penny’s presentation. She was very friendly, funny, and really catered the session to the group and their questions and areas of interest. Staff really enjoyed trying the samples of tea she brought in. I would really recommend her and the session. She helps promote wellness that is manageable for staff to do on an everyday basis.”

Davina Dixon Social Services, Durham Region Offices Whitby, Ontario January 12, 2016

"I have spent exhaustive efforts foraging through the endless brush of incapable products until I was direct to Faunus Herbs StressEase.  For someone who carries stress poorly this product was the only functional choice once tested.  I am extremely pleased with StressEase and often recommend it to friends and family. Upon visiting the grass roots facility it becomes obvious the care and respect placed into each bottle.  StressEase is everything you could need to get back to yourself."

 

Steve September 14, 2015

"I have been under Penny's supervision  for 2 years now. Penny has been an inspiration to our class, with her expertise as a qualified herbalist. She has always gone the extra mile to help us move forward with our personal understanding of herbs and the role they play in every day health and medicine. We are so grateful that we can experience this program in our local vicinity which is so valuable & specific for our geographical area..........which means it is "custom" for our region/farm/animals........and our holistic program growing forward.  This knowledge is paramount to our farm's success."

 

Christine Halbot Canadian Organic Seed Company(reg.'d) September 8, 2015

A absolute must now is a spring and fall "Detox Tea" to help clear mind and body. Thanks again Penny for all your help.

Kim May 31, 2015

Last year I had been feeling very tired and overall felt as if it took a lot of effort to accomplish every day activities. Thanks to Penny at The Ginkgo Tree, who took the time to explain the different herbs to help with different issues I had.

Kim K. May 31, 2015

On several occasions I have sought advice and treatment form The Ginkgo Tree. Each time I speak with Penny she exceeds my expectations with her wisdom, compassion, and experience. It was immediately apparent the Penny has a passion for helping others improve the foundation of their health. One will certainly not find any bandaid solutions with The Ginkgo Tree! Thank you for your continued support, recommendations, and treatment. My family and I are grateful to be in such good hands.

Warmest regards,

Andrea Johnson May 31, 2015

"I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at Dogwood and Brambles farm, on a herb and wild edible walk. We learnt all about identifying various plants and herbs and how we can use them to our benefit. It is easy to become inspired by Penny's knowledge and passion on this topic! To top it all off, you get to sit down and share a cup of tea with your freshly picked herbs and newly made friends. I have never been fortunate enough to learn so much in such a delightful classroom before."

Cam Fildey May 29, 2015

I attended a Herb Walk hosted by Penny at her Dogwood & Brambles farm in May 2015 and I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the experience. Penny has a lovely farm with century
house, horses, herbs and hospitality!

I was enthusiastically welcomed into her large country kitchen and enjoyed iced lemon water while waiting for the other attendees. If you know Penny – she always has a smile on her face.

She showed us her Ginkgo Tree and told us its history connected to her store.We walked across to her fire pit and she invited us to the New Moon Ceremony she was holding in June. Then we moved to the natural and naturalized front pasture which was mowed into pathways for easy walking and viewing. Penny pointed out herbs and broke off pieces for us to smell or taste. We were asked to
identify plants and then she discussed the “what part” and “how it was used”. I appreciated the repetition of identifying plants as we walked since it helped me remember what I’d been
learning. There were so many plants in her field! We learned about Motherwort for pregnant women and longlevity, Lovage similar to celery, Hops for a relaxant and hypnotic, Lily of the
valley for memory, Columbine for fresh greens, Burdock to be eaten like asparagus, Comfrey for respiration problems, Wild Strawberries for fertility and detoxing, Dandelion for tonic and
digestion, Horse Tail for soothing and wounds, Queen Anne’s Lace and many, many more. As we walked we collected sample to take home and leaves to brew tea after the herb walk.

We walked towards Penny’s house and had a tour of the herbs she grew in her flowerbeds. She pointed out that she keeps the labels for newly purchased herbs in the soil as they hold a lot of
information. The herb tastes and smells were wonderful! Back in her country kitchen we brewed goldenrod tea. It was pale yellow and very mild tasting. Penny explained that it had many uses for internal infections and allergies. The hour-long walk extended in length due to her willingness to share her knowledge and answer questions. All in all, Penny made the Herb Walk the best it could be and I would recommend it to anyone whether they are a gardener or not. It was a very learning experience from an expert in the field – and that is intended to be a pun! We each went home with printed information on what we’d seen and discussed. Now I am inspired to look for some of the herbs on my property.

Faye Wilkinson May 28, 2015

In December we rescued a puppy named Lincoln. We had only had him a short time when we noticed a small cyst like bump on his leg. As we were going to the vet for his regular shots they did take a look at it and were not concerned as it was small, not deeply rooted and not infected. That was good news. Over the next couple of weeks the little bump grew substantially and was red and sore looking. We went back to the vet and they describe it as a cutaneous mass and where we were given antibiotics. After taking all of the antibiotics is didn’t appear to be getting any better and the vet thought they may have to remove it surgically – not the best news within the first month of having a new puppy!

We posted on a picture on a pet forum to see if others had any thoughts and we received many ideas. This is when a friend (a student of our herb course) suggested that we try an ointment that she made in her herbal medicine class as a topical healer for animals. This Kloss’ Liniment was amazing and in a weeks’ time there was a noticeable difference and in two weeks it was gone! It was so wonderful to have avoided surgery and have such success with a natural product.

Thank you!!!!

Maggie and Lincoln May 28, 2015

This ointment (Dogwood & Brambles Ointment) is phenomenal. I've found so many uses for it for the whole family! It works on gardening cuts, bug bites, hang nails, rashes, blemishes, and is even acceptable to my fussy feline for his minor skin irritations. It absorbs easily and has a pleasant herbal smell.

Linda Latta DCHM, CNP May 28, 2015

Thanks again for a wonderful presentation!

Conrad Richter Richter's Herbs May 27, 2015