Labyrinth Walk on Saturday, May 4

Saturday, May 4th is the 5th annual International Labyrinth Day. My garden labyrinth will be open for walking from 11am until 3pm. Allow at least half an hour to walk.

This will be a silent, meditative walk. Please enter the garden in silence and maintain the quiet space as long as you are here.

Please bring a stone to add to the labyrinth - anything from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a loaf of bread will fit in perfectly!

Creamy Nettle Soup Simmering on the Stove Today

I'm feeling the need for some deep nutrition today, and I as luck would have it, I have a nice bagful of fresh nettles.  Here's my recipe, tho I'm sure I'll stray from it, since I usually don't really follow soup recipes closely.

A friend of mine sent me a version of this recipe from the West Country of England, & I think it's fabulous!  This should be made with young, tender nettles, early in Spring.  To avoid being "stung" by the nettles, you might want to wear clean gardening gloves for harvesting, washing & chopping.  If there is any sting, it will be gone by the time the nettles are wilted.  It is quite possible to handle nettles without being stung, but it takes a brave heart and unwavering attention!

Olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3-5 cloves chopped garlic
3 Cups young nettles (use only the top few inches), washed & chopped
2 pounds potatoes
2 Tablespoons  butter
2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup dulse flakes, kelp or raw sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 cup plain yogurt

Wash the nettles and chop coarsely.  In soup pot, saute chopped onion in olive oil until clear.  Add nettles and simmer for about 10 minutes, until limp.  Meanwhile, cut potatoes into thick slices.  Add stock to the nettles, heat & add potatoes, Dulse flakes & pepper.  Simmer on low until potatoes are soft.  Cool slightly & puree with a stick-blender.  Stir in yogurt & serve.

Copyright 2005, 2006, 2013 Sarah Preston

Moth Away Sachets

We're making the transition from Winter to Spring this week, and that means washing blankets, comforters and sweaters & putting them away for a few months.  To keep moths out of our sweaters, we use herbal Moth Away sachets - cedar shavings, lavender flowers and lemon peel.  Simple, safe, effective and good-smelling.  And we're making enough to share some with you!