There’s a moment in the garlic patch that signals summer is truly here—when curly, green tendrils begin to emerge from the tops of the plants, twisting upward like nature’s own whimsical scrolls. These are garlic scapes, and if you’ve never cooked with them, you’re in for a treat.

If you’ve ever sipped a cup of herbal tea and wondered if you could grow the ingredients yourself—the answer is yes. You don’t need a massive garden or years of experience to get started. In fact, just a few thoughtfully chosen herbs can provide enough for tea all season long (and even into the winter).

We all have that one product we reach for when our skin is acting up. For me, it’s Calm & Restore—a handcrafted salve I originally formulated for dry, irritated skin. But over time, it’s become my go-to for just about everything—especially after long days outside in the sun, wind, and garden grit.

Your lymphatic system doesn’t get nearly as much attention as your heart or lungs—but it plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Think of it as your body’s drainage and immune transport system—carrying away waste, toxins, and cellular debris while supporting immune function. When it gets sluggish, we feel it: puffiness, fatigue, poor skin health, and a lowered sense of vitality. Thankfully, nature offers us powerful yet gentle herbal allies to support the lymphatic system—and many of them can be grown right in your backyard.

From the very beginning, God designed man and woman to walk together — distinct yet united, different yet corresponding, equal yet complementary. Not clones. Not competitors. But two reflections of His image, woven to create a union that would mirror His own heart.

When people hear the word herbalism, they often imagine something complicated — shelves full of jars, ancient recipes, a vast encyclopedia of plants. But at its heart, herbalism is simple.

Nettle may not look like much at first — especially if you’ve brushed past it in the woods — but behind its sting is one of the most nourishing herbs out there.

When people think about boosting their immune system, they often reach for herbs like echinacea or elderberry—powerful allies, yes, but not always the best fit for every situation. In fact, some herbs that stimulate the immune system can do more harm than good when used long-term or in the wrong context.

When we talk about strength, the world has plenty to say. Loudness. Dominance. Aggression. Stoicism. The kind of “strength” that conquers, demands, controls.

But biblical strength — chazaq — is different.

If you’ve ever grown squash, zucchini, pumpkins, or gourds, you’ve probably met the dreaded duo: squash bugs and squash vine borers. These pests can decimate healthy plants seemingly overnight, leaving once-thriving vines wilted and full of holes—or worse, completely collapsed.

A staple in my apothecary — and one I reach for often.

There are a few herbs I always want within reach, and lemon balm is one of them. It’s light, lemony, and just as good for the spirit as it is for the body.

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise online: seed oils are out, tallow is in. And while there’s nothing wrong with using tallow—it absolutely has traditional roots and unique benefits—it’s important to remember that plant-based oils and butters have been trusted across cultures for centuries.

When God crafted humanity, He didn’t create woman as an afterthought. He wasn’t patching up a mistake. He wasn’t giving Adam a maid, a sidekick, or a lesser being to keep him company. He was creating an Ezer Kenegdo. And if we understand what that phrase really means — if we peel back the layers of tradition and mistranslation — it changes everything.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are one of the most recognizable—and misunderstood—plants in North America. Often dismissed as weeds, these bright yellow flowers are actually nutrient-rich powerhouses used for centuries in traditional herbalism. Every part of the dandelion—from the root to the flower—offers wellness benefits, whether you’re supporting digestion, skin health, or the liver.

Calendula might just be the hardest-working flower in my garden. With its golden blooms, calming energy, and powerful healing properties, it’s become a staple in everything from my skincare line to my summer tea blends. Whether you’re growing herbs for the first time or looking to add more purpose to your flower beds, calendula is one of the most rewarding plants to grow.

There’s a lot of noise in the world about what it means to be a strong woman. Hustle. Grind. Rise and conquer. Or the opposite — fade back, stay quiet, don’t take up too much space. But neither of these reflect what Scripture truly says about strength. Neither paints the picture of the woman God designed and delights in.

Often overlooked in spring lawns and woodlands, wild violets (Viola sororia) are a gentle, multi-use herb with a long history of medicinal and culinary value.

This morning I sat beside my plants, hands busy, mind scattered, and there it was—
wilted lettuce. Forgotten, sun-stressed, and past its prime. It struck me like a parable. Not because the lettuce was ruined (it happens). But because it revealed something deeper: you can’t do it all.

This season started late. We waited and watched, wondering when the trees would wake up. And just when we began to find our rhythm, it ended. It was short—so short.

There’s something magical about herbs that come from trees. Maybe it’s the way they seem to hold deep-rooted wisdom — or how their leaves sway gently in the wind like they’re reminding us to slow down.