Bea's Beatitudes/All About Herbs.

Lavender~What's Not To Love~

2009-07-07T08:48:00.002-05:00

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Sage Hill Farms had its first crop from the new lavender beds this summer.

Nothing compares to harvesting this aromatic herb. From the moment you enter the gardens until you standing in the shower washing away the days collection of dirt, pollen and yes...the last waifs of lavender, your senses are centered on and around the beauty, aroma, and powers of pure relaxation.

Lavender is loved and sought after for many uses among many mediums.

Alternative medicines-both for humans and animals put lavender at the top of the beneficial list of herbal usage.

Wedding planners call lavender the herb of "love."

And...chefs great and greater would never dream of not having lavender in their stash of special recipes.

Lavender Tea biscuits are one of my most loved lavender treats.

These little goodies can go from the playground to the most uptown garden party to a business meeting of suits and briefcases with ease.

( LAVENDER TEA BISCUITS )

Makes about 30

5 oz real butter
1/3 teaspoon white powdered Stevia ( or )1/2 cup sugar )
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp dried lavender flowers
1-1/2 cup self-raising flour

Preheat oven to 350*

Cream butter and Stevie ( sugar )together, then stir in the egg
Mix in the lavender flowers and the flour

Grease two baking sheets and drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto sheets

Bake 15 to 20 minutes ( depending on the ovens temp control ) until the biscuits are golden brown

* Do not over bake

Eat warm or cool

Don't refrigerate for best taste

Enjoy~

Bea Kunz

Herbs and Independence Day Feasting~

2009-07-03T00:16:00.002-05:00

Please visit this link for a bit of my July offerings~

Happy July holiday~

http://www.healthierskinnaturally.com/wp/?p=94

Independence Day Lemonade~with herbs~

2009-07-02T23:52:00.002-05:00

Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed from 12 large lemons (2&1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon of Stevia powder or sugar to taste
10 cups cold water
2 large lemon, cut into small wedges or thin cartwheel slices

Make ice cubes ahead of time with peppermint or lemon balm leaves frozen into the cubes

In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, Stevia or sugar and 2 cups of cold water; stir briskly to dissolve the Stevia/sugar. Add the remaining ingredients and stir briskly again.

* A childhood memory~

I have many memories of our Independence Day celebrations...my papa always made lemonade in a large wooden keg with big chunks of ice from a local ice house.

Watermelons from our fields would be kept in large tubs of ice water all day until feasting time.

I still enjoy this tradition~

Blessings for your day~

Bea Kunz

Independence Day ~Be Aware-Be Grateful~

2009-07-02T23:27:00.004-05:00

"Sage Hill Farms" wishes you a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday~
~
Make it an Independence Day to remember~

Bea and the Sage Hill Family~

Herbs and Tuna Salad~

2009-06-27T00:58:00.003-05:00

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I never tire of creating new combinations for salads.

This is a very basic combination that delivers a very complex flavor.
With each bite you experience a different sensation,all coming from the different greens and herbs .

Serves 2...easy to double recipe

Start with a good mix of salad greens.

I use 2 or 3 mixes of lettuce, mesclun, mustard greens, spinach, basil leaves and a bit of Swiss chard.
Tear greens and add to plates .

In a small bowl add 1 or 2 small cans of water packed tuna-drained well
1 or 2 Tablespoons of plain yogurt ( or mayonnaise )
1 Tablespoon of chopped sweet pickle
1 Tablespoon sweet onion-chopped

Mix well and add to center of greens

Chop and add around the edge of the tuna mix;
1 small cucumber-chopped
1/2 to 1 whole avocado

Add a twist of fresh lemon
Your favorite crackers...and a good sprinkling of lemon pepper

A most delightful taste-bud treat~

Bea Kunz

Herbs and Breakfast

2009-06-17T10:59:00.003-05:00

~I have two house guest this week and we are learning much about all the many ways to have a safe and healthy summer...including delicious and fun foods.

My house guest are of course my two young grandsons...Bradley and Jack-ages-10 and soon to be 8.

So far we have had a week of some work, some play, and lots of talk and cooking experiences.

They have come to know the summer herbs on a personal level.

We've included, fresh from the gardens at each meal, a sampling of two or more vegetables and herbs that will interchange and produce a tasty and healthy plate.

Today's special was Poached eggs with Dill and Salmon.

POACHED EGGS WITH DILL~

serves 4

4 poaching/custard cups ( oven ware )
4 eggs ( organic/hormone free )
3/4 cup good white wine
3/4 cup cold water
small amount of real butter
1 Tablespoon fresh or fresh dried dill weed
1 teaspoon Sage Hill Farms Cajun blend seasoning

Place small amount of butter in each cup and heat slightly
Mix water and wine and divide between the 4 cups
Break one egg into each cup
sprinkle with Cajun blend seasoning and the dill

The egg should be just covered with the wine/water

Place in a preheated 375 oven just until the liquid has almost cooked away.
Or until your desired doneness of the egg.

SALMON TOAST~

2 to 4 slices of your favorite bread ( I use whole grain or oat )

Mix together in a small bowl-
1 small can of organic salmon
small amount of Greek Yogurt ( just enough to blend )
small amount of Cajun blend seasoning
Sprinkle with fresh dried dill and toast under the broiler just until hot

Cut into 4 squares

FRESH FRUIT CUP~

Mix a combination of melon, red grapes, and cucumber
Sprinkle very lightly with Cajun seasoning and toss lightly

HERBAL BREAKFAST TEA~

In a tea pot add 6 teaspoons of Sage Hill House blend ( lemon balm/peppermint )
less than 1/4 teaspoon of Stevia
4 to 6 cups of boiling water

Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes

Make the breakfast table interesting and the guest will more than enjoy~

Herbs-Eat And Grow Healthy~

2009-06-14T10:42:00.003-05:00

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Whether we are preparing for 2 or 20, fresh summer vegetables are are as good as it gets...around our house.

This is an easy and delicious lunch or dinner.

(A bit about the Black-Eyed pea.)

The name black-eyed peas comes from the appearance of the legumes. They are small and white to yellow in color with a small black dot on each that looks like an eye...hence the name. They are valued for both taste and nutritional value. In addition to a high protein content, black-eyed peas serve as an excellent source of calcium, a great choice if you are a vegan, and are also high in vitamin A and folic acid.

The growing of black-eyed peas serves another very important purpose in areas where land is used continually for farming. Many crops, like corn or cotton, deplete the soil of nitrogen. Black-eyed peas on the other hand, add nitrogen back to the soil, and are fantastic to grow during crop rotations. One of the first advocates of such rotation was the famous George Washington Carver, who studied plants to see which would best replenish the nitrogen in the soil. He strongly urged families, particularly African American farmers, to use black-eyed peas in alternate years so that all crops would produce better yields. This was an easy argument to make since black-eyed peas were common food in the southern US.

The black-Eyed pea has a history of being a survival food during and just after the Civil War. When northern soldiers were burning and destroying southern crops they did not consider the pea crops worth the effort as they thought of it only as food for stock, so they left many fields untouched which supplied many families with food when food was in short supply.

Dried or fresh they are easy to cook and can be used in different ways.

This is one of my favorites.

Rinse and place in a large black iron dutch oven with enough water to completely cover.
Bring to a rapid boil and turn temp down to a good simmer.
Peas will cook in less than 2 hours, just until good and soft.

Season about 10 minutes prior to removing from heat.
Let stand about 10 minutes prior to serving.

( Black-Eyed Peas )

1 quart of fresh or dried black-eye peas
3 to 4 quarts of cold water
1 small onion-chopped
2 Tablespoons of Sage Hill Farms Cajun Season or you favorite
1 Tablespoon of real butter or olive oil

( Yellow Summer Squash )

4-6 small/medium summer squash-washed and chopped
1 onion-shopped
1 teaspoon Sage Hill Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon olive oil

In a saute' skillet heat oil and cook while gently stirring around...don't overcook

2 fresh ripe tomatoes
4 small to medium size cucumbers

Wash and chop tomatoes
Wash and cut the stem end off the cucumber, then peel or not...peel will become bitter after a certain age.

Toss together with a small amount of white wine-just enough to moisten
Sprinkle with fresh ground sea salt or Cajun seasoning
Fresh ground black pepper is optional-for children

Arrange all on a pretty plate and garnish with sliced cucumber

Enjoy~

Organic and Herbal ~Yummy .

2009-06-06T14:17:00.002-05:00

Summer has arrived and with the sun, changing of activities, and schedule's many of us find cooking and serving nutritious meals to be less than easy or exciting.

In the months to come I will be offering many great tasting, packed with nutrition, and visually enticing recipes for any and all meals of the day.

Brunch is a big event at Sage Hill Farms during the summer when heavy foods and stricter schedules are put aside.

We can be more energetic by eating less if we are opting for the right combination.

This is the brunch I had just for myself today.

You can easily adjust the amounts depending on the number of servings needed.

MELON AND CUCUMBER SALAD~

1 cup of cubed or balled melon-( I use cantaloupe )
1 cup sliced cucumber ( I like the baby ones )
1/2 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
1/4 cup purple onion
1/2 cup sliced cold chicken ( optional ) Omit if serving as a side salad
Sprinkle with a blend of sea salt, fresh ground black pepper and dried thyme.

Toss to allow the flavor's to mingle.

Serve with your favorite beverage ( I like a Beringer White California Zinfandel)

Set a pretty place to enjoy.

Do let me know if you would like recipes planned around a special food.

Happy Summer~Healthy Summer~

Herbs and Insects~

2009-06-04T21:39:00.003-05:00

Mosquitoes and their bites are no fun, but with the threat of West Nile virus they can become life-threatening. As an alternative to the many chemical laden products we find on the market...there are many herbal options that work just as well and much, much safer.

Most bugs really don't like garlic...but that can be an iffy option depending on your activities and whether or not you are the only one around . *smile.*

Another good option is to spritz yourself with an essential oil known for repelling insects. Popular choices for natural insect repellent include citronella, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, geranium, red cedarwood, clove flower buds, spearmint, black walnut, wormwood and rosemary. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or olive as some might react to strongly if the sun is very hot and if you have sensitive skin.

Another option is diffusing....any of the following can be used in a diffuser to repel mosquitoes: basil, catnip, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, pine, pennyroyal and elderflower leaf .

Take a daily B-complex vitamin. Mosquitoes find it distasteful.

Do you know that you can apply essential oil of geranium to your dogs to discourage mosquito bites.

Many times when I am working in the gardens and if the bugs are out and too friendly, I just pick a few basil leaves or some thyme sprigs, crush lightly and gently rub my skin ...works for about 30 minutes and then I do it again...

It's safe and healthy, smells wonderful, and I'm bite free.

Have a great time in the June gardens~

Bea Kunz

Green Thoughts, Green Actions, Green Results~

2009-06-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

"Heidi Richards" at "WE" Magazine does as much to promote small businesses and "green" living as anyone on the map.

Unless you are a regular reader of WE you simply don't understand what you are missing.

I, and Sage Hill Farms are blessed to land some much appreciated coverage in this edition.

If your radar leads you in that direction enjoy the articles and hopefully take something away that will be useful to you in your business/life.

While you are there, scan through the magazine and you'll be delighted at all the interesting places, subjects, and people you will find.

Plant a green thought and watch it grow. Just look what Mother Nature has given us.

The photo is inside a 30,000 acre state park about 2 hours from our home.
We recently spent a full day of hiking and absorbing all of the awesome wonders of green.

Bea Kunz

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http://wemagazineforwomen.com/

http://wemagazineforwomen.com/small-business-week-interviews-bea-kunz/

http://wemagazineforwomen.com/green-planning-and-spring-cleaning/

Memorial Day Celebration~

2009-05-24T23:37:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

Regardless the history lets all take a moment to remember and honor the many lives lost in our military services, and, to pray for the ending of all wars.

Enjoy the holiday and be grateful for our freedom to celebrate.

Bea Kunz

CELEBRATION BURGERS~

Roquefort cheese, peppery watercress and organic-pasture raised beef create a burger that meat lovers thank you for. The bulgur stretches the ground beef and boosts the fiber.

Makes 4 servings-recipe can be doubled.

1/3 cup bulgur
1/2 cup warm water
12 ounces organic-pasture raised-lean ground beef
1/2 cup coarsely chopped watercress leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons crumbled Roquefort cheese (1 ounce)
4 whole-wheat buns, split and toasted

1. Combine bulgur and warm water in a bowl; let stand until the bulgur is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare your grill .
Add beef, watercress, salt and pepper to the plumped bulgur and mix thoroughly but lightly. Shape the mixture into eight 3/8-inch-thick patties . Sandwich cheese between the patties to form 4 stuffed burgers.
3. Grill or broil the patties on a lightly oiled rack until browned and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 160° F.) Place the burgers on buns and garnish with watercress sprigs.

** When forming burger patties, make them thinner at the center to prevent them from steaming as they cook.

**To oil a grill: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)

**Ingredient note: Bulgur is a quick-cooking form of wheat that has been parboiled and dried. Don't confuse it with cracked wheat, which needs longer cooking.

Parsley-More Than A Garnish~

2009-05-24T21:04:00.003-05:00

Parsley is a much neglected herb in the kitchen.

Being used for the most part as a garnish and tossed in the trash or at best back into the compost.

There are two varieties of parsley...flay leaf, also called Italian parsley and curly leaf which has a much milder taste than the Italian.

I love blending the two and balancing out the flavor a bit I find the Italian a bit heady for some recipes.

Do you know that Parsley is high in Vitamin C.

Parsley is excellent dried although the word on the street says not...

Dark Green Italian Plain is excellent for drying. Blended with Darki curly leaf produces a sweet-pungent taste that holds it flavor in cooking.

The Green-and-Black striped caterpillars will chew your parsley leaves.

I suggest protecting your main crop with floating row covers and planting an extra clump somewhere in the sun just for the caterpillars since they are the larvae for the beautiful black swallowtail butterfly.

I often just pick them off and relocate them to the carrot patch, they love those leaves too and will mature before they eat them all.

Another good to know about parsley...plant some in your rose garden and it will help to improve the health of the bushes and intensify the scent of the rose bloom.

Keep your parsley cut back or it will go to seed in the second year of growth.
Once it seeds it will begin to die back and cease to grow.

Parsley is considered a biennial, which means it will not reseed the second year.

I add a few new plants each year and that assures me I will always have a good crop.

Parsley loves to be composted, it will thrive and require no other nutrients for a good growth.

Always keep the compost or mulch at least 2 to 3 inches away from the base of the plant.

Happy Gardening~

Bea Kunz

A New Look at an Old Favorite~

2009-05-23T13:21:00.002-05:00

Bee Balm-beebalm~

There are two bee balm plants (or "beebalm") that are my favorites. One is for visual and the other for culinary and medicinal. They are both useful for the same purpose, I just favor the "red" bee balm)for culinary-it is often referred to as the "Oswego tea" plant. Meanwhile, bee balm plants with lavender flowers are also popular; classified as Monarda fistulosa, we usually know this plant as "wild bergamot."

Bee balm plants are herbaceous perennials and considered herbs by all culinary and medicinal standards. Bee balm plants are members of the mint family and impart a minty fragrance and taste.

Red bee balm plants produce clusters of scarlet, tubular flowers in mid to late summer. These long-blooming perennials reach 3 feet or more in height and can grown in zones 4-9.

Plant bee balm flowers in full sun to partial shade and in a moist but well-drained soil. Use soil amendments such as compost to enrich the soil for your bee balm
plants. I have great success growing this in large whiskey barrel planters.

If you simply enjoy beautiful flowers, this is a must for your garden. If attracting wildlife is your aim, yet another reason to grow bee balm. Bees of all kind, (pollinators) butterflies and hummingbirds are steady diners to the beautiful flowers.

Bee balm is used as a skin wash for rashes and other irritations." The pulverized leaves truly can be used as a "balm" to treat bee stings (thus the primary common name).

It's best to divide the plants every few years to prevent aggressive spreading. Beware..it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in late summer; if your bee balm plants succumb to powdery mildew at this time, it's best to trim them back to the ground and properly dispose of the cut growth. Deadhead bee balm flowers to promote re-blooming.

All in all regardless the care they might command the bloom, the aroma, and the "tea" is so worth the time and effort.

White Tea in the News~

2009-05-19T21:30:00.002-05:00

German researchers are saying White Tea can affect fat life cycles.

Interesting read...full article here~

http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/6/1/20/abstract

And remember that herbal tisanes are wonderful for flushing all manner of toxins from our system...fat too perhaps!

"Sip Of The Day"~~Lavender buds with just a hint of Black tea and a tiny bit of Sweet Leaf (stevia ) A special way to start your day.

Bea Kunz

Tea For One~

2009-05-18T10:08:00.003-05:00

"Tea" strictly speaking only applies to "infusions made from the leaves and leaf buds of the tea plant, or camellia sinensis." "Brews made from herbs like chamomile, lemon balm and mints are herbal infusions or tisanes." All infusions and tisanes are caffeine-free for the most part.

Since herbals are caffeine-free, they are perfect choices for bedtime. Chamomile is a long standing choice for calm and relaxation, but there are some other enticing choices to help put us in that comfortable slumber of " this must be Heaven." Fennel helps relax the muscles and settle the digestion, while lemon verbena and peppermint can also bring a restful nights sleep.

Yerba Mate is used often as a caffeine substitute, so I would suggest passing on this for a bedtime sip.

We know that green tea has about 2/3 less caffeine than black tea.

Jasmin with a bit of Rose is one of my favorites...the perfect way to end a day.

Try a cup of herbal tisane during your last hour before bed.....a good thing just for "you."

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Weeds Be Gone~

2009-05-16T23:01:00.002-05:00

Honestly, if I had to weed very much I just might give up gardening.

I simply don't like to weed and it's not that difficult to be weed free in the gardens.

My first suggestion is raised bed gardening, really cuts back on the amount of weeds you end up with.

But, regardless what method you are using weeds should be the least of your work day.

A few tried and true ways of beating the weed problem.

Mulch...Keep your soil covered to prevent light from reaching the weed seeds. Spread a thick layer of dried grass clippings or shredded leaves on your garden early in the spring and replenish it as the season unfolds.

Not only will the mulch keep the weeds out it will also nourish your soil as it decomposes, and...it will hold moisture that your plants need to be strong and healthy after the season heats up.

Hand-pull...As much as I dislike this action it is a must at times, and it does have it's good points. If....your weed problem has already grown past the stage of mulch therapy then pull it must be.

Take a few minutes each day and pull, this is best done after a rain shower, makes the weeds much easier to break free of the soil. As you pull, cover the area with the mulch material and the second pulling is not needed.

When you pull and mulch for a season, the weed issue should be history for the coming season.

Please, please don't resort to chemical weed killers.
They might kill the weeds for a short time, but they also kill your soil, your beneficial insects, and some can even kill you if ingested.

Happy and safe gardening~

Bea Kunz

Troubleshooting In The Garden~

2009-05-10T21:31:00.002-05:00

The gardens here at Sage Hill as well as many around the country have been a bit water-logged for longer than a month now.

Unless your garden spots have very good soil and good drainage you may discover some plants and/or the leaves of some are turning yellow and falling off.

This is most always an indication of too wet soil, which in many cases means your drainage isn't right, which means your soil is most often too heavy.

Since we can't control the amount of rain that falls we have to look for other ways to deal with the issue.

If you decide your soil is too heavy and not draining well you can fix that by adding small amounts of sand or peat to the soil and gently working it in.

A good temporary fix is to purchase good row cover frames and material ( affordable )
and keep your plants covered during times you feel they don't need more rain water.

Yes, they will absorb some from the surrounding grounds but not nearly as much.

The row-covers are also great to protect plants from the hottest days of summer and from insect invasions. Wonderful to have when the Japanese Beetles are visiting.

I can live with most insects ...good or bad...but I have no good thoughts for the Japanese Beetle...just bad through and through !

Hope your Mothers Day was delightful if you are a mother.

~A very special offer from http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com through the month of May.~ Any order totaling $25.00 dollars or more will get free shipping anywhere inside the USA.

Just send me your order through an email instead of placing it through the website.
I'll invoice you through Pay-pal.

Contact info can be found on the website.

Happy Gardening~

Bea Kunz

Herbs For The Immune System

2009-05-01T22:37:00.002-05:00

GARLIC
Allium sativum

Garlic is not only antibacterial, but antiviral, antiseptic, anti parasitic, immune-stimulating, antispasmodic, hypotensive, diaphoretic, and anti fungal.

Regular use of this spice will keep your body toned and functioning optimally. It will help keep that all-important and vital organ, the heart toned, help keep blood pressure down, as well as help lower cholesterol. Repeated studies have shown that garlic has a beneficial effect on the heart and circulatory system.

Garlic is rich in antibiotic powers and strengthens the immune system.

Garlic in the diet has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on those dealing with cancer, stress, and fatigue. Garlic increases insulin production, and lowers blood sugar levels, thus aids diabetics in the control of this debilitating disease.

Garlic also helps increase the senovial fluids, and so is an ally for those dealing with arthritis. The sulfur in garlic helps break up the crystallization of uric acid in the joints, and so aids in the relief of gout.

While I totally believe and practice all the healing and maintenance methods that are found in herbs and herbal products, I also suggest that you get medical advice from a qualified practitioner before embarking on any new method of self treatment.

Garlic can be used in most any recipe in many different ways.

Fresh garlic is delicious sliced and lightly sauteed in a small amount of olive or grape seed oil, tossed into pasta, seafood stir-fry's, meat dishes, scrambled eggs, and even a green salad.

A sprinkling of garlic powder on toast or garlic bread is delightful.
Sprinkle a bit over your favorite nuts and stick them under the broiler just until hot.

Regardless how you use garlic, don't over-cook it...as with any herb the longer it is cooked, the less nutritional value it will have. So...add it to your food the last few minutes of cooking and know you are getting the best it has to offer.

More to come on herbs for the building of your immune system.

Have a Mighty May~

Bea Kunz

Pruning For Better Health~

2009-04-26T22:15:00.003-05:00

Your plants require tweaking in early spring to flourish and give back a 100%.

Herbs are very tolerant of snipping, in fact the more you snip, the more new and hardy growth you will have. So don't be afraid to cut them back. Even if you can't use the trimmings just let them fall to the ground and they will compost back into the soil for another level of good plant health.

Thyme, sage, oregano, and rosemary will get very woody too quickly if not kept trimmed back to a tidy form. Woody means too much stem between the base and the top of the plant with no green growing there. The closer to the soil your thyme, oregano, and sage can grow the better.

Rosemary will make a lovely bush form by spreading out instead of up if you keep it trimmed properly.

My sage beds are about 18" high, a good height for balance and to keep it from bolting...going to flower too quickly.

Once your herbs bolt they think the growing season is over and will start the process of dying back. So be very careful to keep the tops pinched in order to avoid early bolting.

Sage Tea is wonderful in the spring...helps control the pollen/allergy effect of congestion from sneezing and drainage.

SAGE TEA~

A handful of clean sage leaves.
2-4 cups of boiling water.
Steep the leaves for 6 to 8 minutes.
Strain and add a small amount of stevia or honey.

Happy gardening~

Bea Kunz

Earth Day Celebration~the purpose

2009-04-21T22:06:00.002-05:00

Earth Day is all about celebrating what we practice all year.

Learning about; healthy ways to live without doing harm to Mother Earth.
Growing our food, tending our land, and caring for our family in sustainable ways.

If you haven't celebrated Earth Day in the past, a very good way and place to start is in the kitchen. Design and prepare a very simple and healthy meal. Think carefully about each item you choose to integrate into the fare...is it grown locally-if not by you, is it chemical free, is it GM free ?

When we start with our food sources it is very easy to filter into other areas as we move forward...because, when we are eating healthy we feel better, look better, have more energy and more desire to do more , learn more, and share more.

We will be hosting a group of wee ones around the farm at different times tomorrow. Planting seed, inspecting seedlings, and sampling all manner of delicious and healthy foods.

Whatever you have plans for...make it "earth friendly."

Plant a seed...in the garden, in a cup, or in a mind~

Happy and Safe Earth Day~everyday.

Bea Kunz

Easter Holiday Time-line~

2009-04-10T15:53:00.003-05:00

The Time-line of the Easter Holiday~

Easter ( the name ) comes from Eastre, an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess.
In pagan times an annual spring festival was held in her honor.
Some Easter customs have come from this and other pre-Christian spring festivals. Others come from the Passover feast of the Jews, observed in memory of their deliverance from Egypt.
The resurrection of Jesus took place during the Passover. In the early days of Christianity Easter and the Passover were closely associated.

Prior to A.D. 325, Easter was celebrated on different days of the week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In that year, the Council of Nicaea was convened by emperor Constantine. They issued the Easter Rule which places Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox (first day of Spring). Therefore, Easter must be celebrated on a Sunday between the dates of March 22 and April 25.

Lent, preceding Easter Sunday is the 40-day penitential season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday. Lent is a season of prayer, abstinence, and fasting. This is observed in memory of the 40 days' fast of Christ in the desert.
Lent is observed for six weeks and four days by the Western Christian churches that include Saturday and Sunday into the total.
In Eastern Orthodox churches Lent is 50 days since they do not count Saturdays or Sundays.

Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent, was designed as a way to "get it all out" before the sacrifices of Lent began. Known the world over as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) or Carnival. It is celebrated in many cities, the most famous American city being New Orleans, LA.

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, gets its name from the practice, mainly in the Roman Catholic church, of putting ashes on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them that man is but dust.

Holy Week-Palm Sunday: This is held on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It recalls Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem one week before his execution.

Holy Monday: commemorates Jesus' cleansing of the temple, when he assaulted money changers and overturned their tables. Some believe that this triggered his arrest and crucifixion.

Holy Tuesday: recalls Jesus' description to his disciples on the Mount of Olives of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Holy Wednesday: (once called Spy Wednesday) recalls Judas' decision to betray Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.

Maundy Thursday: commemorates the Last Supper, Jesus' agony in the garden and his arrest.

Good Friday: recalls Jesus' death on the cross. The origin of the word "good" has been lost. Some claim that it is a corruption of "God" and that the early Christians called this day "God's Friday." Others claim that "good" refers to the blessings of humanity that Christians believe arose as a result of Jesus' execution.

Holy Saturday: (a.k.a. Easter Eve) is the final day of Holy Week and of Lent.

Easter Sunday: commemorates Jesus' resurrection. In the early church, converts were baptized into church membership on this day after a lengthy period of instruction. This tradition continues today in some churches.

Many Easter symbols and customs come from the Old World.

The Cross
The Cross is the symbol of the Crucifixion, as opposed to the Resurrection. However, at the Council of Nicaea, in A.D. 325, Constantine decreed that the Cross was the official symbol of Christianity. The Cross is not only a symbol of Easter, but it is more widely used, especially by the Catholic Church, as a year-round symbol of their faith.

Easter Lilly
The white lily symbolizes the Resurrection. Yet, lillies have long been revered by pagans of various lands as a holy symbol associated with reproduction. It was considered a phallic symbol!

The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny also originated with the pagan festival of Eastre. The goddess, Eastre, was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit.

The Germans brought the symbol of the Easter rabbit to America. It was widely ignored by other Christians until shortly after the Civil War. Easter itself was not widely celebrated in America until after that time.

The Easter Egg
The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians. The egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.

In today's line-up of holiday celebrations, Easter is, as always , something a little different to many of us.

Our teachings and our commitment to those teachings makes the celebration meaningful and something to pass forward into the new generations.

Happy Easter to you all.

Our day will include early sunrise church services then on to a day with the children/grand-children, traditional foods of the holiday, the Easter Egg hunt with grand prizes for the unscrambled message on the eggs.

And of course a little history lesson about the day.

Have much fun whatever you plans are.

To April Awareness~

EatWell-BeWell~
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Organic Gardening In Five Easy Steps~

2009-04-06T10:42:00.003-05:00

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To garden organically means using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
And remember....it's not just about what we don't do-but more about adopting a more holistic and natural system that rewards us as individuals and builds a better eco-system.

Starting with your soil-get it tested, or , you can purchase the small inexpensive soil test kit and do the testing yourself. Just know what you have and what you need and the rest is easy.

After the growing season has ended for most things, early in the fall start applying any organic nutrients, lots of organic humus-rotting and composting leaves, grass, kitchen waste...such as-egg shells, vegetable peelings, coffee/tea grinds...nothing cooked or any animal products such as bones and grease.

Fully composted animal manure from any non-meat eater is a great additive-horse, cow, chicken, rabbit, etc.
This should compost for at least two/three months before planting in the soil.
( be sure to build your compost pile in alternating green(nitrogen) and brown(carbon)
layers with a thin layer of soil in-between each layer.

Top the pile with about 6" of soil. Water to keep it slightly moist...not wet.
This will encourage microbe action. You will have good compost ready to use in 2 to 3 months.

Built and maintained properly a compost pile does not smell and will not attract critters or ants. If it does then you need to add more dry carbon to your mix. (leaves, straw, sawdust etc.)

It's always a good idea to keep the compost pile covered. This helps the cooking process and keeps any unwanted invaders away.

At least once a week the pile should be turned and tested for successful decomposing.

When your compost has finished cooking you will have everything you need for planting and growing a healthy and abundant garden.

Enjoy~

Bea Kunz

PS: We compost directly into the beds we will be planting in the spring.
This bed was about 24" high with composting material in November of 2008...it cooked all winter and is now a level bed of nothing but good rich organic soil...no tilling, no weeds, no insects.

This bed will soon be abundant with more lavender plants.

Herb Gardens-Pure Pleasure~

2009-04-01T20:28:00.004-05:00

Two of the greatest joys in my life are watching my herb gardens and ny grandsons grow. The two together is nothing short of amazing !

Herb gardens can be any size, shape and/or design that you are attracted to.
Herb gardens are readily changeable, if you plant thyme in this spot and next year you would rather have sage in this same spot, just dig it up and replant in another location. Seldom do you lose herb plants from transplanting.

They are so anxious to grow and please us they just put down roots wherever we wish to place them.

They are very neighborly, the closer the better with many species.

Herbs love to be in the spotlight, just add a few special garden fixtures and you will soon have a touring location that will be the talk of the town.

Birds, bees, butterfly's, and other interesting and beautiful creatures will add to the show on any given day.

Herbs love to be snipped on a regular basis, even if you don't have use for all the cuttings, just allow them to fall to the ground and presto...they will add rich and healthy compost to the soil for the continued growth of their fellow plants.

Herbs make a lovely bouquet for the summer table, and the extra benefit is the aroma they will waft throughout the entire house.

Small, large, formal or a crazy and wild mix-an herb garden is one of the greatest pleasures one can experience on a daily basis.

Happy herb gardening~

Bea Kunz

Greening Your Garden~

2009-03-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

Aren't all gardens green you might ask, and the answer is no, all gardens are not green, all gardens are not healthy.

Greening your garden is a process that can take one to 3 years, depending on how much and the types of chemical ingredients you have used over the last few years.

Do you know, when chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are used in the garden it can take at least 3 years to rid the soil of the traces that are left.

As long as these chemical traces are in the soil, it is in the food you grow and eat or make available to others.

The more chemicals used, the more the soil is depleted, the more fertilizer it takes to promote growth and it becomes a cycle that doesn't give back anything good to the soil or to you.

If you wish to green your garden, start by cleaning up your soil, stop using any chemical based products and renew with compost and minerals that will put life back into your dirt.

Composting worms are a super additive to the gardens, along with frogs, toads, lizards, and other beneficial insects.

Mother nature has all the answers and provides everything we need to have and produce a green life, healthy foods, safe environments for our children, and for the wildlife that plays a major part in a green garden.

Happy Gardening...Green Gardening~

Bea Kunz

Slugs, Bugs, and other Thugs~

2009-03-23T21:58:00.003-05:00

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I'm getting Lot's of mail already about slugs...hopefully that isn't an indication of things to come for us gardeners.

Mulching plants over the winter has its good and bad side...the good, it keeps the roots and base of the plant warm and the soil moist enough to nourish the plants without watering.
The bad ...can sometimes attract moisture loving critters like slugs.

Now is the time to clear away all the mulch material and as a rule once you do this the slugs will find another home. I'm not bothered with slugs so I can't really say what is the best way to deal with them. Many say the trick of putting out beer trays will lure them into the trap and they will drown.

My suggestion for any pesky garden bug is " toads "...they are wonderful little insect eating machines and they follow up with a natural fertilizer besides.

Everyone in my part of the country has been bombarded with Lady Bugs this winter.
In case you don't already know, Lady Bugs are one of the good bugs...they love and can consume 100's of Aphids in a very short period of time. So while they may be a bit pesky flying all around your space, they are really cute and really helpful.

Earthworms in your soil/garden is a very good thing.
Mini composters at work and they haven't a bad trait at all.

Bees and wasp are starting to look for homes...please, please, don't kill a single bee or wasp. These are the natural pollinators, without them we would not have gardens for very long.

Spring is here and so are the bugs...some good, some bad...take time to learn the difference and your garden will flourish by the hands of nature.

Bea kunz