Musings with Hepatica: Revival
Today I went into the forest to walk amongst the wild Primroses and to visit with their close woodland companions – the blue swathes of Hepatica triloba, also known as Liver Leaf or, less commonly, Trinity Herb. In the woodland clearings and margins of early spring, Hepatica suddenly appears, its blooms arriving before new leaf […]
Musings with Quince: Transmission
As we approach the winter Solstice and the gradual return towards the light, my musing today is about a remarkable wise old tree: Cydonia oblonga, commonly known as Quince. Her golden orb-like fruits are the last of the seasonal calendar here in Provence and her fragrant generosity will soon be shared in the Provençale tradition […]
Musings with Hazel: Patience
With a long and mild start to the winter here in the mountains, the squirrels are still active and busy foraging for their winter stores. Which naturally got me thinking about hazelnuts – a squirrel’s dream fodder! So this musing is about this remarkable shrub: Corylus avellana. Have you ever witnessed a Hazel in bloom? […]
Musings with Mullein: Strength
I have something to share about another plant if you have the time to listen! I wanted to share about plant that is abundant on my property and one that I love, respect and listen to. Please meet Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as Mullein. She reigns like a Queen on my land and is a […]
Musings with Rhinanthus: Perspectives
Rhinanthus – friend or foe? It all depends on your perspective! Do you know this delightful plant? Yesterday morning I went on a lovely hike with the hounds – the meadows are a pure delight in early summer – here is a snap from that moment taken in a glorious and luminous sweet swathe of […]
Musings with Narcissus: Community
Here is a story that shares a little about the experiences of a wild afro-gallo-provencal who lives in the mountains of Provence and an encounter with a plant that changed her life. When I moved to Provence in 1999, you might imagine that my mind, heart and eyes may have been filled with rose-tinted expectations […]