inspired by place
& new botanic herbal apothecary guide
“The people cannot be healed unless the land is healed. The land cannot be healed until the people are healed by the land.” -Martin Prechtel
It was Spring nearly 4 years ago when Violets were in bloom and so was Forest & Flowers Retreat.
The place I knew as home had transformed with my grandfather’s transition. In the way beautiful flowers drop seeds at the end of a season, it was like my grandparents had left their own seeds. With a vision to cultivate the next cycle, my hands held the past and future, sorrow and inspiration, ambition and hesitancy, all at the same time.
After a period of ‘in between’ and navigating purchasing details, my husband and I worked on setting up accommodations at the newly created “Retreat House.” I followed a vision of a flower farm, replacing bare areas of grass and developing new plots with more diversity.
Over the last 4 years, new plants have been cultivated, the Flower Barn became a space for workshops, the Garden Room was set up for micro weddings and other events.
I consider myself a steward of this land, a student, and kin of Forest & Flowers Retreat. Escorted by White Pine as Hawk calls overhead, visitors are invited to come and listen too. There truly is beauty in every season for those of us who are paying attention.
The full origin and background story below if you’re interested.
new name inspired by place
If you’ve been reading and following along here, you’ll notice the title of the journal has changed from the natyrë journal to the Forest & Flowers Journal. What I share here has always been inspired by my relationship with Forest & Flowers in Pennsylvania. It simply felt resonate now, to reflect that in the title here.
From visual photographic collections and seasonal musings in FIELD NOTES.
To contemplative, prayerful blessings and meditative entries in SACRED SEASONS.
To exploring plants and our relationship to them in BOTANIC…
This journal will continue to be an evolving space, much like the PLACE I’ve described, for those who believe in paying attention, in exploring the wisdom and wonders of the seasons, and in unearthing the sacred in the ordinary. It's for people who feel enlivened by nature and touched by beauty.
If you’re new and curious, free and paid subscription options are detailed here.
an invitation
Consider your connection with your place, or with the wild kin in the places you visit often. Consider your relationship with the animals, birds, botanicals, and water near you.
"Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.” -Robin Wall Kimmerer
Thank you for being here, and welcome if you’re new. A new offering for subscribers below.
BOTANIC HERBAL APOTHECARY GUIDE: a 32 page e-book with 11 plant profiles and 15 recipes on making your own herbal tinctures, glycerites, infusions, oils, salves, vinegars, syrups, sprays, juices, essential oil products and more.
If you think of a friend or loved one who would enjoy The Forest & Flowers Journal, gift subscriptions are available here.