Edible and Medicinal Plant Database (the best!)

"There are over 20,000 species of edible plants in the world yet fewer than 20 species now provide 90% of our food. However, there are hundreds of less well known edible plants from all around the world which are both delicious and nutritious." - Plants For A Future database website...

Last week I wrote a quick post about the tonifying and nutritional value of the three most common 'weeds' found in my North Texas garden: dandelion, henbit and chickweed. Primrose, pictured here, is another 'weed' in our Texas lawns, but because it is pretty, most folks tolerate this medicinal gem known for soothing PMS and the physiological signs of menopause.

While searching for answers to the edible and medicinal qualities of some of my "less attractive" weeds (yes, looking for the positive in everything!) I came across this most amazing database:

Plants For A Future: 7000 Edible and Medicinal Plants

(click above for link)

This comprehensive database offers an easy to use system which allows users to type in any plant name (or part of a name!), then pulls up a guide to the plant suggesting its edible value, medicinal value, growth requirements and even design ideas!! The site also offers references, a forum and a blog.

Part of a complete Homesteading effort includes using the resources Mother nature has gifted us with- which certainly includes the wild plants common to our areas. Developing an appreciation for these 'weeds' makes them much more tolerable in our landscapes, and much less work and worry for us as gardeners!! Please enjoy and share this wonderful resource gifted to us through a charitable organization to support the work of Ken and Addy Fern! Blessings:)

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Weeds: Eat The "Enemy" ?

Each spring a war is waged across America: swords are drawn (hoes, tillers), weapons are gathered (chemical weapons of the most toxic sorts: Roundup, Atrazine, whatever is in 'weed and feed' formulas), and lines are drawn: homeowners and gardeners prepare to seek and destroy every 'weed' in their path.

A weed is really just a plant growing someplace it isn't wanted- after all an oak tree is a weed if it pops up in the vegetable garden! Some weeds are actually beneficial to the garden. For example (see in photo above) - vetch, a legume, which reduces erosion when few other things are growing in the cool, early spring AND fixes nitrogen for surrounding plants to use!

It is a good idea to learn to identify weeds common to your area, and perhaps adopt a practice of tolerance for a few. Some of my "favorites" include violets, primrose, and dollar weed, all of which I think are quite pretty. Primrose, the most invasive of the above, usually dies back completely by summer, and provides some much needed greenery in the winter and early spring. Same with violets...honestly, the live and let live philosophy for these attractive little ground covers allows for much more time drinking wine in the hammock; I think we are all happier since I decided to let them have their run... Primrose, pictured here, also has medicinal qualities and is a popular herb for women.

And while weeds may seem like mistakes in our perfectly primped garden beds, Mother Nature usually has a plan...Spring greens make essential tonics and teas for detoxifying our bodies after the heavy foods of winter. The three most recommended greens for 'spring cleaning' of the body just happen to be the most abundant in my beds in March and April: dandelion, henbit and chickweed.

Young dandelion greens are very mild and taste delicious in salads. Their leaves can also be used in tea for a mild detoxifying and laxative effect. For generations, this traditional spring food has been an essential part of a healthy spring diet. The same is true of henbit and chickweed pictured right and left: teas from these common weeds are very cleansing. Steep fresh leaves in boiled water, strain, and sweeten with some local honey. Be sure you have identified the plants correctly, and that they have not been sprayed prior to using for a tea! If you are uncertain, ask a local garden club member or botany professor at a nearby college...

Yes, some weeds really are 'ugly' and 'undesirable', although that may just be a matter of taste...The best remedy is to chop them out like a warrior, and be sure to get them before they go to seed. If a large area needs to be cleared, use 20% vinegar (from garden centers that carry organic supplies) mixed with 3 tablespoons of orange oil - apply this mixture as a spray.

But FIRST, consider using the vinegar (5% salad vinegar of course) to dress a little bowl of dandelion greens mixed with spinach, spring onions and a dash of olive oil... There is nothing quite as satisfying as eating your enemies!

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Bottle Trees by Forgotten Works are now available:)

As our living gallery and ever-expanding gardens continue to grow, "Tupelo" - the 20 foot steel bottle tree and trellis - remains the centerpiece at Forgotten Works... As a child growing up in The South (caps intended of course), I was amazed and fascinated by the legend of bottle trees. After travelling rural roads to and from the Blue Ridge, I would beg my parents to let me make one in our yard. I suspect the Home Owner's Association didn't share my vision or imagination;) Tupelo was built by my darling husband, Eddie, two summers ago while I was away for a week at a yoga event. He had been peeking in my sketch book, and decided to go for it... At last! I had my bottle tree! And what a magnificent example of one... So, if you have been hoping for a piece of Eddie Phillips art: By popular demand, we have designed smaller versions suitable for any Homestead! Whether you have a condominium courtyard or a sprawling estate, our contemporary twist on these American classics can adorn your garden, too! Forgotten Works bottle trees, like all of our other pieces, are made from 100% reclaimed steel. Unlike other bottle trees available, ours have a twisty, realistic styling that also allows the art to serve as a functional trellis for ornamental or edible vines! Bottle trees will debut at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival in Dallas, April 1-3, 2011. Several sizes are available and of course, custom work can be done 'on site'... Don't let the h'aint's get ya! See ya'll at Deep Ellum! Other local art shows and Forgotten Works events are listed at our "happenings" page.

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Livet hemma (Life at home)

: : inspiration straight from the designers at IKEA. Here is Ikea's own blog .livet hemma. with lots of amazing inspiration from their designers, stylists, editors and more. Enjoy!

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Vegetable Gardens: Spring 2011 Style Sampler

Need a little inspiration for your vegetable garden design? Look no further!
Warning: images like these are pure garden porn - and while they haven't been airbrushed per se, remember that they DO capture gardens 'at their finest'... on any given day, these gardens, like yours and mine, can be found with the proverbial 'curlers in their hair' (and maybe some saggy melons, too)...Above: a small urban lot used 100%



I love these flip top cold frames that fit perfectly over the uniformly sized raised beds. This one is for the industrious, the imaginative, or the really really wealthy:) A handy do-it-yourself-er could mimic this idea on a budget, though...

..simple raised beds with a wonderful diversity of vegetables and herbs. This is a nice solution to a garden area separate from the lawn and living space of a suburban yard.

I love this garden: it is neat and tidy and made from simple construct. Concrete blocks form beds within what used to be a large grass lawn. A much better use of space;)
Erase the beds and arbor at the rear of this lot and what do you have: 95% of most suburban back yards,,,grass and a privacy fence. What an obtainable transformation!!

Rustic style in a country setting - the garden is set apart by a simple gate with an arch.

A courtyard garden: don't be afraid of Homesteading in small spaces!

Something for everyone here! Go ahead, get growing:)

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Stockholm home

: : love this wonderful Stockholm home bursting with colors and patterns. Everything feels so very Swedish. And what a beautiful happy family! From Swedish Design magazine .family living.

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Eat This Law: Home Owners Associations vs. Homestead Efforts

Home Owner's Associations can set rules to prevent the house-next-door from growing a sofa on the porch and help protect your investment,,, but what happens when the regulations work against your backyard homestead visions?

We have a friend who owns a small, family pizza place here in our little country town. They don't deliver, but we like their hand made crusts and the fact that they use local, seasonal vegetables in their dishes as often as possible. When we have extra peppers, tomatoes, basil or other garden goodies, it isn't unusual to work a trade: produce for pies. Good deal!

The last time we ran in for a pick up, our owner-friend asked how long it would be until our garden was underway this year. We reported all that had been planted so far, and asked if she had tried her hand at a little backyard homesteading yet. She HAD, in fact, tried to grow a few pepper plants last summer, but unfortunately she was fined for it! It seems that her Home Owner Association FORBIDS the growing of vegetables in their neighborhood, even in the back yard!

I do understand the value of HOA rules about upkeep, vehicles parked in driveways, junk in yards, excessive signage, and other issues that can effect the overall health and value of the neighborhood in general. After all, who would want the scene above moving in on their block? Yes, we can all agree that a fleet of non-moving vehicles beached on concrete blocks should be forbidden, and that grandma shouldn't hang her skivvies out to dry on the front porch, but to forbid a pepper plant? In the BACK YARD? It is this Homesteader's opinion that that is outrageous (and not very Earth Friendly, either!!)

So let's talk about HOMESTEAD STYLE, Homestead Savvy, and Homestead Sophisticated!

Consider the photo to the left: rubber boots by the door, ready to go pick flowers or veggies, a basket for gathering alongside. Wonderful biodiversity, a hand crafted rustic chair, and, with door propped invitingly open, an "indoor/outdoor" lifestyle is evident.






The Front Door isn't the only part of a Homestead property that can display style of course: even the backyard vegetable garden can be sophisticated! The example in the photo (right) is admittedly extreme garden porn, but not at all unobtainable for a small urban lot...IMAGINE:)

With Spring 2011 upon us, I hope to post many more photos of vegetable gardens, herb beds, fruit trees, and yes, even chicken coops, that illustrate the possibilities of stylish backyard homesteads,,,designed with even the most discerning HOA in mind! Ranging from simple to elaborate, urban and suburban gardens can be wonderful, green neighborhood additions. If you happen to live in a community with strict rules about vegetable production, consider printing a few pictures for the next Home Owner's meeting, and perhaps inspire some neighbors to get growing! More ideas? Link HERE..

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Pies Gone Wild

When the blackberry bushes arrived last week, we just had to jump ahead and try out some new twists on old classics! The following recipe was inspired by Jean Johnson's Measure Free Hippie Kitchen cook books. Confident enough to start playing, I looked up all the crust and filling recipies I could find, and came up with reliable ratios for ingredients which can be mixed and matched to create delicious, healthy pies and tarts for any season or taste!

I admit Jean is a much more experienced
measure-free cook, and encourage everyone to check out her cookbook series on the subject; she is a true right-on mama! Follow this link to her Measure Free Cooking site.

Mary's Quick and Easy Pie Crust:

Enough for a double crust pie or 12 tarts
2 cups grain flour. Mix and match from white flour, whole wheat flour, flax meal, ground nuts, cornmeal, oats, soy flour
½ cup fat. Mix and match from butter, Crisco, lard, olive oil, salad oil, butter substitute, soft cheeses
½ cup liquid. Mix and match from water, milk, yogurt, fruit juice
2 Tbs sweetener. Sugar, brown sugar, honey, fruit juice concentrate, agave nectar.
½ tsp salt
Egg white for washing

Preheat oven to 425. Place dry ingredients into bowl and fluff with a fork. To this add either solid or liquid fat: cut solids (butter, lard) into flour until crumbly, or simply melt and add with liquids. Add liquids to dry ingredients and stir until incorporated. Form into a ball and chill at least 10 minutes. For tarts, no chilling is necessary. Cut ball into two halves, and roll each half out as a crust. For tarts, divide into 12 portions and form flattened circles to fit into a standard muffin tin. Wash with beaten egg white and bake 15 minutes. Fill as desired, and bake according to recipe. Baking is play time! Mix and match to create your own signature crust! For flakier crust, increase amount of fat, for more bread-like crust, decrease the fat

Mary's Filling for Seasonal Fruit Pies

Enough for a double crust pie or 12 tarts
4 cups fresh fruit. Clean, dry, and peeled if needed (peaches, thicker skinned apples and pears) Any fruit that is in season will do here; look for what is available at your local farmers market – spring strawberries and rhubarb, summer berries and peaches, autumn apples and pears…
1 cup 'sticky'
1 cup 'sweet'
¼ cup thickener. Flour, tapioca flour, corn starch
"sticky and sweet" can be mixed and matched: Jelly or jam, applesauce, pureed fruits (peaches and pears work well), honey, agave, regular sugar. Place your 'sticky and sweet' ingredients in a saucepan with thickener and heat until just boiling. If desired, add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg (best with apples and pears). Remove from heat and add fresh fruit, stirring until coated. If using apples or pears, especially cooking pears, you might simmer until tender. Simmering is not necessary for berries or ripe peaches. Spoon mixture into crust(s) and return to 425 degree oven for 15 minutes or until juices are bubbly.

Keep Rocking and Rolling with the Measure Free Movement!
The directions above give measured guidelines for getting your hands into the process, but I have found that each time I make a crust (and fill it), I get more and more into "FEELING" the food, and understanding the ART of cooking, rather than relying on the SCIENCE of it all...

I made a crust tonight but simply mixing 2 sticks of butter with enough flour to make it crumble. When it felt TOO dry, I added some olive oil and (because it was available and seemed right) applesauce. It is still in the oven, but felt smooth and velvety on the rolling board...and it will be my best crust ever,,,I can feel it:)

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Me=featured designer on .from sthlm.

: : I am incredibly proud to announce that I am this month's featured Swedish designer on .from Sthlm.
.From Sthlm. is an online webshop that was started two years ago and has since featured over twenty different independent Swedish designers, Lotta Kuhlhorn and Mrs Murphy are among a few of my favorites on the list.

Every month a new designer is featured and a limited amount of their products are sold through the website. Tiffany who runs the site also shares an interview with each designer on her blog. Her list of featured designers is very impressive and I'm honored to be part of it. .From Sthlm.  has become a fantastic resource for Swedish design and takes a new innovative approach to shopping online, where you get to know the designer and learn about the story behind each product. Thank you Tiffany for featuring me this month! I hope you will enjoy my prints that are featured at .from sthlm. this month.

P.S For the month of March I will be selling my prints exclusively through .from sthlm. My etsy shop will open again in April.....with new patterns! Head on over to .from sthlm. and learn more about my kurbits and where they come from.

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from Scandinavia with love

: : found a new Scandinavian blog chock full with inspiration! Please visit .from Scandinavia with love. to see more wonderful photos of Scandinavian homes.

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color at ikea family live

: : here comes some interior inspiration from .Ikea family live.  this colorful home in northern Portugal is fantastic! it's totally my style, mixing lots of bright colors and patterns. it makes me happy to look at these photos.

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