Herbs and Petals 2026
As I wonder around the yard, I have been more appreciative of anything that has survived the flooding. Yesterday I was in our local grocery store and shocked at the price of a can of soup.
I am saving what I can. First plant is Lovage. Now I took this description off of google as it's a complicated Herb. Quote "Lovage tastes intensely like a more concentrated, peppery version of celery, with subtle undertones of parsley, anise, and a slightly bitter, savory zing." When the prices of Celery are high in wither months, this is what I use. The Old People/Elders used to call it, Wild Celery. If you don't know it be careful. It has evil relatives.
Then the Peony Petals. A lot of People over look their uses. Collect Petals and you can make syrups, jellies, add to salads, as well as herbal baths, floral water mists, and skin-soothing salves.
So you see my harvest of dill. Dill has so many benefits. I like adding it to potatoes with finely chopped kale. So I am grateful for this first pick. Definitely good for digestion which anyone over 40 will appreciate as digestion enzymes naturally decrease. Add to tea too.
Also, I picked the Rose Blossoms and Buds. Good for making Rose Water, Teas, and are similar to the Peonies uses.
Then one of my favorites is Cilantro. First harvest is for the herb and then allow it to seed and you have Corriander seed.
Last I have Calendula. Best for Skin Salves! Make ahead for topical creams, salves, and serums used to treat minor wounds, burns, and dry, cracked skin. This will be needed for Home First Aid. We need to be more Self Reliant. All of us.
And there is so much more in everyone's Yards. Even when I lived in the City. I had every plant noted in case I had need. Yes, not the best, but attitudes change in Scar-city. Think about it.
May we All appreciate the Gifts the Loving Creator has placed All around. Take only what you need and Give Thanks in the taking. Plants sacrifice according to their Purpose for us. 🙏♥️🕊
Flashback added...lol. I used to write about weeds in the early 90's trying to help people understand how useful everything around us was. I am happy more People are using them again. Plus, if you see others call me by different names, well now you are caught up. 😅🥰🙏♥️🕊
Written by Paula Johnstone-Whitehawk DNM ®️©️ June 23 2026
In my recent experiences with growing and harvesting herbs and petals, I've realized how much these plants can support our daily lives, especially during challenging times like price hikes or supply shortages. Lovage, often called wild celery, is an underrated herb that packs a flavorful punch and can easily be a substitute for celery, particularly in winter when celery prices soar. However, it’s crucial to correctly identify it because some of its relatives can be harmful. Growing Lovage in your garden is a practical way to have fresh seasoning year-round, and the taste truly elevates soups and stews. Peony petals may seem purely ornamental, but they're wonderfully versatile. I’ve personally enjoyed making peony petal syrups and jellies—adding a floral, slightly sweet note to desserts or teas. Beyond culinary uses, peony petals create relaxing herbal baths and versatile floral water mists that soothe the skin. Similarly, rose blossoms and buds are a treasure. Rose water distilled from these petals is a beauty staple, known for its refreshing and calming effects on the skin, perfectly suited for homemade skincare routines. Dill, another favorite, offers numerous health benefits. Its digestive properties are invaluable, particularly as we age and our natural enzymes decline—adding it to meals, or brewing it into tea, can improve digestion significantly. I often pair dill with potatoes and kale to enhance both flavor and nutritional value. Cilantro is unique because you can harvest its fresh leaves and then allow the plant to produce coriander seeds, providing dual culinary benefits. Both leaves and seeds bring their distinct flavors to various dishes, and having this plant in your garden ensures a steady supply. Calendula is indispensable for skin health. Preparing calendula-infused salves and creams ahead of time means you have potent natural remedies at your disposal for treating minor wounds, burns, or dry skin—a helpful addition to any home first aid kit. This plant’s healing properties support self-reliance and reduce dependence on commercial products. Growing these plants requires a bit of knowledge and care but is incredibly rewarding. Even city dwellers can cultivate them in pots or small garden spaces, making it accessible to many. In times when food security and natural health are increasingly important, tending to one's garden is both practical and spiritually uplifting. Each harvest feels like a gift from nature, reminding us to take only what we need and show gratitude. If you’re curious about starting your own herb garden or exploring the diverse uses of common garden plants, I encourage experimenting with these greens and petals. Their benefits extend far beyond flavor—they nourish the body, support wellness, and even enrich the soul with their calming presence. Embracing these natural resources can be a personal journey of resilience and gratitude, much like it has been for me.
