Submitted by Ursula Kovacs, Folk Herbalist & Owner of Saltblossom Botanicals
Located at "The Wild Soul" on Route 114 in Riverside-Albert
Folk Herbalist, Owner of Saltblossom Botanicals @ The Wild Soul on the 114 Riverside Albert NB
The summer solstice has come and gone, quietly marking the moment when daylight lingers longest and the season is reaching for its fullest expression. It marks a time to gather, to be grateful for the abundance growing, and to honour mother nature in her wild ways. It sparks magic, weaves mystery, and calls deeply to us, reminding us that spring may be the great awakening, but summer, well summer is the grandest of celebrations. The forests are lush, almost as if overnight from many a rainy days, the gardens have emerged, overflowing almost , and many of us suddenly find ourselves returning from simple walks carrying handfuls of herbs, flowers, and branches we had absolutely no intention of gathering when we left the house.
I find myself in awe of everything waking around me, every year - it never lacks wonder. I bring snippets of plants home, handfuls of leaves and heck, sometimes even rocks.
The summer solstice has come and gone, quietly marking the moment when daylight lingers longest and the season is reaching for its fullest expression. It marks a time to gather, to be grateful for the abundance growing, and to honour mother nature in her wild ways. It sparks magic, weaves mystery, and calls deeply to us, reminding us that spring may be the great awakening, but summer, well summer is the grandest of celebrations. The forests are lush, almost as if overnight from many a rainy days, the gardens have emerged, overflowing almost , and many of us suddenly find ourselves returning from simple walks carrying handfuls of herbs, flowers, and branches we had absolutely no intention of gathering when we left the house.
I find myself in awe of everything waking around me, every year - it never lacks wonder. I bring snippets of plants home, handfuls of leaves and heck, sometimes even rocks.
This is one of my favourite times of year along the Fundy coast. The landscape feels generous, plants that spent spring cautiously emerging are now absolutely thriving. The air carries the scent of warm earth, spruce forests, lilacs, apple blossoms and wildflowers. Even the "weeds" seem overly confident, climbing tall for the sweet attention of the suns rays.
For generations, people paid attention to these seasonal rhythms, harvesting herbs when they were at their peak and preserving them for the months ahead.
While our modern lives may look different, there is still something deeply satisfying about stepping outside and noticing what is growing around us.
Right now, there is plenty to notice!
Cleavers weave themselves through gardens and field edges, clinging enthusiastically to our clothing, easy to create art with and happily call them "sticky willies". Lemon balm spills from garden beds carrying its bright citrus scent. Raspberry leaves fill the edges of our gardens. Yarrow begins to bloom, standing tall and resilient in open fields. Mints seem determined to take over every available inch of soil, which is both their greatest gift and their greatest warning. These are the herbs of summer beverages.
A handful of lemon balm, mint, and raspberry leaf tucked into a glass jar of cool water can become a refreshing cold infusion overnight. Cleavers lend themselves beautifully to late spring/early summer preparations aiding our bodies to move the stagnation from winter. Spruce tips gathered earlier in the season can still find their way into syrups and sparkling beverages. Edible flowers add beauty and whimsy, transforming an ordinary pitcher of water into something that feels a little more magical.
This is part of the lesson summer offers us.
Water does not have to remain just water. Food does not have to remain just food. With a little curiosity, everyday nourishment becomes an opportunity to connect more deeply with the season, our bodies, and health. As summer unfolds, it is an excellent time to begin building a simple home herbal apothecary.
Not a complicated one! Not a room full of jars that requires a certification course to understand. Just a small collection of trusted plants that have served generations before us.
Seven Herbs to Begin a Simple Home Apothecary
To begin learning about herbalism, I always say the same thing: start small. You do not need dozens of herbs lining your shelves. In fact, one of the greatest gifts of herbal learning is discovering just how much a handful of well-known plants can teach us! These herbs are an easy place to begin building a simple home apothecary while learning the rhythms, traditions, and practical uses of medicinal plants.
Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris)
Often overlooked because of its small stature, heal-all has quietly earned one of the most impressive common names in herbal history. Found growing in lawns, fields, and along pathways, it has long been used in traditional herbal practices as a versatile herb for supporting general wellness. Many herbalists appreciate heal-all as a gentle plant ally that reminds us not to underestimate the humble weeds growing beneath our feet. It is commonly enjoyed as a tea and is often included in seasonal herbal blends.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Most people know thyme from the kitchen, but this fragrant herb has a rich herbal history that extends far beyond soups and roasted vegetables. Traditionally, thyme has been valued for supporting respiratory wellness, particularly during seasonal challenges. Its aromatic oils have made it a favourite herb in teas, steams, syrups, and honey infusions. It is one of those rare plants that bridges the gap beautifully between food and medicine. And as a bonus, it smells wonderful drying in the kitchen.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is difficult to miss once you learn to recognize it. Its tall flower stalk can rise dramatically above fields and roadsides, while its soft, velvety leaves seem almost too fuzzy to belong in nature.
For generations, mullein has been associated with respiratory support and soothing herbal preparations. The leaves are commonly dried for teas and infusions, while the flowers have traditionally been infused into oils. Its towering presence serves as a reminder that some of nature's most useful plants are often standing right in plain sight.
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
No, not the banana.
This plantain is one of the most widespread and useful herbs found in lawns, driveways, pathways, and disturbed soils throughout our region.
Plantain has long been treasured as a first-aid herb. Traditionally, fresh leaves were applied externally to minor irritations, bites, stings, and scrapes. Herbalists often refer to it as one of nature's "first responders." Once you learn to identify plantain, you'll begin seeing it almost everywhere.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula brings sunshine to the apothecary.
Its bright orange and yellow blossoms are not only beautiful but have been cherished for centuries in herbal preparations for supporting skin health and gentle healing. Calendula is commonly infused into oils, salves, creams, teas, and bath preparations. Easy to grow and abundant in bloom, calendula offers a wonderful introduction to harvesting, drying, and working with medicinal flowers.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow carries a long history of folklore, traditional use, and respect among herbalists. Its delicate white flower clusters can often be found blooming in open fields and along roadsides throughout summer. Traditionally, yarrow has been associated with supporting circulation, seasonal wellness, and wound care. Few plants embody the intersection of beauty, resilience, and practicality quite like yarrow. Once identified, it becomes one of those plants you'll notice everywhere.
Linden (Tilia spp.)
Linden may be one of the most comforting herbs in the entire apothecary.
The fragrant blossoms are harvested in early summer and dried for tea, creating a gentle floral infusion that has long been associated with relaxation, comfort, and nervous system support.
A cup of linden tea feels less like taking a remedy and more like receiving a warm hug from a tree.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life, that alone makes it worth getting to know.
Begin with Curiosity
The goal is not to learn everything at once.
Choose one plant. Learn its name. Observe where it grows. Be curious. Tread light. Harvest responsibly. Give gratitude. Honour the land. Brew a tea. Read its history. Notice its place in the landscape around you. Then choose another.
The natural world has always been an extraordinary teacher. The more time we spend paying attention, the more we realize that some of the most valuable lessons are growing quietly right outside our door.
As summer stretches before us with its long evenings, wildflowers, muddy feet, buzzing insects, and baskets that somehow become full when we weren't planning to harvest anything at all, perhaps the invitation is simple.
Remember that some of the most valuable knowledge still grows quietly at the edges of fields, calling us in, reminding us of the magic and wonder of the lands all around.
What will you make this July?
Tag your" Wild recipes" @saltblossombotanicals and we will try and feature one next issue! Happy foraging, and REMEMBER PROPER ID is Critical! If UNSURE, DO NOT consume!
For generations, people paid attention to these seasonal rhythms, harvesting herbs when they were at their peak and preserving them for the months ahead.
While our modern lives may look different, there is still something deeply satisfying about stepping outside and noticing what is growing around us.
Right now, there is plenty to notice!
Cleavers weave themselves through gardens and field edges, clinging enthusiastically to our clothing, easy to create art with and happily call them "sticky willies". Lemon balm spills from garden beds carrying its bright citrus scent. Raspberry leaves fill the edges of our gardens. Yarrow begins to bloom, standing tall and resilient in open fields. Mints seem determined to take over every available inch of soil, which is both their greatest gift and their greatest warning. These are the herbs of summer beverages.
A handful of lemon balm, mint, and raspberry leaf tucked into a glass jar of cool water can become a refreshing cold infusion overnight. Cleavers lend themselves beautifully to late spring/early summer preparations aiding our bodies to move the stagnation from winter. Spruce tips gathered earlier in the season can still find their way into syrups and sparkling beverages. Edible flowers add beauty and whimsy, transforming an ordinary pitcher of water into something that feels a little more magical.
This is part of the lesson summer offers us.
Water does not have to remain just water. Food does not have to remain just food. With a little curiosity, everyday nourishment becomes an opportunity to connect more deeply with the season, our bodies, and health. As summer unfolds, it is an excellent time to begin building a simple home herbal apothecary.
Not a complicated one! Not a room full of jars that requires a certification course to understand. Just a small collection of trusted plants that have served generations before us.
Seven Herbs to Begin a Simple Home Apothecary
To begin learning about herbalism, I always say the same thing: start small. You do not need dozens of herbs lining your shelves. In fact, one of the greatest gifts of herbal learning is discovering just how much a handful of well-known plants can teach us! These herbs are an easy place to begin building a simple home apothecary while learning the rhythms, traditions, and practical uses of medicinal plants.
Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris)
Often overlooked because of its small stature, heal-all has quietly earned one of the most impressive common names in herbal history. Found growing in lawns, fields, and along pathways, it has long been used in traditional herbal practices as a versatile herb for supporting general wellness. Many herbalists appreciate heal-all as a gentle plant ally that reminds us not to underestimate the humble weeds growing beneath our feet. It is commonly enjoyed as a tea and is often included in seasonal herbal blends.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Most people know thyme from the kitchen, but this fragrant herb has a rich herbal history that extends far beyond soups and roasted vegetables. Traditionally, thyme has been valued for supporting respiratory wellness, particularly during seasonal challenges. Its aromatic oils have made it a favourite herb in teas, steams, syrups, and honey infusions. It is one of those rare plants that bridges the gap beautifully between food and medicine. And as a bonus, it smells wonderful drying in the kitchen.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is difficult to miss once you learn to recognize it. Its tall flower stalk can rise dramatically above fields and roadsides, while its soft, velvety leaves seem almost too fuzzy to belong in nature.
For generations, mullein has been associated with respiratory support and soothing herbal preparations. The leaves are commonly dried for teas and infusions, while the flowers have traditionally been infused into oils. Its towering presence serves as a reminder that some of nature's most useful plants are often standing right in plain sight.
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
No, not the banana.
This plantain is one of the most widespread and useful herbs found in lawns, driveways, pathways, and disturbed soils throughout our region.
Plantain has long been treasured as a first-aid herb. Traditionally, fresh leaves were applied externally to minor irritations, bites, stings, and scrapes. Herbalists often refer to it as one of nature's "first responders." Once you learn to identify plantain, you'll begin seeing it almost everywhere.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula brings sunshine to the apothecary.
Its bright orange and yellow blossoms are not only beautiful but have been cherished for centuries in herbal preparations for supporting skin health and gentle healing. Calendula is commonly infused into oils, salves, creams, teas, and bath preparations. Easy to grow and abundant in bloom, calendula offers a wonderful introduction to harvesting, drying, and working with medicinal flowers.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow carries a long history of folklore, traditional use, and respect among herbalists. Its delicate white flower clusters can often be found blooming in open fields and along roadsides throughout summer. Traditionally, yarrow has been associated with supporting circulation, seasonal wellness, and wound care. Few plants embody the intersection of beauty, resilience, and practicality quite like yarrow. Once identified, it becomes one of those plants you'll notice everywhere.
Linden (Tilia spp.)
Linden may be one of the most comforting herbs in the entire apothecary.
The fragrant blossoms are harvested in early summer and dried for tea, creating a gentle floral infusion that has long been associated with relaxation, comfort, and nervous system support.
A cup of linden tea feels less like taking a remedy and more like receiving a warm hug from a tree.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life, that alone makes it worth getting to know.
Begin with Curiosity
The goal is not to learn everything at once.
Choose one plant. Learn its name. Observe where it grows. Be curious. Tread light. Harvest responsibly. Give gratitude. Honour the land. Brew a tea. Read its history. Notice its place in the landscape around you. Then choose another.
The natural world has always been an extraordinary teacher. The more time we spend paying attention, the more we realize that some of the most valuable lessons are growing quietly right outside our door.
As summer stretches before us with its long evenings, wildflowers, muddy feet, buzzing insects, and baskets that somehow become full when we weren't planning to harvest anything at all, perhaps the invitation is simple.
Remember that some of the most valuable knowledge still grows quietly at the edges of fields, calling us in, reminding us of the magic and wonder of the lands all around.
What will you make this July?
Tag your" Wild recipes" @saltblossombotanicals and we will try and feature one next issue! Happy foraging, and REMEMBER PROPER ID is Critical! If UNSURE, DO NOT consume!
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