Out Standing In The Garden

Yarrow, known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, is a versatile and beneficial herb that has been used for centuries for various purposes. This hardy perennial plant can be found growing in many regions around the world, thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Yarrow is known for its feathery leaves and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers that can range in color from white to pink and yellow.

One of the primary benefits of yarrow is its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and wounds. Yarrow contains active compounds such as flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also a natural diuretic and can help support the immune system.

In addition to its human health benefits, yarrow can also benefit animals. Some pet owners use yarrow to help treat minor cuts and scrapes on their furry companions. When applied topically, yarrow can help promote wound healing and prevent infection. However, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian before using yarrow on pets, as some animals may have adverse reactions.

Yarrow is also a valuable herb to have on hand for first aid purposes. Its astringent properties make it useful for stopping bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, yarrow can be used as a poultice to help reduce inflammation and swelling from injuries or insect bites. Some people also use yarrow tinctures or teas to help alleviate symptoms of colds and fevers.

To incorporate yarrow into your daily routine, you can harvest the leaves and flowers and use them fresh or dried. Yarrow tea is a popular way to enjoy the herb’s benefits, whether for internal use or as a skin wash. Yarrow essential oil is another option for topical applications, such as adding a few drops to a carrier oil for a DIY healing salve. Additionally, yarrow can be dried and used in potpourri or sachets to enjoy its aromatic qualities.

Yarrow make an excellent pollinator-friendly plant, attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to your garden. The flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers provide a rich source of nectar and pollen for pollinators, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health. By cultivating yarrow in your garden, you not only harness its medicinal and aesthetic benefits but also contribute to creating a thriving habitat for important pollinators essential for plant reproduction and biodiversity conservation.

Yarrow is a versatile herb with a wide range of uses and benefits for both humans and animals. Whether you’re interested in growing yarrow in your garden for its beauty or harvesting it for its medicinal properties, this resilient herb is a valuable addition to any home apothecary. From promoting wound healing to supporting immune health, yarrow has stood the test of time as a natural remedy with numerous applications.

Sorrel, a lesser-known perennial vegetable, offers an array of benefits that make it a valuable addition to any garden or farm. Known for its tangy, lemony flavor, sorrel is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritious powerhouse. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals, sorrel provides a refreshing burst of nutrients for both humans and animals. Its high vitamin C content makes it an excellent choice for supporting immune health while its antioxidant properties help combat inflammation.

In addition to its health benefits for humans, sorrel can also play a role in supporting the well-being of farm animals. When included in their diet, sorrel can help cool animals during hot summer months due to its natural cooling properties. By consuming sorrel, animals can stay hydrated and maintain their body temperature more effectively, reducing the risk of heat stress. This makes sorrel a valuable asset for livestock owners looking to keep their animals healthy and comfortable during warmer seasons. I will cut 4 or 5 leaves daily and feed our goats during the summer months and toss a handful into the coop for my chicky girls.

From a gardening perspective, sorrel serves as a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions. When grown in well-draining soil and provided with adequate sunlight, sorrel can flourish in both garden beds and containers. Its perennial nature means that once established, sorrel can provide a continuous harvest year after year, requiring minimal effort on the part of the gardener. This makes sorrel an attractive option for those looking to cultivate a sustainable garden that yields fresh produce with little intervention. Red sorrel is beautiful in flower beds, adding texture color and a little more food tucked here and there.

Whether consumed fresh in salads, soups, or sauces, sorrel adds a unique tangy flavor to dishes that sets it apart from traditional leafy greens. Its culinary versatility makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, offering a creative twist to various recipes. Incorporating sorrel into culinary creations not only enhances the flavor profile but also provides a nutritious boost to meals.

Sorrel stands out as a multifaceted plant with benefits that extend beyond the garden. Its nutritional value, cooling properties for animals, and culinary appeal make it a valuable asset for anyone seeking to enhance their garden, support animal health, and savor the unique flavors it offers. By exploring the diverse ways in which sorrel can enrich our lives, both in the kitchen and the farmyard, we can truly appreciate the versatility and benefits of this underrated perennial vegetable.

We love salsa verde in almost all of our Mexican dishes! Enchiladas, tamales, or just as a salsa for chips.

This time of year the tomatillos are productive as can be and using them up, storing for winter use with this recipe is a real treat that I know you’ll love. You can half or even quarter this recipe and really, you can change it up for the amounts you have and it’ll turn out great!

Tangy Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe:

6 lbs tomatillos

2 cups finely chopped yellow onion

1 green bell pepper

1/4 cup pickling salt

5-8 cloves of garlic, minced finely

2 cups apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons organic sugard

2 tsp ground cumin

Pull off tomatillo husks and rinse under cool water to remove the sticky coating and dice. Add onions, peppers and salt in a bowl to mix. Line a colander with a fine cheesecloth and toss in the vegetables and let rest in the cheesecloth for about an hour. This removes the excess water from the veggies.

After resting, rinse the vegetables under cool water. Gather up the edges of the cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess liquid.

Place into a heavy bottom pot and add garlic, vinegar, sugar and cumin. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Lower heat and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until tomatillos have softened. Remove from heat.

Use or bottle at this point.

For bottling, ladle into 6 pint jars, leaving a 1/2″ head space. Use a wooden skewers to run around the edge of jar to remove air bubbles. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes.

Date, label and enjoy anytime with any Mexican dishes! Enjoy!