Farm Journal

Jewelweed is a widespread and common plant that occurs in moist, semi-shady areas throughout northern and eastern North America. It is a self-seeding annual with beautiful orange flowers that grows until five feet high. The fruit is a long capsule, which bursts open at the slightest touch when ripe. Jewelweed therefore is also often called touch-me-not although the actual touch-me-not plant is a close relative with the name Impatiens pallida, which has  yellow flowers. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies love the plant. Jewelweed easily colonizes disturbed areas and can take it up with the non-native invasive plant garlic mustard. It also has medicinal value: The US… Read More »Plant of the month: August

We selected Tansy as plant of the month for June because of the plant’s insect repellent property, e.g. ticks.  You can easily make your own bug spray by cooking a tansy tea.  More about that later.   Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial plant of the aster family, native to Europe and Asia. It grows very well in Massachusetts, up to the point that it can be invasive. It has fernlike leaves and blooms yellow in summer (see picture). Tansy was used as herb to flavor omelets or baked goods and also in traditional medicine, for example to treat internal worms. However, as the flowers and… Read More »Plant of the month: June

This choice may surprise as dandelions are mostly regarded as weed despite their cheerful yellow flowers. Unfortunately for dandelions, not many people know that this is an especially useful and versatile plant, not just for pollinators. All parts of the plants are usable for human consumption as well and roots and leaves have their place in herbalism to support the health of the body. Tea made from fresh dandelion roots is said to support liver and gallbladder health and dried-leaf tea acts as laxative. In addition to health benefits, all parts of dandelions can be used in spring for a range of healthy dishes high… Read More »Plant of the month: May

Pussy willows (Salix discolor) are members of the willow family. They are normally grown as  shrubs but can grow into small trees if not pruned in late winter. Pussy willows are valued for the soft, furry catkins they bear when other plants are still dormant. They belong to the first messengers of spring and are an important early food source for pollinators such as our honey bees. Pussy willows are easy to grow and don’t mind wet soils. They’re therefore a good choice for planting near a pond, lake or stream; or to help control soil erosion because of their long tap roots.  Salix discolor… Read More »Plant of the month: March