Danette teaches us about edible weeds in Ben Nobleman Park

Here in Ben Nobleman Park, most of our workshops are about caring for fruit trees. But this year we wanted to try something different. We love growing fruit trees because we love local and accessible food. So what could be more accessible than weeds?

So we invited herbalist Danette Steele to do a workshop in May on edible weeds. Danette brought us some fantastic weed teas to taste and taught us to look at weeds not just as a nuisance but as a way to heal all sorts of health problems.

Who knew that drinking stinging nettle tea could help alleviate ailments ranging from arthritis and tendonitis to asthma, seasonal allergies, prostate problems and even a low sex drive? The tea also tastes great. We also learned about dandelion, yarrow and many others.

Danette’s back this month on June 24, 2012 at 10.00 a.m. to help us explore the medicinal uses of the kitchen herbs that we planted in our pollinator garden. There will be more learning and lots more tasting some come and join us! Register here or at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1887314365.

Come and join us for our next stewardship day!

After May’s edible weed workshop, working in our pollinator garden on stewardship days will never be the same again. Those who come to join us this week will get a special treat.  This Monday June 18, 2012 at 6.00 pm we have stewardship in Ben Nobleman Park and amongst the other jobs we’ll be harvesting big bundles of fresh thyme from our pollinator garden to give to volunteers, neighbours and friends.  Come and help us and claim your thyme bundles! Bring your gardening gloves and comfy shoes and be ready to do an hour of gardening work!

Lynn bunding sage during a stewardship day in May

In June, we’re already thinking ahead to the harvest. We hoped for plums and cherries this year but the strange spring weather affected those trees and so sadly they did not pollinate and have no fruit this year.  On the brighter side, our young apricot and apple trees are doing well and will have a small harvest later in the season for our volunteers to share.

There is one secret that I would like to share with you, but keep it under your hat. If you visit the park in the next week or so you will want to swing by the three serviceberry trees at the north east entrance. The berries are perfectly ripe. Pick only the dark purple berries which are juicy and sweet. Pick a handful and nibble on them as you visit the park. Enjoy!

A ripe serviceberry looks purple and tastes great!