Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tuesdays with a Twist #147 (no rules) LinkUp

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party!

I've been a buzzzy Bee over on my blog at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
We are joining the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
**$15 Gift certificate Giveaway**

I've also added to my Planting Guide for 2016.  I'm really excited about our new garden expansion.  2016 will be our biggest garden ever!

I've been busy learning and sharing about SOIL.  Find out more below!



Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 
Add our button if you've been featured!


The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!


Monday, January 25, 2016

Allergy Fighting Garden Book Giveaway

We have another exciting GIVEAWAY for you!  We love plants and healthier options here at Back to the Basics so when Joyce @ It's Your Life asked if we'd like to be included of course I said yes!!!

Enjoy!

While we are still in the winter months it may be time to start thinking about what is in our yards in the way of bushes, shrubs, trees, and other plants. This is important especially for those who suffer from asthma and or allergies. It is a good time to educate our selves on what is in our yards and how they effect our health.

About the Author

In the book The Allergy Fighting Garden author Thomas Leo Ogren teaches us about the various plant life and how it effects our health. Thomas has a degree in agricultural science, is a horticulturist, and former landscape gardener instructor, nursery owner, and gardening radio show host.

His Why

It was his wife who brought him on his journey of 30 years of research. She suffered from allergies and asthma and he witnessed the pain and misery it brought to her. Upon purchasing a new home he decided to do some research into which plants, trees, and shrubs were least likely to aggravate allergies. As Thomas searched for materials on the subject he realized none existed. That led him to do his own research one plant at a time where he learned more about botany, medicine, pollen, and the plant flowering system. This led him to create the Ogren’s allergy scale which rates plants, shrubs, and trees on a scale from 1 – 10.

This book is a wealth of information and everyone should have a copy in their collection of books.

The First 8 Chapters.

1. Botanical Sexism, and our current allergy crisis
2. How to Fight Allergies close to home
3. Understanding Plant Sex and its importance in allergies
4. Allergy – Blocking Hedges
5. Eliminating allergy-caing mold spores
6. Fighting Allergies in your neighborhood and city
7. Understanding OPALS (Ogren Plant Allergy Scale)
8. Using the A to Z Plant Listings

After Chapter 8

After chapter 8 there is an extensive list of shrubs, bushes, trees, and plants with a rating of how they rate for causing allergies. It is listed in alphabetical order according to the scientific name. There is also a glossary of horticultural terms, recommended reading, useful websites, pollen calendar, and a plant hardiness zone map.

Giveaway Time

This giveaway will run from Monday January 25, 2016 through Monday February 1, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Ancient Seeds part 2

From our first post Ancient Seeds,  The definition of an heirloom is a seed variety that is more than 50 years old.  Some prefer a variety that is over 100 years old. An heirloom seeds is NOT a GMO and is NOT a hybrid.
At Mary's Heirloom Seeds, we offer a few varieties than can be traced back as far as the 1700s!  It's true!  

The first variety I'd like to share is the SEMINOLE PUMPKIN.  
From Slow Food USA,
The Miccosukee name for this product is “chassa howitska” meaning “hanging pumpkin”. The reference is to the method by which the pumpkin grows, as the Seminole and the Miccosukee people would plant the pumpkin seeds at the base of girdled trees, so that the pumpkin vines would grow up the trunk, and the pumpkin fruit would grow to be hanging from the bare limbs. It was under cultivation by Seminole people before Spaniards arrived in Florida in the 1500s. Immigrants to Florida also adopted this cultivation method, producing hundreds of pumpkins per acre.

Next up is the MAYFLOWER BEAN
This is the bean that is said to have come to America with the Pilgrims in 1620. This old cutshort green bean has great flavor and the red/white beans are quite tasty. A long-time staple in the Carolinas.
It is also known as "Amish Knuttle" bean.



Originally from Virginia and traced back to 1845 (most likely grown and traded by Native Americans long before this).  Stalks grow 10-12 ft. tall producing 2 to 6 ears per stalk. Kernels are blood-red with darker red stripes, and occasional white or blue kernels. Great for flour, cereal, or roasting ears.





The Anasazi were Indians who lived in the four corners area (now Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico) dating back to 130 A.D.
Anasazi Beans were one of the few crops cultivated by the Anasazi. They were found in the ruins by settlers to the four corners area in the early 1900's
Here is a priceless heirloom that's one of the varieties that kicked off the heirloom movement. Its dramatic appearance of white heavily mottled in maroon is similar to that of Jacob's Cattle bean, but its history is entirely distinct, having been cultivated in the Four Corners region of the Southwest United States. The mealy texture makes it great for baked beans and casseroles, but it's equally good in soups and stews. 




an heirloom variety also known as Bohemian squash and Sweet Potato squash. - See more at: http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Delicata_Squash_626.php#sthash.8eFv1gcU.dpuf
An heirloom variety also known as Bohemian Squash and Sweet Potato Squash,  Introduced in 1890s.  Delicious, creamy sweet potato like taste.  Delicata has a fine grained, light orange flesh steamed or baked.

Delicata has a very tough skin which makes if perfect for baking on coals, on the grill or to just simmer in its on juices while in the oven.   This tough skin also serves as the perfect wrapper protecting it for up to 6 months in storage!  



A beautiful blend of brightly colored long ears, wonderful for fall decorations, and is great for popping. This beautiful corn was selected by Carl Barnes, a world-renowned Cherokee corn collector from Oklahoma.
Carl has helped save many of the Cherokee corns that came west over the Trail of Tears. Small kernelled variety makes surprisingly large pops, yielding for a low hull/ corn ratio. Great flavor. Highly ornamental, 5-7 in. ears have many shiny colors including red, blue, orange, white, and yellow. 6-8 ft. plants.
From Mother Earth News,  "Popcorn is thought to have developed in Mexico many thousands of years ago and then spread through the rest of North America and into South America. Some Native American groups may have been growing it earlier than other types of corn because of its many culinary applications. The Cherokee Nation probably acquired the popcorn through trade contacts with some other group, but they tinkered with it and made the variety what it is today. It’s different from most popcorns in that the kernels come in a rainbow of shades: yellow, white, purple, pink, blue, rose, red, black, olive, orange and more, which is why this corn is so popular as a decoration. A certain number of cobs will be almost uniform in color with dark reds or blacks predominating. These kernels can be set aside and grown by themselves, so that eventually you can have your own designer colors of popcorn."

CHEROKEE "TRAIL OF TEARS" BEANS


This heirloom was brought from Tennessee by the Cherokee people as they were marched to Oklahoma by the Federal Government in 1839 over the infamous "Trail of Tears" that left so many dead and suffering. This prolific variety is good as a snap or dry bean and has shiny, black beans. Hardy, vining plants. 


From Vegetables of Interest, "One such story is that of a black bean grown by the Cherokee in the Carolinas which had no name other than "bean."  It  was carried by the Cherokee along their journey as a source of food and a token of hope.  Once in Okalahoma it was re-named the "Trail of Tears Bean" and has been maintained by the Cherokee since that time."
"Trail of Tears" beans

In case you missed it, our current Seed Project is the FREMONT BEAN.  Please read Saving the Fremont Bean.  If you sign up for our mailing list, you'll receive all of the updates.

At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we also offer a very unique selection of both Medicinal and Culinary herbs, some that have been used for centuries.

From our website:


All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid, non-patented,  untreated, heirloom garden seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours, (except for holidays)

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Tuesdays with a Twist #146 is LIVE!

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party!

I've been a buzzzy Bee over on my blog at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
We are joining the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

I've also added to my Planting Guide for 2016.  I'm really excited about our new garden expansion.  2016 will be our biggest garden ever!

I've been busy learning and sharing about SOIL.  Find out more below!



Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 
Add our button if you've been featured!


The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Tuesdays with a Twist #145 LINKUP is Live!

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party!

I've been a buzzzy Bee over on my blog at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
We are joining the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
Yesterday I announced NEW Seeds, FREE Seeds and $1 Seed Packs.
I've also added to my Planting Guide for 2016.  I'm really excited about our new garden expansion.  2016 will be our biggest garden ever!

I've been busy learning and sharing about SOIL.  Find out more below!



Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 
Add our button if you've been featured!


The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!


Friday, January 8, 2016

MILLION POLLINATOR GARDEN CHALLENGE

JOIN US in the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge!  Have you heard of the challenge?  

Mary's Heirloom Seeds is joining National Pollinator Garden Network CHALLENGE.  NPGN collectively represents approximately 800,000 gardeners, 10,000 schoolyard gardens and bring a baseline of a 250,000 registered pollinator gardens nationwide from across its five main founding organizations.
CALIFORNIA POPPY
The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. We will move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat.


The focus of the NPGN is: to inspire individuals and community groups, institutions and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitat through sustainable gardening practices, habitat conservation and provide these groups the tools to be successful.
FRENCH MARIGOLDS

So how are we getting involved?  We already offer a SUPER unique election of Wildflower Seeds and Herb Seeds that are bee-friendly.  We grow organic and plant for the bees in our own gardens.

FIRST, we are adding more Bee-Friendly SEEDS at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  Next, we are giving away FREE SEEDS!  During the entire month of January we will include a free pack of bee-friendly seeds.  BONUS, all orders place in January *$10 order minimum* will be entered into a drawing for a $15 gift certificate to Mary's Heirloom Seeds

If you haven't read our article Plant for Pollinators and Increase Crop Yields then NOW is the time.  Not only are you helping the precious bee population by planting bee-friendly varieties, you can boost your crops!!!
BORAGE is a bee-friendly herb and great companion to Tomatoes
How do YOU get involved?
Plant a Pollinator-Friendly "patch."  This can be a small area or a huge plot.  Every little bit counts.
-Stop using synthetic chemical pesticides in your yard and gardens
-Grow/Use plant varieties that provide nectar and pollen sources
-Provide a water source
-Establish continuous blooms throughout the season.  You can do this by staggering your planting by 2-4 week intervals.
-Create large "pollinator targets" of native or non-invasive plants
-Plan your pollinator garden in a sunny spot, preferably with a wind-break

Over the next few days I'll post a bit more about pollinators and bee-friendly gardening tips.
ECHINACEA (also known as coneflower) is another great pollinator-friendly herb
We offer a few combo packs...
"Flower Power" Herb Combo Pack - "Wild About Wildflowers" Check it out!!!

Helpful links:



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

Sign up for our E-Newsletter



Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Tuesdays with a Twist #144 is LIVE!

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party!

I shared my 2016 PLANTING GUIDE over at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  Growing organic food saves money, it's great exercise and can relieve depression.  BONUS...Delicious heirloom tomatoes!

I've been busy learning and sharing about SOIL.  Find out more below!



Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 
Add our button if you've been featured!


The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!


Friday, January 1, 2016

Calendula Lavender Healing Salve

Happy New Year!!!

I'm starting the new year out with a NEW item at Mary's Herbal Organix.  This is a special item with a special story.

I guess I should start at the beginning.  My sister and her family are adopting a child.  He is a beautiful boy and we are all looking forward to his arrival. But before they can bring him home my sister and her family must raise the funds for the adoptions well as travel expenses.  She has even started a blog which is SUPER exciting!!  You can read about their adoption at Adopt With Us

So what does all of this have to do with Calendula Lavender Healing Salve?  THIS is one of the ways I am contributing to the fundraising process.  I have made small-batch healing salves and made them available in my easy shop Mary's Herbal Organix.
HALF of every purchase of my Calendula Lavender Healing Salve will be donated to the MEYER FAMILY ADOPTION.
CALENDULA LAVENDER HEALING SALVE

About my Calendula Lavender Healing Salve,
Made from all certified organic ingredients in a 4 ounce glass, bpa-free jar. This is not a "regular item" that you'll find in our shop but a very special item produced in small batches. I wanted to create something to help people while at the same time helping my sister and her family raise funds for their upcoming adoption. 

As of 1/1/16 the Meyer Family has raised 30% of the funds necessary to complete their adoption. You can read more about their adoption at Adopt With Us
https://adoptwithus.wordpress.com/

Made with love, my Calendula Lavender salve is chemical-free, paraben-free, vegan, free of dyes and made with only certified organic ingredients.
Ingredients: coconut oil, olive oil, dried calendula flowers, candellila wax (vegetable based/vegan), Lavender essential oil


I also offer Organic Dry Herbs - Including Calendula - in my shop!
Organic dry Calendula

ABOUT CALENDULA
From Herb Wisdom, "Calendula has been considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases and has been seen effective in treatment of skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. Improvement has been seen in as little as 3-4 days of treatment according to the Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie."
"Calendula cream is good for acne and nappy rash. An infusion is good for digestion and relieves colitis and symptoms of menopause. As an anti-fungal agent, it can be used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida. The tincture applied neat to cold sores encourages healing.
Calendula contains chemicals, which have been shown in animal studies to speed up wound-healing by several actions that include increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the production of collagen proteins. Calendula also possesses anti-septic and anti-inflammatory effects due to its flavonoid content. In mouthwashes and gargles, calendula soothes sore throat or mouth tissue; in solutions, it has been uses to treat hemorrhoids.
Compresses of calendula blossoms are helpful for varicose veins. Results from recent animal and laboratory studies show that calendula may also have some anti-infective properties, particularly against fungal infections and against viruses."


It's AMAZING the natural healing properties available in some of the plants we grow.  Calendula is a beautiful flower I grow in my garden every year.  The bees love it and now we know it is beneficial for healing!  I'm thinking about making a Calendula Tincture next! 

If you have additional questions please feel free to ask.  The CALENDULA LAVENDER HEALING SALVE will only be available for a very limited time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!