AHF Spring!

The first batch of seeds has sprouted!

With the assistance of my neighbor, Nathan, the brassicas have been planted and are up. Today the tomato seeds were planted as well as leeks, chard and greens including arugula. It is still cool outdoors but the greenhouse warms every time the sun shines. A perfect place to have the morning "MugUp".

The rosemary is blooming there. Soon the bay laurel will be moved from the house to the greenhouse. Later it will be moved outside in partial shade grown for use in sauces and as an herbal tea.

SPD - Collection in the Works

Surface Pattern Designs

When I was Very Young 

Working on a Collection of Designs for Children's apparel, wallpaper, wrappping paper, napkins, table covering.

Various patterns	Hero - Border print

Thinking Spring...

Years ago I was given a copy of Ruth Stout's book, No-Work Garden Book. It was first published in 1953. 

It open my thought to a more sustainable method to growing. Salt marsh hay has been used in the greenhouse to improve the poor soil and to provide insulation in the winter and the summer by keeping the soil temperature and moisture more consistent. Here at the Annisquam Herb Farm the area referred to as the Back 40 was planted with clover and buckwheat. The soil has been very heavy. Each year composted materials have been added but the soil was still in need of improvements.

This year the plan it to plant potatoes in rows leaving the clover and buckwheat in wide aisles in between. 

The following is from Johnny's Selected Seeds

Benefits of No Till Systems

There are a lot of potential benefits that farmers and gardeners can reap when adopting reduced tillage or no-till practices. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Reduced weed pressure
• Better water infiltration and retention
• Improved plant health due to improved soil health and structure
• Reduced labor inputs

Reduced till or no-till practices aim to create a more holistic approach that mimics nature, and can be integrated into any size farm or garden. 

Surface Pattern Design - Rhubarb

Rhubarb on My Mind...

 

From my collection of baskets in the greenhouse I was inspired to develop repeat patterns for fabric. 

Everything we look at has been designed by someone, some without patterns but most with some pattern. So far this path is a bit retro in feel. Come back to see where is journey takes me :)

 

On a Cold, Winter Morning...

Is it a Soup Day?

The thermometers all say the outside temperature is in the upper teens. An excellent day to prepare soup for supper.

Yesterday we bought some beautiful leeks from Quebec. One beauty is now in the soup pot in a Colcannon Soup.

Recipe:

• 1 onion, diced
• 4 T butter
• Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the onion and onion. Saute until soft. 
• Dice
• 4 med. potatoes
• Add to soup pot. Cook for 5 minutes 
• While that is cooking, thinly slice 
• 1 C cabbage
• 1 C kale after removing the stems
• Add 
• 3 C vegetable stock 
• Bring to a boil. 
• Add the cabbage and the kale
• Reduce the heat. Cook for 15 - 20 minutes.
• With an immersion blender, puree. 
• Now your soup can be left on the stove until it is time to heat for supper.
• Heat until warm. Add
• 1 C milk. 
• Heat but do not boil. 

PS:

• I am planning on using 
• 0.5 C Greek yogurt 
• 0.5 C cream 

 

 

In the Moonlight

 

Physical Effects

The influence of the moon extends beyond spiritual beliefs and has tangible effects on earthly functions.

1. Tidal Influence: The full moon is particularly known for its impact on coastal regions, where its gravitational pull causes significantly higher and lower tides, known as spring tides. This phenomenon affects marine ecosystems and coastal activities.


2. Sleep Disruption: Research indicates that the full moon can disrupt sleep patterns for some individuals, leading to reduced sleep quality and duration. Factors such as increased brightness during nighttime hours may contribute to these disturbances.


3. Historical Perspectives on Behavior: Traditionally, the lunar cycle was associated with mental disturbances, historically referred to as "lunacy." This connection highlights a long-standing belief in the moon's influence over human emotions and behavior.


4. Increased Emergency Room Visits: Some studies have suggested a rise in emergency room visits during full moon phases, with anecdotal reports linking heightened incidents of accidents or mental health crises to this time.

Coming soon... An opportunity to learn more about the effects of the moon on you. To join in the exploration click here to receive more information: AnnisquamHerbFarm.

About the Fire Ceremony

Full Moon Fire Ceremony

For more information

Fire Ceremonies Around the Global

The Universality of Fire Ceremonies

Fire is one of humanity’s earliest technologies and most enduring symbols. Whether leaping from a public bonfire or glowing in a carefully-guarded shrine, flame is repeatedly treated as:

• a purifier
• a messenger
• a mark of transition

Across continents and millennia, fire ceremonies converge on the idea of transformation is spiritual, social, cosmic. The sight, sound and scent of a living flame embodies intangible hopes into a tangible, communal experience, reaffirming both cultural uniqueness and a shared human fascination with the creative power of fire.

Click here for some of the world’s best-known fire ceremonies.

Shared Symbolism

Purification and Renewal

• Vedic yajñas that “feed” the gods
• Sweat-lodge steam that scrubs body and spirit
• Fire melts the old to make room for the new

Social Cohesion

• Large public fires bind whole communities
• Enclosed hearths solidify group identity around a single perpetual flame.

Contemporary Adaptations

• Modern societies continue to adapt these motifs:
• New Year’s firework “sky-offerings,”
• Eco-themed cleansing ceremonies at gatherings like Burning Man
• Climate-conscious “carbon-neutral” yajñas

All show that the elemental symbolism of fire remains both flexible and potent.

Information gathered from the WWW with the help of AI.

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Contact AHF

I would love to stay in touch with you. 

Stay informed about: 

• Scheduled Workshops
• Garden Tours
• Fire Ceremonies
• Other A.H.F. Events

Click here to add your email to the Annisquam Herb Farm group.

What is a Ceremonial Fire

Ceremonial Fires

The tradition of using ceremonial fires for purification and emotional release is found in many cultures.

To many the full moon represents fullness, completion and the culmination of energy. It is an ideal time to manifest intentions, “clear the air”, celebrate achievements. Rituals conducted on the night of the full moon focus on gratitude, reflection, releasing of grief and acknowledging progress.

If you would like to learn more about Fire Ceremonies, signin here

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