| 2010 | May

May 24, 2010

Summer Markets Galore…

It’s getting to be that time again: the start of the local summer markets. During these spring weeks I’ve been getting all my Flowerfolk-ness ready to get back into the market action. This year I’ll be attending a craft market for the first time – the wonderful and wildly popular SOWA market taking place in Boston’s South End. It’s just chock-full of lovely handmade goods. I’ll also be back at the Harvard Farmer’s Market held on campus each Tuesday from June to October. This draws organic farmers from around the area, and also has vendors selling baked goods, cut flowers and herb plants. It is not to be missed. Finally, I’ll also be participating in Somerville’s fabulous Union Square Farmers’ Market and in the downtown Mass Market, an eclectic DIY flea market.

So, here’s the line up:

JUNE
6th: SOWA Market
13th: SOWA Market
22nd: Harvard Farmers’ Market
27th: Mass Market

JULY
6th: Harvard Market
18th: SOWA Market
25th: SOWA Market

AUGUST
1st: SOWA Market
3rd: Harvard Market
15th: SOWA Market
17th: Harvard Market

SEPTEMBER
28th: Harvard Market

OCTOBER
19th: Harvard Market

I’ll keep you posted when new dates are confirmed…

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May 10, 2010

Plant Profile: Artemisia

Artemisia, how I love thee! This dear, inconspicuous, silvery-green plant is one of my favorites. Around these parts you’ll see it growing in abandoned places and along the margins and edges of sidewalks and buildings. It is a half-wild, half-citified creature that quietly brings her magic to unexpected nooks, and grows tenaciously where other plants could not. Artemisia, also called Mugwort since it was once commonly used to flavor beverages (particularly beer), is a member of the Asteraceae, or Daisy, family. There are several species in the genus, but the one we will most often see growing in the forgotten places around here is Artemisia vulgaris. Interestingly, a closely related species, A. absinthium, is the potent herb used in the making of absinthe, which gives a clue to the properties of this group…

The flowers of Mugwort are small and not showy, and bloom in the height of summer. The leaves are silvery-white on the backside, and when crushed release their pungent smell. With leaves the color of the moon, and named after the goddess of the moon herself, Artemis, understandably the lore surrounding this plant is extensive. Among peoples around the world Artemisia has been used in magical rites, for protection, to ward off evil spirits, and to conjure up mystical dreams. In modern day acupuncture Artemisia is made into moxa that is placed on specific meridians of the body in order to move stagnant energy. Herbalists use the herb as a tonic for female ailments, and as a stimulating bitter herb to improve digestive. For it’s cleansing properties, I often use it finely ground in a face scrub.

I was recently gifted a lovely, large, dried bundle of Artemisia, which has me even more in love with this beautiful and graceful plant. I have yet to use it all, but one of the first things I did was to hang some in my bedroom, and by my front door. Next I hope to do some cooking with it to season my food, and to mix into tea blends. Artemisia brings me into the summertime – with her close by everything is a bit more magical!

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Tags: Artemisia, plant profile

May 8, 2010

Window Gazing/Art Making

I love the windows at my place. Especially when I arrive home in the early evening and the light shining through is subtle and warm, shifting as the sun gently sets. What calms and centers me most in the midst of overwhelm or after a tiresome day is to sit and gaze out the window. The light greets me, the leaves wave to me, the wind whispers by. Just outside of my favorite window is a charming mulberry tree, whose leaves I’ve been watching carefully as they have emerged over the past few weeks. I think of this lovely creature as my protectress. She filters the most beautiful light into the room, for I am on the top floor of the house – the best spot for light catching. The light through her leaves inspires me to take photos, and to arrange beautiful things on the sills, just to admire in the dusk glow.

I make art under these windows, guided by the mulberry tree and the plants I work with.

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May 3, 2010

Etsy Update

Hello all! A quick note to let you know that I’ve been updating my {Etsy} page. There are now several Flowerfolk items that you can purchase online. For others that you do not see listed yet, please contact me for ordering information. I’m gearing up for a busy market season ahead, and concocting up a storm. Here’s a few images of what’s new: