This is far from being everything for the day, but here are the flower seeds I plan on planting today. Some are being planted for specific purposes. An example of this is the marigolds that will help keep root nemotodes away. Others, such as nasturtium, will hopefully act as a trap plant drawing pests away from my fruit and veggies. Some of these flowers have medicinal uses as well. The purple coneflower is a great example of this. It is also known as echinacea, known worlwide for immune boosting properties. Even the flowers with no specific purpose will add beauty for us humans and a varied food supply for beneficial insects throughout the year. Some insects have a relationship with specific plants such as swallow tail butterflies and pipe vine. Others have more general needs such as european honey bees, which will take just about any nectar or pollen they can get. This makes it important to plant a diversity including native plants in your garden. I have some transplants and veggie seeds planned for today as well…..let’s see how far I get 🙂 I’ll try to remember to update as the day progresses but my regular readers know how that goes sometimes.
How to Make a Skin-Nourishing Herbal Salve
If you have a yard, chances are you are growing the ingredients for a skin soothing herbal infusion without even trying! Plantain (Plantago major) is considered a weed, but it also contains natural constituents that are wonderful for your skin. Violet (Viola odorata) leaves are in the same category (not to mention that the flowers are delicious in salads or syrups!).
Violet is moisturizing, toning, healing, and great for sore nipples. Plantain is good for eczema, acne, minor cuts, stings, insect bites, poison ivy itch, and diaper rash.
The basis of a skin-nourishing herbal salve is an herbal oil infusion. Gather about 4 cups of plantain and violet leaves, making sure to choose ones that are fresh and green looking, with no major brown spots, rotten areas, or major insect damage. And make sure that they have not been sprayed with chemicals of any kind.
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Homemade sunburn cream
Ingredients:
3-4 inch piece off an aloe vera plant, slice open and scrape the gel from inside. You will be using the gel and get rid of the skin. You can substitute 1 Tbsp of pure aloe gel if you do not have an aloe plant.
1 Tbsp coconut oil(unrefined, organic if you can find it), warm enough to be liquid(goes liquid around 76 F)
Whip aloe, coconut oil, and honey together in a small glass bowl with a small whisk. Â Add in Lavender EO and stir. Â Cover entire area of burn liberally. Â To store for later use put a cover over it (plastic wrap would do) and set it in the fridge. Â Use within a week. Â This does wonders for a sunburn or any other minor burn.
Almost finished August 29, 2012
If you go into the blog homepage there are more pictures and you can see the progress.  In this picture it has a fresh coat of tung oil.  Unfortunately it is raining already now.  I have the hive under the umbrella on the patio.  It was still tacky when it started raining.  I’m not sure what the effect on the finish will be so wish me luck 🙂