We have had our first signs of spring here! The last couple of days we have been in the mid 40’s which feels like spring in our snowy Maine woods, and I can actually see the top of the fence where the grapes grow and the tops of the blueberry bushes. And even though today is colder with the winter winds are blowing and howling through the trees, and they are talking about more snow coming… once you see those sugar buckets up on the maples, we know that we are in the home stretch and spring is on its way. The trees have awakened and their sap is moving. We are really looking forward to it too. We are starting to order herb again, instead of using our own. And even though it is coming certified organic and ethically wildcrafted, there are just some things that you cannot get unless you harvest it yourself. So we are anxiously awaiting for our spring to begin here at Greenwood.
Announcements:
There is one seat left for the Apprenticeship program at Greenwood Herbals. First class will begin in April this year and will go through October. Anyone interested in the program should turn their application in before March 30th. The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html.
The Junior Herbalist in Training, a program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 has three seats available. This class will begin in May and end in September . The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html
Classes and Events: See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html for future classes and events scheduled throughout the year. Check back often as each month we will be adding new classes.
February 27th – Making Salves with Debbie Mercier. 1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis.
This introductory workshop answers your questions about what and why different types of plants are used. The different types of oils to choose from and why. And how to make a salve. You will leave with a salve that we make in class together. Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088.
March 9th – Introduction to herbs with Debbie Mercier. 6 to 8:30 pm at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed. An exploration of herbs - what they are and how they can be used. Learn to grow them in your New England garden. Explore the culinary vs. the medicinal uses of herbs. Learn when and how to harvest, dry and store your herbs. Receive recipes for foods and teas that you can make at home. Call 207-934-7922 to register.
March 16th – Stress and Anxiety with Debbie Mercier. 6 to 8:00 pm at Biddeford Adult Ed. In our pill-popping culture, it is common for us to reach for a bottle to cure common ailments -but for mild illness, such as daily stress and anxiety , there are alternative treatments. Explore how to use herbs and natural therapies internally and externally for improved health and well being . Discuss the many herbal nervines, nerve tonics and nerve sedatives available and their uses. Learn how to blend your own special tea then relax and enjoy! Hand-outs and tea. Call 207-282-3883 to register.
March 26th – Client Intake Day at Greenwood Herbals with Debbie Mercier, 9 am to 4 pm – This is a class for practicing herbalists. We will be working with two clients this day. Reviewing, doing the actually intake and creating a protocol. Cost: $30. Certificates of Hours will be given out to those who are collecting hours for advanced classes.
This class is full. We are taking names for the waiting list. We will notify you if there are any cancellations. If you wish to be added to this list, please contact me at 207-793-3553.
March 27th – Design/Prep/herb garden - with Debbie Mercier. 1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis.
Learn to plan, design, prepare and plant your own herb garden. Choose from a number of theme gardens, learn about companion planting, (herbs and vegetables) along with preparing and using your herbs for culinary and medicinal uses. Techniques for harvesting and storing will also be covered. Handouts. Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088.
April 9th – Apprenticeship begins
April 17th - The Percolation Technique – with Debbie Mercier. 1 to 4 pm at Lichenwood Herbals. This class is designed for herbalists. Learn the art of percolation, or displacement, in making plant tinctures. This process can be an advantage for those who find themselves in a bind, needing a specific extract for a client which is not currently available in their apothecary. The percolation process takes 3 days as opposed to 14 days or longer for the maceration process, depending on the plant material used. Percolation results in a more highly concentrated extract. This is a technique that does need physical demonstration and hands-on practice. You will receive a worksheet and a template for cutting filter paper to fit your percolation cone. Cost: $45. Call 603-664-3393 to register, let Christine know if you need a percolation cone for an additional $15.
