June in the Garden - Part Two

I love planting oats as a cover crop, as they serve multiple functions in my garden. They condition the soil and suppress weeds, and the seed heads are gathered in the immature, ‘milky’ stage for medicine. Milky oats provide a rich, nourishing remedy that supports the nervous system, aiding all those feeling a little run ragged and worn out.
See that crop circle in the middle of the top picture? That’s where I forgot to rake the seeds into the soil when I first sowed them. They just sat on top of the soil and never germinated. Oops! I went back a week later and broadcast more seed into the circle making sure to rake them in well. The seeds germinated quickly, so that the circle is filled in now and caught up with the rest.

​The valerian is blooming. I catch the scent each time I pass. I love the creamy-white flower heads. So do the pollinators! I started the valerian from seed last year and they’ve really taken off. I’ll harvest some of the roots for medicine this fall and replant the crowns. My hope is that valerian will be a fixture in my garden for many years to come.

​Red clover is a short-lived perennial that flowers in its second year. Seeded last year, this patch has grown in lush and thick. Another excellent cover crop, clover is also a nitrogen fixer, adding this essential fertilizer to the soil through a symbiotic relationship between rhizobia bacteria and the roots of nitrogen fixing plants. Medicinally, red clover is a nutritious herb high in vitamins and minerals. Traditionally it has been used to support the female reproductive system and balance hormones, as well as aiding in respiratory issues such as bronchitis and whooping cough and to treat skin conditions and swollen glands. I think the deer have been enjoying the clover too. I see evidence of grazing and areas of flattened clover where the deer have lain down in the patch. That’s ok, there’s plenty for all of us.

These cheerful ox-eye daisies were kind enough to volunteer in my garden this year and I was happy to leave them to flower. I’ve been gathering them and drying them for tea and infusing them into oil to make a wonderful smelling massage oil for sore muscles.

​Remember the freshly dug pond from last post? Well, we got 85 mm of rain in 24 hrs this week, which was more than enough to fill it up. I haven’t had time to seal it with bentonite clay yet, so this water will eventually drain, but it leaves me optimistic about the water harvesting potential of this feature in the garden.

The other exciting thing happening in the garden this summer is the Young Herbalist Apprenticeship program I am running for a small group of 8 and 9 year olds. The 7 of us meet every Wednesday morning for herbal learning, work and play. On this morning the group learned the patterns of the pea family.
It’s such a joy to spend time with children in the garden, exploring and discovering the wonders of the plant world together.
I can’t wait to see what July brings!