Poultry Breed Profiles: Meet the Welsummer
August 29, 2018The Welsummer, a breed that originated in the Netherlands, has been a breakfast-cereal mascot and is known for its earth-tone eggs.
6 Farm Animals Perfect for City Living
August 7, 2018Whether you want to keep urban farm animals as a hobby or to make some extra money, these breeds the ones you need to consider.
Poultry Profile: Get to Know the Brabanter
March 20, 2018A very old and attractive breed, the Brabanter displays a full beard in addition to a small, upright crest and muffs.
Rare Livestock Breeds Are Worth Preserving
March 19, 2018Are you considering trying something new on the farm? What about preserving an endangered livestock species of cattle, pig or sheep?
Learn the 3 A’s of the Easter Egger Chicken
March 7, 2018Learn to differentiate between Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers when you go shopping for chicks this spring.
Poultry Profile: Get to Know the Lamona
January 3, 2018The Lamona, created in the early 20th century, is a high-quality, dual-purpose chicken breed. Lamona hens typically lay more than 200 eggs a year.
Witch Hazel
February 4, 2011Witch hazel will thrive almost anywhere. Considered a shrub or small tree, witch hazel’s crooked branches are covered in smooth, gray bark and witch hazel’s arresting, yellow flowers appear in the fall or winter – the bloom time depends on the species you choose. The distilled extract from witch hazel’s leaves and bark has long been used as a general tonic and swelling reducer, and witch hazel is still used to treat minor skin irritations, burns, acne and more. .
Lavender
February 4, 2011With smooth, needle-like leaves ranging from gray-green to silvery-gray, there are many different lavender varieties featuring a characteristically sweet, clean scent. Lavender’s volatile oils are thought to have antiseptic properties and were often used to clean wounds and freshen the air in hospitals and sick rooms. Now lavender oils are commonly found in herbal soaps, shampoos and perfumes. A fantastic border plant, lavender naturally repels insect pests and it dries well for use in wreaths, flower arrangements, potpourris and sachets.
Feverfew
February 4, 2011The people of ancient Greece originally used feverfew, a southeastern European native, to dispel fevers – hence its name. With white petals and yellow button centers, feverfew’s flowers look a bit like chamomile, but its bitter odor and yellow-green leaves confirm feverfew as another herb entirely. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is a member of the daisy family. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, feverfew has had countless medical uses, including the treatment of migraine headaches, arthritis, digestive problems, menstrual and labor irregularities, and asthma. In the garden feverfew serves as a natural insect repellent (including bees). It is also used to make dried wreaths and flower arrangements, as well as a from-scratch, greenish-yellow dye.
Chamomile
February 4, 2011What we know as chamomile is technically two different plants — German chamomile (Matricara recutita) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) — with many similarities including gray-green, feathery leaves; tiny, daisy-like flowers; and a pleasing, apple scent. Both types of chamomile are relatives of the daisy family and have been used to aid in digestion, calm frazzled nerves, alleviate menstrual cramps and soothe some skin conditions. It’s thought that the Roman chamomile is also able to reduce some kinds of inflammation. Whether you grow German or Roman chamomile, either will make a soothing cup of tea, herbal bath or steam facial.
