Hello, dear readers! Picture this: It’s a crisp late-summer afternoon, the sun filtering through the canopy of ancient oaks, and the air filled with the sweet, tangy scent of ripe wild grapes dangling like hidden jewels along a winding trail.
Foraging
Foraging in the Midwest centers on identifying, gathering, and seasonally harvesting wild edibles, berries, trees, mushrooms, and useful plants found in fields, forests, and along woodland edges.
These posts document hands-on experiences across Wisconsin landscapes — from maple tapping and berry picking to learning how plants grow and when they are ready to harvest.
Uncovering the Magic of Plantain Weed: A Backyard Treasure
Hey there, nature lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a little story about a humble, often overlooked plant that’s been a quiet hero in my life—plantain weed. Not to be confused with the banana-like fruit, this little green gem is a common backyard “weed” with a surprising amount of charm and usefulness. So, grab a cozy cup of tea, and let’s wander into the world of plantain together.
A Complete Guide to Foraging Common Elderberry: What You Need To Know
Foraging for common elderberry (Sambucus nigra), also known as black elderberry, is a rewarding way to connect with nature and enjoy its edible bounty. Elderberries and their flowers are prized for culinary uses like syrups, jams, teas, and wines, but foraging requires careful identification and preparation to ensure safety. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about foraging common elderberry, including identification tips, harvesting techniques, safety precautions, and practical uses. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a beginner, this post will help you confidently find and use elderberries.
Black Walnut Ink: Craft Rich, Natural Ink From Foraged Nuts
Junk Journal / Scrapbooking > Foraging, Recipes & Art
Creating black walnut ink for drawing or journaling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore artistic expression.
Elderberry Ink: Turn Nature’s Berries Into Stunning Art Supplies
Making elderberry ink can be a do-it-yourself project. The process involves collecting ripe elderberries, extracting their juice, and combining it with a binder and other ingredients. The ink is then strained and bottled for use.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe and Jar Labels
The cold of winter has set in and there has already been plenty of nasty bugs floating around. I’ve seemed to have found a viral sinus infection bug that I can’t seem to kick. It was time to stop procrastinating and mix up a batch of elderberry syrup. I have included the elderberry syrup recipe and jar labels that I used to create one of nature’s immunity boosters.
Wild Blackberry Jam: A Sweet and Simple Recipe
Summer is for berry picking and wild blackberry jam is delicious. We spend a great deal of time out on our UTV enjoying the woodland areas and foraging for wild berries.
Wild Violet Lavender Bath Salts: Blossom-Infused Bliss
There’s something magical about sinking into a warm bath, surrounded by the gentle scent of lavender and the delicate charm of wild violets. These wild violet lavender bath salts are a breeze to make, fill your bathroom with a calming aroma, and make heartfelt, homemade gifts for friends and family. Join me in this simple DIY project celebrating nature’s beauty and the joy of creating something special.
DIY Flower Press: Preserve Nature’s Beauty
Over the summer I created an Adobe project, where I shared pictures detailing my newfound hobby of pressing flowers with the public. I had a link that went to the DIY flower press instructions on my Smugmug account. Someone recently reached out and mentioned the link was set to private. Yep, it is. Sorry about … Read more
What Are Mulberries: Your Guide To Identifying, Harvesting, and Enjoying Black, Red, and White Varieties
Fruits, Herbs & Veggies> Foraging / Recipes / Art
I just grabbed a basket of juicy mulberries from my friend’s white mulberry bush, its oak-like leaves make it a standout! Mulberries grow in the wild, but can also be planted in your yard for both your enjoyment and the birds.
If you’re excited to explore mulberries, this guide will help you identify the three main types—black, red, and white—know when to pick them, and savor their flavors.
All Mushrooms Are Edible, But Some Only Once: A Midwest Foraging Guide
All Mushrooms Are Edible, Or Are They?
All mushrooms are edible, but some only once—or so the saying goes! This witty warning reminds us that while the Midwest woods are bursting with edible fungi, safe foraging requires careful identification. Join me on a rainy Wisconsin adventure where I uncover the secrets of mushroom foraging—and learn why caution is key!
Making Raspberry Freezer Jam
We have been blessed with an exceptional berry season this year. After filling the freezer with plenty of berries for the winter and making a few tortes my daughter and I decided to try our hand at making raspberry, blackcap and blackberry freezer jams and also experiment with natural dying of clothing using raspberries.
Maple Syrup Tree Tapping
Maple Syrup Tree Tapping in Wisconsin
Maple syrup season is one of the quiet signs that winter is beginning to loosen its grip in Wisconsin. Even when snow still lingers on the ground, the shift between freezing nights and milder days starts the sap flowing, marking the beginning of one of the Midwest’s most familiar seasonal traditions.
How To Dry Herbs and Flowers
How To Dry Herbs and Flowers
Step-by-step guide of the 5 methods of how to dry herbs and flowers. I have preserved flowers and herbs for many different projects over the years. There are several different ways to preserve flowers and herbs, but what it boils down to is what kind of project you will do with the end dried herb or flower that matters.
A Soothing Cup of Chamomile Tea Using Flowers: A Journey from Garden or Field to Teacup
Picture this: it’s a golden afternoon, the air humming with the soft buzz of bees and the scent of wildflowers. You’re strolling through your backyard garden or a quiet meadow, a basket in hand, gathering delicate chamomile flowers for a cup of tea that feels like a warm hug.
Chamomile tea, with its gentle apple-like sweetness, is more than a drink—it’s a moment of calm, a ritual rooted in nature. Whether you grow it yourself, forage it from the Midwest’s lush landscapes, or pick it up from a local market, chamomile is a treasure worth savoring. Let me guide you through crafting a perfect cup, from flower to teacup, with a touch of mint to brighten your day.
Dyeing Cotton Using Raspberries: From Fruit To Fabric
Dyeing Cotton Using Raspberries My daughter and I have been experimenting with making natural dyes from berries and plants for the past few days to dye clothing. We decided to do a few color samples by dyeing cotton using raspberries. Although we have concentrated on dyeing cotton fibers, you can dye a variety of materials. … Read more
Dandelion Wine, Grape Wine and Cherry Wine Recipes
Old-Fashioned Dandelion, Grape, and Cherry Wine Recipes
Some recipes are more than instructions — they are small pieces of family history.
One afternoon while visiting my grandmother, we sat together at her kitchen table with coffee and her old wooden recipe box. Inside were hundreds of handwritten cards, many of them stained with fruit juice, flour, or sugar from decades of use.