small_batch_herbals

09/10/2023

On our way to Tewakącąk, “Sacred Lake”.

27/09/2023

🌾A decade ago, I watched a documentary that shook me to my core. It unveiled the harsh realities of our food system, a narrative steeped in poison and exploitation. I couldn't continue feeding my family food that was systematically tainted and exploited. Outrage fueled my determination for change.

In those early days, I embarked on a path of self-sufficiency, driven by a desire to liberate my family from a system that often prioritized profit over wellness. I started acquiring skills to grow our food, to reclaim our right to nourishment free from compromise.

Fast forward to today, and my family tends a 1/8-acre urban oasis right in the heart of . Through a network of dedicated urban agriculture producers, we've reshaped our relationship with food. An astonishing 60% of our family's meals now stem from the fruits of our labor, traded within our community.

Our journey is far from over; it's a relentless march toward complete sustainability. Each day, we sow the seeds of change and nurture a future where wellness and self-sufficiency thrive. We rise above a system that offers us the bare minimum. 🌱🌍

26/09/2023

In the heart of the city, urban farming is a beacon of hope. It offers fresh, affordable, and locally grown produce, breaking free from the shadows of food injustice. 🌾✨

We're sowing the seeds of change, cultivating not just crops but a brighter, healthier future for all. 🌱🌍

26/09/2023

Grateful for the heartwarming compliments on my fresh herbs from this weekend's market. 🌿💕 🌱👏

20/09/2023

🌽🍅 Harvest Adventures🌾🍂: Drying up some corn and celebrating the recent tomato harvest. It's a nonstop, hands-in-the-dirt season, and yes, it can be tedious. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything I'm all about the homestead life. Grateful for the bounty and the beautiful chaos of this time of year! 🌱🌞 "

17/09/2023

I wasn’t planning to harvest today…but I just had to take a few things 😅

17/09/2023

Overflowing with Joy! 🌼 Seeing the flowers I've nurtured with love being shared as gifts warms my heart. 🌸💐 Spreading beauty and happiness one bloom at a time. 🌻💕

16/09/2023

🍃 The incredible duality of Mother Nature – one plant offers nourishment and remedies, while the other conceals a potent toxin. It's a reminder that the world around us is full of fascinating contradictions. 🌿🧡🌱 "

15/09/2023

Our first Pay-What-You-Can flower popup was a SUCCESS!
Stay tuned for our next popup.

14/09/2023

A little history on Wisconsin’s African American farming communities.

Since the mid-1800s, agriculture has created a path to agency and freedom for Black people in Wisconsin.

12/09/2023

🌹Your Tuesday plans just got a whole lot brighter! Visit us at Alice's Garden Urban Farm's Artisan Market on September 12, 5-7 p.m., and explore the world of local blooms. Don't miss this floral fiesta! 🌼🌿

09/09/2023

Amongst the sunflowers a volunteer guest adding a pop of color.

07/09/2023

🌿 Green Goodness!
🥬 Collards, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts - thriving in my experiment in intensive small-space gardening.
🌱 Despite the drought challenges these leafy wonders are flourishing. 🌞💧

06/09/2023

Last nights dinner is a true reflection of my urban homesteading journey here in Milwaukee, WI! 🏡🌿 The collards, cabbage, carrots, thyme, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, and okra all proudly came from my very own garden. 🌿🍅

Eating local never tasted so good! 😋🥕🍗

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

Checkout these carrots ready for harvesting! .art loves to pull carrots so I’m saving them for her.

04/09/2023

🌿 Soil, rain, and sustainability – all in one blog post! Get inspired by our journey into soil health and the impact of urban gardening choices. Let's cultivate a greener future together! 🌱📖

31/08/2023

A big shoutout and heartfelt gratitude to my incredible farmer friend Chalchi, who gifted me the charming seedling that has blossomed into the stunning toothache plant, Spilanthes acmella! 🌱 You know, sometimes dreams just take their sweet time to flourish, and I can't help but smile as I see my long-held dream of cultivating this unique plant coming to life right before my eyes. This is a moment of real triumph for me, as this plant has been on my "cultivate" wish list for a good four years now. Each time I look at the buds, I'm reminded that patience truly pays off.

This little buddy of mine is a bonafide powerhouse of properties! We're talking about anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and yes, even aphrodisiac effects! This plant has a whole arsenal of skills up its botanical sleeves. Who would've thought that such a humble plant could have such a versatile range of talents? It's the superstar of my garden this growing season.

Now, let's delve into the fascinating backstory of its moniker – the "toothache plant." The reason for this intriguing name becomes clear once you experience its extraordinary numbing and pain-relieving effects. Picture this: You can chew the flower heads and immerse yourself in a whole-mouth-numbing experience. If you're feeling adventurous, you can create a tincture or brew a soothing tea infused with its essence. People have used this plant for ages to treat toothaches, mouth pain, and pesky sore throats, turning to its soothing properties for relief.

I can't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude for the mysteries of nature. I'm reminded that every bud, every leaf, and every dream fulfilled is a testament to the beauty of patience and the joy of nurturing something extraordinary. 🌼🌿

30/08/2023

🌿✨ These days, I find myself diving deep into the world of land stewardship, and I've got to say, it's an incredibly potent and compelling calling. Think of it as being a guardian of the environment, a protector of the Earth we stand on. It's far more than just a belief – it's a meaningful mission that I've wholeheartedly embraced.

As an artist, I've always believed that creativity knows no bounds. But now, I'm not just crafting art in the studio; I'm nurturing Life. I'm cultivating flowers, coaxing veggies from the soil, and growing medicine for the community.🌼🍃 It's a bit like creating art with the earth as my canvas, every sprout and blossom is a stroke of natural beauty.

The distinction between human creation and the marvels of nature is humbling. Our creations often stem from personal desires, tastes, and whims. Nature, however, is this grand masterpiece designed with divine wisdom. It's as if nature itself holds the secrets of the universe within its intricate patterns. 🌌✨ In the role of stewardship, it's like stepping into a narrative written by something greater, contributing to the story of our world in a meaningful way.

In my eyes, this journey of land stewardship takes on the essence of a ministry. It's a calling that beckons me to dedicate my time, my skills, and my energy for the betterment of all. This isn't just about me; it's about the collective humanity.. 🌸💧 Whether I'm nurturing a garden, creating art that tells stories, or engaging with the community, it's all a part of this larger purpose.

🙌🎉 As I tread this path, I'm proudly carrying the banner of the Guardians of the Earth, where art becomes a conduit for nature's wonders, and stewardship becomes a way of life. With every step forward, I'm sharing the power of creativity, and in doing so, I'm contributing to the legacy of empowered stewardship. 🔥✨

29/08/2023

It's fascinating to explore the deep roots of our ancestors and their wisdom pertaining to agriCulture. 🌱🏙️ My journey has a lot to do with reclaiming eco-conscious traditions that have been overshadowed. Our ancestors' organized and intentional cultivation techniques have been woven into human history for over 12,000 years. 🌾✨ The knowledge of our ancestors deeply rooted in their land weaves a beautiful tapestry of wisdom that forms the foundation of .

It's a bit disheartening how some of these age-old practices have been co-opted and overshadowed by other narratives. But the truth is, permaculture isn't something new that was just "invented" in the 20th century; it's an evolution of sustainable wisdom passed down through generations. 💚🌍 Recognizing the origins of these practices is essential in celebrating and respecting the cultures that have cultivated them for millennia.

My intention as an urban homesteader and artist, is to honor these connections between people, nature, and the communities we form. We need to nurture diversity and harmony in both our practices and our societies. On my modest urban plot of land, I've found a canvas to cultivate an array of diverse crops, all while cultivating a deeper connection to the earth.🌿🌆

28/08/2023

It's cucumber season for us gardeners in Milwaukee. I'm bumbed I missed the canning class I was to attend this past Sunday Now I have to figure out what to do with the tons of cucumbers I have. I found this cucumber relish recipe online & it's a keeper! Imagine what I can do with crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, a touch of sweetness, and a tangy awesomeness mingling in a jar. 🥒🌱🥪

Use your homegrown cucumbers to make this simple, homemade pickle relish. Canned for longer storage this relish can be enjoyed all year long!

27/08/2023

Just a girl and her corn 🌽 🌾🌱

24/08/2023

22/08/2023

BeBe vs. Bee 🥲
While working in the garden today “something” (I’m pretty sure it was a bee or wasp) stung me. 🐝 🦂
#1. Y’all see what I have on my feet! 🤦🏽‍♀️ I definitely regret not having my boots on.
To ease my suffering I gathered plaintain, lemon balm & yarrow and made a poultice. I used some lambs ear as a temporary bandage. 🌿

20/08/2023

Hart Family Homestead is at the today 10am-3pm.

18/08/2023

Had an incredible day exploring the Harambee Victory Garden Initiative! 🌱Visited this amazing 1.5-acre farm in the heart of the Harambee neighborhood, where they're nurturing a thriving fresh food oasis in an area with limited fresh food resources. 🥦🍅

Got to dive deep into soil practices, learning how they cultivate such vibrant crops. 🌱 The rainfall simulator blew my mind – watching how the soil surface reacts during a rain event was eye-opening! 💧🌍

And oh, the highlight: a delicious meal prepared by the talented raw vegan chef Caroline Carter. 🌱🍴 From farm to table, the flavors were pure magic! ✨
🏡🌿

17/08/2023

The sprouts is brusselin’ 😁

13/08/2023

🙏🏽 Blessed Abundance & Stewardship is the theme dis’ Sunday morning.