Recently, I brought home a basket full of catnip that I harvested at its peak. We are so fortunate to have a wild space right next to our yard. It was once a mature forest that was harvested (ie. clearcut) several months before we arrived here in Slocan Park. Nature has a way of coming back and it is now filled with lush growth.

While many of these may seem like ‘weeds’ to folks reading this, there are many beneficial plants nestled amongst them. Last fall I was able to harvest mullein that helped relieve lung congestion during several bouts of winter flu/colds. I’ve also transplanted several small elderberry bushes into my garden and there are many more growing up in the space. Elderberries also are great for relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Then there is the burdock!! SO MUCH BURDOCK. Did you know that not only is the root edible, but it also provides stronger antioxidant activity than most common fruits and vegetables. It can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Time to get the shovel out…. these suckers are a challenge to dig out. Those are only a few of the ‘treasures’ I have found in my immediate area!