Weeds...

 

I've added a new reference book to my needlework library. It's A Golden - Weeds. It's a reference guide to "the pest plants of the United States that invade lawns, gardens, fields, and roadsides." I guess one man's weed is another man's treasure. I love and promote them in our yard.

Let me explain. When the weather is so dry that the grass dies off, the weeds grow up and show off their natural finery. Chickory, Queen Anne's Lace, mullein, English daisies, sorrel and more are all considered weeds in this book, yet it wouldn't be summer in Wisconsin without them. In fact, many of them have medicinal properties and were used as poultices, teas, and other remedies by native Americans and settlers. There's much we could learn from them.

 

I saw this for sale online - paying a few dollars more than the $1.95 cover price - and wanted it to add to my needlework library as a reference guide for flower and plant embroideries.

 

While the copy is less than favorable to each plant, the illustrations are accurate and I'll be able to build upon them for my projects. I chose the mullein page because we also have these magnificent plants in the surrounding farmlands, and occasionally on the edges of our fields. They're highly prized for medicinal value, so I actually seek them out when I'm walking or driving. It's sad to see that it - and many other beneficial plants - were, and still are considered undesirables.

This small book nearly fits in the palm of my hand, so it will tuck nicely into my sewing basket when needed. It's 160 pages long, so there are a lot of illustrations to draw from. I'll look forward to paging through it for inspiration as I work on my Autumn Strawberry Sachet.

I'm having lunch with my almost sister-in-law/sister-by-choice, Deb (Mom Grace's daughter) today. When I get back I'll sit down to my frogs again. I'm working as I'm able toward completion. My self-imposed deadline is Saturday so I can package them up to mail out on Monday. I'm quite sure I'll make it on time. I think now I'll make my morning cuppa and sit down at the needlework frame for a bit before I have to leave. See you tomorrow!