Rooted in the Land | September 2026

A LITTLE WINDOW INTO LIFE AROUND OUR TABLE

Rooted in the Land | September 2026

There is something special about drinking a cup of tea made from something you just harvested yourself.

This month, goldenrod made its way from the land to our table. The girls practiced careful identification, harvested it together, studied its structure, and drew what they saw. Then we brewed it as tea and tasted it together.

LEARNING TO PAY ATTENTION

Our herbalism conversations centered on seasonal allergies, the respiratory system, and the plants herbalists have traditionally turned to for support. Goldenrod was our native plant focus, giving us a chance to connect what we were reading with a plant growing right around us.

Beneath the plant knowledge is a skill we keep practicing: observation. We talked about noticing differences in how the body feels, including dryness and irritation or congestion and excess moisture, and why thoughtful questions matter when learning about herbs.

FROM THE KITCHEN GARDEN

Rosemary, oregano, sage, and thyme may be familiar kitchen herbs, but they also have a long place in traditional herbal practice. We explored their aromatic qualities and discussed preparations such as infusions and herbal steams. The girls made a blend while learning why the way an herb is prepared matters.

Later, we harvested tulsi and lemon balm from the garden and practiced drying herbs properly. Little by little, the girls are beginning to build their own tea apothecaries with plants they have met in the soil, handled themselves, and learned to recognize.

WHAT WE HOPE IS FORMING

I love watching a plant become familiar to them. A leaf or flower that might once have gone unnoticed becomes something worth slowing down to study. These ordinary moments give us opportunities to practice patience, careful stewardship, and gratitude for the gifts God has placed around us.

From the garden to the drying rack to a shared cup of tea.

AROUND THE EDEN TABLE

This month looked like goldenrod spread across the table, open field guides, pencils sketching leaves, and four cups of tea meeting in the middle. My hope is that the girls carry these experiences into their own homes: confidence in working with their hands, the habit of observing carefully, and a growing delight in God's creation. There is so much joy in learning together.