I've stopped 3 times now to harvest cattails from along the roadside. When I stopped yesterday the skinny little things had plumped up. I've tied them into bunches and laid them out to dry. My Aunt Joy, who has harvested lots of cattails, reminded me to spray them with hairspray once they've dried out. This keeps them from opening up and puffing all over the house.
I've also been harvesting and drying lots of mint! So fun and the greatest part... mint doesn't mind being picked when it's wet out or even when it's drizzling. (Since Iowa seems to be turning into a tropical climate... this is good news!) It will be great to have it in abundance over the winter, eh? In the past we've ordered Press 'N Brew Tea Bags from Mountain Rose Herbs, http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ I like this company a lot!
Mint patch in the front yard garden.
Fresh picked mint.
(Dill, Peppermint, Spearmint)Another thing I have learned this season is... Larkspur is a great dried flower!!! Who would have ever guessed? It's such a delicate flower. My Mom has a self seeded patch in her rose garden and after I found out the news I could barely keep myself from harvesting her whole patch. Leave some to go to seed dear momma.
Larkspur drying on my Mom's old bike.Today we picked ageratum which is also a wonderful flower for drying. I love adding little dried ageratum posies to my dried flower arrangements... whether they're on a wreath, tucked in a swag, or added to a larger dried flower bouquet. Bonus bonus bonus!!
On another note... I'm desperately wishing for a new camera lens. I keep feeling disappointed with the quality of my photos. The lighting... the framing... capturing the moment... Maybe I'm not taking as many pictures as I used to???
