Herb & Forage

04/16/2026

I’m so excited that spring is here! 🍄‍🟫 Monthly public plant 🌱walks continue to be a source of great joy and inspiration for me. I’m excited that so many people are interested in learning about the plants 🌸around us. I’ll only be able to offer one in May and one in June, instead of the usual two due to high demand for foragers 🥰. Information and locations for each event is listed on my website.🎉
www.herbanforage.com

04/16/2026

Ramps, Allium tricoccum and Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica
All parts of both plants are edible and they are only available for a short period of time in early spring. Both plants are endangered and protected in many areas so learning to harvest them sustainably is essential.
For the purposes of this post I will recommend only harvesting aerial (above ground) parts from densely populated areas and harvesting sparingly such as one leaf from each three leafed ramp or a cluster of flowers from each patch of spring beauties.

04/16/2026

Morel season 🩶

04/12/2026

04/08/2026

Grape hyacinths are edible.
True hyacinths are NOT edible.
There is a difference in size, grape hyacinths are only a few inches tall whereas hyacinths are usually more than 6 inches. Grape hyacinths have tiny round bell-shaped flowers. Hyacinths have pointy star-shaped flowers. Grape hyacinths smell sweet, hyacinths have a strong floral scent. Grape hyacinths contain anthocyanin which is pH reactive so when you add an acid such as lemon juice, it turns pink. You can use this to make magical drinks with grape hyacinth syrup or tea. Also great for making jelly.

04/01/2026

The redbuds and magnolias are budding!
😋 🌸

03/28/2026

Looking for a getaway?

The Rookery Cottage is my home away from home. Nestled in the woods, the trail leads to Whiterock Conservancy which is one of the most beautiful places in Iowa!
Matt and Emily are gracious hosts with lots of suggestions for however you enjoy spending your time.

Spring is a great time to find mushrooms. In the summer, we love to canoe/kayak down the middle raccoon river.
And fall is a great time for star gazing around the campfire.
Reserve your own getaway as this place books up fast!

03/26/2026

Another beautiful day for a plant walk coming up this Sunday!

www.herbanforage.com

03/16/2026

We sure got lucky yesterday! The wind, rain and snow held off for the 1st plant walk of the year!

03/13/2026

Ephemerals plants are short-lived species with a very fast life cycle, growing, flowering, and dying within a few weeks or a single season to exploit brief favorable conditions.
Check out www.herbanforage.com for upcoming opportunities to learn more about edible and medicinal plants in Iowa. Pictured one of my favorite edible ephemerals- Spring Beauties (Claytonia virginica) with trout lilies and mayapples in the background.

12/05/2025

Sale!
$33!
12/13/25 DIY Lip Balm Workshop
Register through www.herbanforage.com to get this great price!
We will have fun creating a few different lip balms and everyone will get some to take home and share!

12/02/2025

Join me for a wonderful make and take gift workshop! 12/13/25 DIY Lip Balm Workshop We will create 2-3 lip balms and participants will take home extras to share. All materials and recipes are included.