Summer is meant for exploring! To some, exploring includes travel plans, exciting day adventures, or even staycations! In my neck of the woods, it means trying to balance day-to-day tasks with fun outings. This month’s theme of exploring will include ideas to help you explore closer to home. Here are some ideas to spark your planning!

Have you taken a walk outside your neighborhood? How about trying a different path than you usually take? What about a local garden center? Have you walked through one and taken the time to admire the plants? What about checking out a new coffee shop? Or perhaps going on a coffee shop crawl? Does your library have any fun summer programs scheduled? Have you ever checked out any local history museums?

Today I’m sharing

• Some personal thoughts on the summer

• Things I almost missed in July

• Prompts to get you writing

• My botanical corner (craft, reading pile)

• Small business happenings

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Put the kettle on and let me tell you a little about my herbalism journey!

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Is the third time the charm?

Would you believe me if I said I’ve tried to attend an in-person herbalism program three times already? Well, I have! I’ve tried three times, and life always got in the way. My first attempt was back in 2020, right around the time the pandemic closed everything down. I had all my supplies ready to go and was eager to attend. Unfortunately, we all know how 2020 went, how it affected so many lives and caused lots of plans to fall through. Lots of big changes occurred in my life as well; the new chaos inevitably affected the program and my ability to attend. Although the school offered an online option, I was adamant about learning in a hands-on environment.

The next time I tried to enroll in an in-person herbalism program, the opportunity to complete my Master’s program arose. Completing my Masters degree was a personal goal I had for years. I decided to shelve herbalism school for a little bit and focus on my MS. Third time is a charm right? Not always! I finished my MS (whoohoo) and was still stuck on wanting to complete an in-person herbalism program, so I decided to apply to a new school. I applied, got accepted, and was eager to begin the program. Unfortunately, life had other plans, which kept me from attending..again. In a way, it ended up working out because I had a really, really bad fall during that time. I was injured to the point I had to be bedbound a bit while recovering, it was an awful time. Had I attended that semester, I would have had to miss a ton of classes and would have been upset.

Luckily, the staff at the school were incredibly accommodating, understanding, and kind. I chose to postpone my enrollment a bit and here I am one year later! This is the time, I decided that whatever curveball is thrown at me, I’ve waited long enough. I really want to attend an in-person program where I can learn right there among my peers. I want to smell all the herbs as soon as I walk in, and I want to meet people who love herbalism as much as I do.

I have so many books on my shelf, and I still have the textbooks from my original attempt to attend the in-person program. I’m working through some of these books to refresh my memory a bit. The other part I’m enjoying is picking out beautifully decorated journals and notebooks I plan to use for the program. I love shopping for school supplies! I’m going to try to restrain myself from buying all the notebooks I see but we’ll see.

My first academic exposure to herbalism was through the Herbal Academy. They have stunning products, detailed courses, and a bounty of resources for students. I learned a lot of what I needed for my small business from their online courses and books. I’m a sucker for beautiful botanically inspired art and can’t help myself when it comes to their booklets. The ones below are just some from my home library. I am really interested in herbal teas and hope to specialize a bit more through the in-person program. Herbal Academy has wonderful recipe books that I enjoy trying out. I’m happy with my decision to take their online courses first as an introduction to herbalism. Although it was nice to learn the material, I really missed the hands-on component of learning a new skill, which is why I chose to enroll in an in-person program.

Checking out the school

I first visited the school a little over a year ago when I attended a student’s workshop. From the first moment I walked in, I knew I wanted to attend as a student. The environment wasn’t just inviting; the staff was warm and eager to help everyone get settled. The next few times I visited were for their open house and capstone presentations. It was wonderful to meet students, hear about their experiences, and see their projects. I tried some delicious samples and bought some products during their capstone presentation. During one of my visits I had a friendly staff member give me a mini tour which solidified my decision to apply for the next cohort.

The school is located in a beautiful historic downtown area with so much character and cozy vibes. I chose this school because of its location, rich history, and its commitment to providing a non-competitive learning environment. I want to grow in a community, not compete with my peers. Colorado is rich in herbalism education; it has several schools that offer programs, and many apothecaries all across the Front Range. There are many options when it comes to learning about gardening and herbalism, and several nonprofits that are committed to sharing knowledge.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be prepping my materials, rereading books, talking with experienced herbalists asking for advice, and getting ready. I am excited for this journey and to bring this information to you and to the amazing people who have supported my botanical studio since opening.

Did you check out the first issue of Leaves & Lessons?

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Extra Extra! Now on Substack

We’re now on Substack! Hi, I’m Bri, I opened Little Pantry Botanical (LPB for short) in 2024. LPB started as a mini pop-up apothecary shop, then included gardening consulting, and later added workshops and classes. My sweet little space has grown into something beautiful that doesn’t fit one traditional mold. I now refer to LPB as an ever-growing creative space meant to inspire. In the short time Since opening LPB I’ve had the privilege of hosting fun events for excited adults and curious children. We laugh together, get messy with soil, paint, and enjoy the beautiful world of botanical goods.

I’ve also had the privilege of helping beginners interested in starting a new garden through at-home and virtual garden consults. Although I no longer do garden consultations, I do my best to provide free/low cost resources to support beginners. One of my favorite things to do is pop-up shops where I sell herbs and spend the time chatting away with curious patrons. My goal is to continue learning, providing knowledge, and fun activities to those wanting a little more botanical goodness in their lives.

So why Substack?

I love my small business, I love all things cozy and I enjoy Substack so why the change? I have a hard time on other platforms, my main joy has always been reading and writing which is why Substack feels like a good fit. I have some changes coming and won’t be able to do a lot of the normal workshop activities I often do. This space, warmly named Leaves & Lessons will be my focus while I navigate through those changes. Since my time will be limited and I will be unable to do many in-person events this publication will be my place to share.

What you can expect

Each issue will contain:

• A cozy book recommendation

• An herbal tea pairing

• An herb spotlight

• A personal note

Big Announcement!

I’ve officially enrolled in herbalism school and will begin this upcoming fall! This is a big change. It will undoubtedly throw a wrench in my already crazy schedule but herbalism school is something I’ve looked forward to for a while. I first learned about herbalism through the Herbal Academy’s online self-paced foundation course. I have been itching to do an in-person program for years and thankfully have some great schools locally. A new season is blooming, one that will inspire and trigger creativity. I will be sharing the journey right here on Leaves & Lessons, specifically through my botanical student journal. Get ready for lots of thoughts, notes, and nerdy bits!

Current state of LPB

Due to my enrollment in herbalism school, I need to pause most of my business activities. This temporary pause includes the shop and studio tasks. Like I mentioned before, I will cease these activities and focus on sharing here instead. If I do decide to do some pop-up shops, I’ll mention it as soon as I confirm them.

Leaves & Lessons - Explore

This month’s theme is: To explore

I am turning over a new leaf! The current change in seasons in my business has given ‘exploring’ a whole new meaning. I want to explore this connection to plants, to follow this urge into developing as a community herbalist. I am exploring paths I was hoping to have walked years ago. This month’s posts will focus on the theme of exploring, exploring a new path, a new craft, hobby, or even something as simple as a new book choice. My choice to open this Substack publication aligns well with ‘exploring’. I hope you enjoy this month’s posts!

This month’s cozy book recommendation

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski

Goodreads: A cozy and uplifting debut novel about three clairvoyant sisters who face an unexpected twist of Fate at the bottom of their own delicate porcelain cups.

Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves, and cardamom at the bottom of their customers’ cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune intertwined with the sound of cinnamon shortbread being snapped by laced fingers.

That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne’s magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters’, Beatrix’s writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus—and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet. It seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect.

With dwindling time to rewrite their future and help three other witches challenge their own destinies, the Quigleys set out to bargain with Fate. But in focusing so closely on saving each other, will they lose sight of themselves?

**

This lovely book feels like a big hug. You can practically smell the herbs and tea while listening to the echoes of chatter all around. It’s a story about sisterly bonds, the warmth and comfort of home, and the excitement of future plans.

Herbal tea pairing

This month’s book is about three sisters, so I chose three herbs that reminded me of them. For an 8 oz cup of tea I mixed:

1 tsp of dried calendula

1 tsp of dried chamomile

1/2 tsp of dried peppermint

This herbal tea blend is a relaxing combination to sip while reading our cozy pick.

Herb spotlight

Marigold - Calendula officinalis

If you take a look at our book pick’s cover, you’ll notice beautiful, colorful Marigolds on the front. The cover inspired this month’s herb pick; the information I’m including has been sourced from Dr. Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible.

Beautiful Marigolds, these brightly colored gems are among my favorite flowers. I’ve planted Marigolds in my garden each season for their natural pest control and because they make great veggie companions. These lovely flowers also attract lots of good insects and are pretty low-maintenance. I’ve also planted these indoors during the winter to provide much needed color among the gloom.

Herbalists can use marigold petals in “oil and apply it to cuts, burns and other abrasions” (Mindell, 2022, p. 134). When used topically, they can be used “externally, to soothe skin irritations, promoting healing” (Mindell, 2022, p. 135).

**

Mindell, E. (2022). Dr. Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible. Simon & Schuster, Inc.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and should not be considered medical advice.

Personal note

Creating this issue was a lot of fun! I enjoy brainstorming in my journal and seeing it come to life. I hope you enjoyed this first issue, and I ask that you please be patient as I begin to create and grow this space. My journey into herbalism school will be full of moments worth documenting, and I’ll do my best to capture them here. Please note that although I have read, studied, and experimented these past few years as a baby herbalist and gardener, I still have much to learn. If you ever disagree or would like to challenge something I share, please be considerate and reach out to me privately.

What to expect this month:

The first botanical student journal entry! I won’t have as many details about school yet, since I haven’t started, but join me as I prepare and reflect on the journey that has brought me to this moment.

My seasonal notebook entry this month will be a fun one! It’ll include a botanical craft idea you can try at home, some fall gardening ideas, and a look at which herb dominated my garden this season!

Thank you once again for being here, and please subscribe to see next month’s issue!