Hello friends of plants!

My apologies on the delay on getting the May newsletter out. It has been very busy recently, which is generally a good thing! Here is some of the spring abundance I have been enjoying.

                           creeping bellflower
Creeping bellflower, or Campanula rapunculoides is a noxious weed in Calgary. It is probably in everyone's garden so it is easy to find. Look for hairy spade-shaped leaves like the ones above, the stem is reddish, and when you pick the leaves there is a milky juice that comes out. These are delicious! I have been enjoying them in the salad, but cooking them makes the rough hairs more palatable. The flavour is mildly sweet and salad-like. The root can also be dug up and cooked like a root vegetable.

                                      watercress

Yum! Watercress or Nasturium officinale growing in shallow spring water streams in Alberta, just North of Calgary. I could not believe the delicious abundance. Wow! I've been enjoying this delicious salad and am looking forward to going back for more. Lemon juice takes the bite right out if you are adverse to spicy heat. This species is not technically considered a weed, perhaps because it used to be rare in Alberta. However, this species is introduced from Europe and is not native. I would say still treat with respect, like any plant, as it creates an ecosystem for aquatic animals, but also enjoy this delicious introduced treat.

If you would like to learn more about harvesting weeds as food then join me on one of my weekly plant walks (dates below). I am also doing a very affordable urban foraging day on May 22nd, please see details below.

With love,

Latifa

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Articles

 

Herbs and the microbiome

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the importance of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. This group of microorganisms is also called the microbiome. Most people are familiar with the idea of probiotics. A probiotic is a microorganism, for example a bacteria or yeast, which positively affects its human host.

Read more

 
 

Plant Walks - details HERE

 
sandy beach park

When: Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: St. Patrick’s Island, Calgary, Alberta
Meeting point: Side Walk Citizen, 618 Confluence Way SE , Calgary, AB

 
       

When: Thursday, May 18, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Pearce Estates, Calgary, Alberta
Meeting point: Bow Habitat Station, 1440 17A Street SE, Calgary, AB

 

When: Sunday, May 21, 1-3 pm
Where: Nose Hill Park, Calgary, Alberta
Meeting point: 64 Ave Parking Lot, 

 

 

When: Thursday, May 25, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Urban Walk, Calgary, Alberta
Meeting point: Memorial Park Library, 

 
 

Workshops

 
stellaria media

Urban Weed Foraging

When: Monday, May 22, 1-4 pm
Where: New Edinborough Park, Calgary, Alberta
Meeting point: Princes Island Park Memorial Drive Parking lot,

 
pulsatilla patens 

 

Edible and Medicinal Plants of Alberta

When: Tuesday, May 30, 9:30am-4 pm
Where: HENDAY ASSOCIATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING,
5300 55 Street Close, Innisfail, Alberta

 

 
 

Retreats

 

Wild Harvesting and Foraging: A Weekend Getaway

When: Saturday & Sunday, May 13-14
Where: Castle Mountain Alberta (near Pincher Creek)
Tickets: $180 available on Eventbrite
A collaboration with Roni’s Kitchen.

 
     

 

 Sliding Scale Mobile Clinic

Since visiting the Herbalista Free Clinic in Atlanta I have revamped my approach to best serve my community. I am now offering a sliding scale clinic to those who are concerned that the costs of plant-based medicine are too expensive. Consultation prices range from $25-$125 for an initial consultation of 1.5-2 hours. Herbal medicines are adapted to meet your price range, and because I make most of my own medicines the price is much less than you would get from a health food store, and you can trust that the quality is excellent and the ingredients are fresh!

A mobile clinic means that I come to you or am available to meet you in a convenient location. By offering a mobile service, I am able to cut overhead costs and provide accessible treatment.

If you are interested, or know anyone who needs support with their health please contact me:
info@latifasherbs.com
(587) 703-7314

 

 

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All material copyright Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed