4.3b Writing Prompt for Ebony Gheorghe: Creating with the Plants

07/04/2022 6 min

Listen "4.3b Writing Prompt for Ebony Gheorghe: Creating with the Plants"

Episode Synopsis

In this writing prompt, I invite you to explore your local area for plants that you can forage.  Go for a walk and look for plants like dandelion, nettle, cleavers, cow parsley, wild garlic - whatever is in season - and use these to create something you can eat or use in some way, such as healing balms, tinctures, infusions, soups, salads, teas...the list goes on...and then write about your experience of doing this.
I also give a couple of book recommendations:  
'Hedgerow Medicine: Harvest and make your own herbal remedies' by Julie Bruton-Seal and Mathew Seal
'Weeds in the Heart' by Nathaniel Hughes and Fiona Owen, who I interviewed in episode 1.3a
'Food You Can Forage' by Tiffany Francis-Baker, interviewed in episode 1.6a (not mentioned in this episode but definitely worth reading!)
A note on responsible foraging:

Remember the 1 in 20 rule - if you can't see more than 20 of what you want to forage, don't take one.  
If the plant is growing in abundance, still only take around a handful.
Forage from different areas
Clean your plants thoroughly before consuming
Check with a professional if you are unsure as to whether the plant is safe to eat or put on your skin before using
The PictureThis and iNaturalist apps are your friend if you are unsure as to the name of a plant :-)
Have a look around the internet for recipes.  I love @NettlesandBees (of course!), @blackforager and @foraged.by.fern on Instagram for inspiration

I'll also be posting prompt as one of my bullet journal prompts on my Instagram page @prompted.by.nature and on the website www.promptedbynature.co.uk
Happy (responsible) foraging and happy creating!

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