Calendula, calendula everywhere….

Calendula has taken over in a couple of my raised beds! What I love most about this is that I did not plant any of it. They are all volunteers from last year.

I read somewhere to take notice of the plants that live near you as you likely need them. So I took out my Herbalism textbook to read about this abundant flowering plant. It is a supportive herb for the skin, eyes, digestive, and reproductive systems (pre and post-menopause :). The petals are sweet to the taste and are beautiful in salads, teas, and soup broth.

I have added these petals to my Lemon Balm & Mint tea infusions lately. The splash of bright yellow and orange colour lifts my spirit before I have even poured the infusion into my mug. I have also infused these flowers with Comfrey leaves and soaked in the tub. For hours. My skin has never been happier!

Any salad can be beautifully up-leveled by sprinkling these petals on top right before serving. I am also drying some of them on racks so that this winter when the days are dark, I can have a hit of sunshine in my tea.

They are super easy to grow, as I said all of mine are volunteers. They have self-seeded amongst our garlic and the bed is a riot of colour and life. The bees and butterflies and hummingbirds and Charlee (our beloved granddaughter) are obsessed with this bed. I am too.

If you want some seeds, let me know. I am happy to share some from this cheerful and helpful plant! You never know, they may just volunteer for you too!