Let's go to my Happy Place | Foraging our Land

Come along as I harvest herbs from around my homestead. It’s late August, and while many of my plants are looking a bit rough, there’s still plenty to gather. I start by collecting shiso, a Japanese herb with a licorice-like flavor that’s great for teas and flower arrangements. I then move on to lemon balm, mint, and oregano, sharing tips on harvesting and preserving these herbs. I also touch on some homestead updates, like the new chickens and a bit about our ongoing efforts to manage the land. As I walk through the garden and pasture, I gather raspberry leaves, goldenrod, and borage, all of which I use in various teas and homemade products. I even take a moment to talk about the beauty and benefits of growing mint and borage, and how I’ve been experimenting with different methods of preservation, including freeze-drying and traditional air drying. Throughout the video, I share some thoughts on the importance of dedicating space for herbs like mint, which can spread rapidly, and I show you how I use these plants in my daily life, from teas to skincare. Join me on this peaceful, late-summer herb harvest and enjoy the sights and sounds of the homestead!
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Mailing Address:

That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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00:00 Herb Harvesting and Tips
06:12 Preservation Methods
09:57 Garden and Herb Updates
21:16 Exploring the Pasture
30:21 Wild Plant Identification and Uses

[mybeautifullifewithhuskys]

My favourite thing to watch is just everyday things that you’re doing ..I think today’s video was amazing..like going for walk with your friend touring your garden. Talking and talking is great never stop

[anitafanshaw]

Dear Todd... We love Rachel's rambling... She shares her loves and knowledge.

[valinajames]

I would love to walk with you in the pasture and learn from you all the things that can be harvested. You are a wealth of knowledge.

[LittleMama]

Rachel I also dehydrate a lot of herbs and foraged plants. A couple of years ago I dehydrated some golden rod. But even on the lowest setting it wants to puff up. But I infused some golden rod in honey, it was so delicious in hot tea . I will try hanging some golden rod to see how that does. I make my own salves and soaps from foraged plants.

[amyjo]

You can use Queen Anne's Lace as a tea for gout. Queen Anne wore a crown, a skirt & had hairy legs....the reddish dot in the middle of the blossom is her crown, the skirt is under the blossom head & the stem is hairy, that's how you know it's Queen Anne's & not hemlock, which will make you un-alive. Thanks for taking us in your herb walk!

[Meeminator]

I love your posts, and your obvious joy in life. Thanks for being someone who also couldn't be quite happy without the outdoors xo

[marking-time-gardens]

Lovely garden and pasture walk... and harvest! Blessings Kiddos!🌻🐛🌿💚🙏💕

[joanhunt]

Born and raised in michigan and lived in 3 other states. Now live in northern indiana. Love that u research what is growing wild. I did that here in indiana. Most of it is edible and medicinal. I have goldenrod on my list but everything is sprayed. You are so fortunate. Happy harvesting!

[evelynharms]

I absolutely love every video. The knowledge shared is amazing. I really like the Rachel rambling . I say do a video a month of Rachel Rambling. A true Rachel free for all. ❤

[charlenegrady]

I love videos like this. I learn so much from you. Thank you so much. It takes a lot to grow and harvest and preserve. I agree with you. I’m retired too but try everyday to keep up but being older that is catching up with me but when I can look at my pantry and see what I have accomplished makes me feel good. Good luck🌸✌️🇺🇸

[kathywolski]

Rachel did you know black eyed susan can be used like echinacea. The flowers and roots. I have been foraging my property over in southwest Jackson county. Love your videos.

[AgendaTruth]

🫐 I'd love to see your Homemade Teas videos👍🏼

[jenniferhall]

When Covid hit, before anyone knew what was really going on and we were all quarantined, my time was spent learning about native Michigan plants and their medicinal properties. God gave us herbs for food and medicine.

[jackienoel]

So nice to go on these walks with you. I just had cataract surgery and needed this peaceful walk. I was married in the fall 52 years ago, on Friday the 13th. We only had 3 days to get married because he had been drafted and had to leave for the Viet Nam War!! He went to heaven last year, Alzheimer’s won the final battle of life! Thank you for sharing all the fun things you do.

[ArleneKorth]

I LOVE all kinds of weeds, grasses, and follage for arranging too!!! Gorgeous.

[selbar]

I really enjoying picking different herbs and grasses and flowers and enjoyed the walk thru your happy place. These videos you do like this so natural are great Rachel. Thanks for sharing your peace of haven

[missourigirl]

Love the walk and visit. Cool drying rack. Thx Rachel!

[janetsandham]

Oh how lovely rachel
A baby shower
Congratulations on ur grandchild
Hope u all have a great time at the baby shower

[terridean]

We were carefully walking through the soybean field at my relative’s farm during ragweed season. There was a lot of ragweed growing in with the soybeans. My adult daughter suddenly had difficulty breathing through her nose due to her allergies really acting up. We didn’t have decongestants with us so we made goldenrod tea. It doesn’t taste good but it really helped open up her passages. Unfortunately it only lasted a half hour.

[kittyrichards]

Your light fixture with drying herbs is amazingly beautiful.