When I was a little girl, I would escape the clatter of my home, into my secret place—and that’s where I met the Violets. There was a large bush that grew beside the chimney and under that was a small patch of wild violets.

Every year the Violets would come back and I would tell them my problems and chat about all happenings in my world. I learned early that plants are great listeners! 

My parents had a small garden; we lived in the suburbs. I remember planting my first seed—a watermelon. I was overjoyed when the plant sprouted, and even more ecstatic when a baby watermelon rested on the vine. I believe that was when the gardening bug bit me. 

Herbs and plants have been with me the whole journey. I’ve grown a small garden in every place I’ve ever lived. While raising my daughters, I always looked for a more natural path — dabbling in essential oils, healthy foods and natural remedies.

Life is full of curves, obstacles and lots of joy; it is certainly not a linear path. My life has been no different. I’ve been blessed to do a number of things in my lifetime: mother, yoga teacher, author, graphic designer and professional photographer. It has been a wonderful life — and it really feels like I’m just getting started. 

In the last few years, I’ve taken a deep dive into the power of plants. Or maybe I should say, that the plants have finally become my teacher. In addition to the plants, I’m studying with human teachers like: Rosemary Gladstar, Matthew Wood, Michael Moore, Rosealee de la Foret, Dina Falconi and many other herbalists.  And now as an herbalist and student of plants, I want to share my knowledge with you.

Plants are healers, friends and feeders of the body and soul. We all can benefit from a life more integrated with plants.  

“Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks.” ~Charlemagne