🌱 This winter, I sowed rocket seeds which developed into eight healthy plants, yielding a substantial crop within three months! Set amongst lettuces and spinach, in a semi-shaded spot given rocket’s preferences for cool fertile soil, I wasn’t sure if the plants would receive enough sunlight but the plants have since flowered and completed their natural cycle. The appearance of flowers typically signifies the end of a productive crop. By successive planting you can get a year-round crop as it can tolerate brief freezing spells. Needless to say, with my current commitments (encompassing full-time employment and academic study), I haven’t been too diligent in that respect; consequently, I am rather hoping that they self-seed instead!

🌱 Eruca vesicaria, commonly known as rocket or arugula, is now a common edible salad leaf. Native to the mediterranean region, it has a pungent, pepper-mustard-like flavour. A fast growing annual reaching 50cm in height, having pinnately shaped leaves…

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🌸🌱 Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a native perennial of Europe. It can be found growing in gardens, verges, woodland margins and disturbed land with well-drained soil and part-shade. Being a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, it has the classic botanical features of a square stem and opposite leaf structure; the leaves have three to five points, palmately lobed with serrated margins. Tubular pink-lilac flowers, grow from fuzzy leaf axils which form whorls around the stem. At Leaf Retreat, motherwort grows happily amongst the climbing vegetables growing up to 1.5 metres tall, attracting a variety of pollinators with its sweet nectar. Interestingly, the irregular flowers, with their bilateral symmetry are thought to have evolved to ensure the efficient transfer of pollen.

🌸🌱 The common name alludes to its traditional use as a heart tonic and for treating gynaecological afflictions, such as painful periods (dysmenorrhea), absent periods (amenorrhoea), menopausal anxiety and postpartum depression;…

Welcome to the Leaf Retreat Community! A nurturing space where you can be inspired by nature, simple living, nutrition and herbalism. Enjoy thoughtful conversation and connection while exploring your journey into complimentary and nature-based wellness.

🌱 Why not create a profile and join in the conversation or simply enjoy some background reading? Either way, in the interests of safety and professionalism, please do take a few moments to read the Disclaimer and Code of Conduct below

In kindness, Margo

🌱 Disclaimer

The information provided on this platform is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, for those with an interest in nutrition and herbalism. Scientific research in these fields is constantly evolving and currently unregulated. The content presented herein reflects current understanding; readers are advised to critically evaluate it within the broader scientific and regulatory landscape.

The information shared on this platform does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or decisions relating to your medical care. If you have a chronic health condition or are currently taking medication, it is crucial to consult with your doctor, a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or incorporating herbal remedies.

Foraging for wild plants should be undertaken with the utmost caution – misidentification can be fatal. If there is any doubt regarding the identity of a plant, it should be left untouched. Prioritise safety and adhere to responsible foraging practices. In particular, do not uproot any plant on public land and avoid areas where pesticides may have been used. Relying solely on ID Apps is not recommended due to potential inaccuracies; it is much better to learn from a variety of reputable textbooks and people and build your knowledge year on year.

The content of this platform should not be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific nutritional approach or herbal product. Note that there are many unregulated supplements on the market with varying degrees of safety and effectiveness; it is your responsibility to exercise due diligence.

It is most prudent to consult with a qualified medical herbalist or registered nutritionist for personalised guidance rather than relying on generalised advice and personal interpretation when embarking on a health-related journey. This platform assumes no liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.

If you will not seek professional advice, remember that even seemingly safe substances can be harmful in excess; dosage is a critical factor and it is advisable to always apply moderation. Be aware that allergies can always occur, and reasonable precautions should always be taken.

🌱 Code of Conduct

I believe in the intelligence and discernment of our members in the exploration of diverse perspectives. Our community will engage respectfully and have thoughtful debate with constrictive feedback. Be aware that there will be  different levels of experience and understanding and therefore to approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn from one another.

Members of this community are very welcome to share their personal recommendations and insights. It is however, important to remember that these are individual opinions and Leaf Retreat is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, any specific recommendations made by its members.

I welcome people sharing posts but please refrain from using this space for unsolicited advertising or the selling of productions, in the hope of keeping our members safe.

🥦 This year I managed to grow a crop of purple sprouting broccoli (PSB)!

It was a total delight to enjoy this homegrown vegetable with an array of vitamins, minerals and  phytochemicals.

🥦 Some notable nutrient values are displayed in the infographic. A great source of vitamin C and folate. In general, most green leafy vegetables are a good source of folate. Notably, folate is involved in the making of new blood

cells and DNA replication, important for our energy making processes and correct repair as we age. It is also essential for the correct production of neurotransmitters which have diverse actions but include: regulating mood, sleep, motivation, and cognition. It seems Grandma was right when she said to eat your greens!

 🥦 Do you know what makes PSB purple though? This is where phytochemicals come in. Anthocyanins are a type of phytochemical (in the class of flavonoids) which are…

💜 When I moved into Leaf Retreat I was blessed with lovely patches of Viola reichenbachiana and Viola riviniana, both belonging to the Violaceae family. The low-growing perennials blossom from March to April turning the ground into a delicate lilac carpet year on year. Commonly known as early dog violet (viola reichenbachiana) and common dog violet (Viola riviniana) they are both quite similar in appearance. The key identifier lies in the spur of the flower! Viola riviniana has a paler coloured spur (as well as flowering a little later) while reichenbachiana has a purple spur as in the picture below (the spur is the part to the left).

 💜 While they are both are considered inferior to the fragrant and medicinal Viola odorata, the heart-shaped leaves provide a home for the fritillary butterfly on which to lay her eggs.

💜 Last year I added some Viola odorata plants to my small patch of…

🌱Hello everyone! It is that magical time of year again when wild garlic season begins. If you are a beginner forgager it is the perfect place start as it is easy to spot and very versatile in the kitchen! 🌱To get your natural culinary adventures started, I've created four recipe cards to get your started 🌱

Let me know how you get on, and enjoy your adventures 🌱

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Habitat