 Late spring in Michigan can provide abundant dandilion flowers coming...
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This crab-apple tree is loaded with fruit!
It's Autumn in Michigan, however, it's looking more like winter! It isn't uncommon to receive an early snow cover here in Michigan and so a tree such as this crab-apple tree is a wonderful addition to your back yard to aid in biodiversity and a food source (both fruit and insects), for our feathered friends. It is a common site to see several partridge perched on this very same tree year after year. When planting trees in and around your yard or in your woodlot it is very important to plant native species. Native species are specific in what they offer our native insects and wildlife.
Sweet wild violets, growing on the edge of a Michigan woodlot.
Did you know your pretty little wild violets are editable? (Viola) It's true! In fact, violets contain more vitamin C by weight than oranges. They are also rich in vitamin A as well as containing other vitamins and minerals. You can toss both flowers and leaves, to impart a sweet flavor into salads! You can use the flowers to decorate a cake! You can make violet jelly, violet tea, violet syrup, and candid flowers! I enjoy dropping some flowers in an ice-cube tray when making ice ! It makes that ice water or lemon-aid look so special! Violets and medicinal Uses Violets are said to stimulate your lymphatic glands, helping your body to eliminate toxins. They are also known to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Violet tea may help ease sinus infections, colds, and other respiratory issues. The native Americans used them in a poultice and salves.  It's May in Michigan and the dandelions are plenty!
This is What You Need to Know About Glyphosate!
Glyphosate is a herbicide that is applied to the leaves of plants to kill weeds. You have probably seen it sitting on the shelves of your local hardware store. The odor it dispels is disgustingly horrendous. It was introduced to the consumer market via Roundup in the early 1970s, it’s now in more than 750 products sold in the U.S.! In 2015, the cancer-research arm of the World Health Organization announced that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic in humans.” Health problems, such as miscarriage and birth defects, might be linked to glyphosate! Not only is glyphoste used to kill weeds, it is also used as a desiccant, or drying agent, this allows food to be harvested, dried quickly and sent to the market, but in turn, increases the likelihood that consumers will be directly exposed to the pesticide through the foods they eat, even after processing. Originally used only on genetically modified (GMO) crops, Roundup is now sprayed on conventional crops such as wheat, grains and oats, to speed up the harvesting process. This relatively new process is the focus of the EWG’s petition to the EPA. What Can You Do? Educate yourself on glyphoste and, as always, consider the sources. A good place to start is EWG and IRT. Also, there are some real steps you can take to minimize your and your family’s exposure to glyphosate.
Gitty Goat Soaps and Lotions and more!
We are excited to share this with you! In our quest to use non-toxic products we discovered Gitty Goat Soap, where they make handmade goat's milk soap using non-GMO, organic ingredients and essential oils (volatile aroma compounds from plants)! They sell an array of absolutely wonderful, all natural products, that we are sure you will truly enjoy with each and every use. Visit Gitty Goat Soap Here!
Gitty Goat Soap sells wonderful, clean, goat's milk soaps and lotions and other personal products, all made in Michigan! You can visit their website here 
The definition of a weed is: A valueless plant growing wild, especially one that grows on cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the desired crop or any undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted. But, did you know. the humble dandelion beats out spinach in terms of protein, vitamins A, C, K, Omega 6, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium and more? I would consider this food, nourishment for the body. Did you know, the root can be used as a liver tonic or a blood purifier? I would consider this medicine. Food and medicine, valueless? No Way! In the many years of gardening, I have never had dandelion plants prevent or injure the planted crop. All it ever does is grow among them. It takes nothing away. it is among the pollinators favorites and so it gives. The whole plant can be used. The flower, for wine or sauteed in butter, the leaves used in salads and teas and the root used in a tincture for liver health. Why wouldn't you want it around, with all the benefits the dandelion has to offer? Truly every part of a dandelion is medicinal. It’s widely respected as one of the premiere detox herbs, and decoction tea made of its roots is a great diet drink that helps you burn fat. If you haven’t tried this yet, fresh dandelion leaves are an amazing addition to salads and pestos to give a little bit of bite to sweeter recipes. They’re highly medicinal and extremely flavorful when prepared the right wa Would you say the dandelion is a weed? *** Few may be allergic to the milky latex of dandelion flowers and stems. If a rash develops upon use simply discontinue use. |
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David and Valerie Zimmer, owners of Greater Michigan Timber Management, a forest, timber and woodlot management company in northern lower Michigan. Archives
June 2020
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For all your timber and woodlot management needs, contact us, at Greater Michigan Timber Management! (989) 473-3791 (989) 390-0705  |
