The Plants Our Grandparents Knew

There was a time when every garden was an apothecary.

Long before skincare came in glass jars and bottles, people understood the value of the plants growing around them.

Not because they were fashionable.

Because they were part of everyday life.

The garden wasn't just somewhere to grow food.

It was a place of healing, beauty, nourishment and tradition.

Along quiet country laneways, yarrow flourished, gathered by generations who recognised its place in everyday life.

Roses were treasured, not only for their beauty and fragrance, but for the comfort and joy they brought to the home.

Bright calendula flowers nodded beside vegetable patches, adding colour to cottage gardens throughout the summer.

Plantain quietly grew between paving stones and along well-trodden paths, often overlooked today, yet once a familiar and valued plant.

And almost every cottage seemed to have lavender growing close to the back door, filling the air with its unmistakable scent as people brushed past.

These weren't rare or exotic ingredients shipped from the other side of the world.

They were local.

They were familiar.

They were woven into everyday life.

More importantly, the knowledge of these plants wasn't found in books.

It was shared over kitchen tables.

Passed between neighbours over garden walls.

Learned from parents and grandparents simply by spending time outdoors together.

Perhaps that's the greatest thing we've lost.

Not the plants themselves, because they're still here.

But the relationship we once had with them.

---

This Heritage month, I'd love to help reconnect people with that knowledge.

And as part of August Craft Month, we'll also be celebrating these traditions in a hands-on way by making a traditional cold process soap infused with rose and yarrow, two plants that have been valued for generations.

Whether you're completely new to soap making, curious about herbs, or simply want to reconnect with the knowledge our grandparents carried so naturally, I'd love you to join me.

Book your place for the 9th August workshop here.

Because sometimes, the oldest traditions still have the most to teach us. 🌿