Have you ever taken a walk and really looked at the trees, plants, and all that is around you? And I mean really looked? You see the plants and trees everyday but do you really know anything about them except they look nice and maybe smell nice? I'm not implying that everyone needs a crash course in botany but it's nice to know a little about what we see and then we can truly appreciate them. When God (or whatever name you call him/her) created the world, he gave everything a purpose. Plants and trees do more than just smell nice, look pretty, and serve as shade or food. If you read many of your medicine bottles, toiletries, etc., you will find that contain minerals and or plant materials. Pharmacists of centuries ago were known as alchemists and they knew how to use minerals and plants to ease illnesses and sometimes cure. Indigenous tribes, and Eastern medicine know this and have practiced it for centuries. Western civilization got away from this because it was considered practicing "witchcraft" and because more recently, it is more convenient to buy it in the store. Even if you aren't interested in using herbs, plants, etc.; wouldn't it be nice to know a little more about what is growing around you and what other purpose they have besides their beauty?

 
 
              I started learning about herbs and plant forms when I began my study of Native American spiritualism. I also learned more when the interest in saving the rain forest came to world wide attention. Besides saving the rain forest and helping protect the ozone layer, many "cures" lie within the rain forest. Botanists know this and so do pharmaceutical companies. They are constantly researching the plant life they find there and learning from the tribes there. But what I have learned is that the most common plants and trees that grow around us, can help us also. Even some of the beautiful flowers we grow. I will not try to say I know alot because I don't, but I am learning.
              My family lives on 3 acres and it was virgin woods when we moved on it. We carefully avoided clearing alot of trees out and only took out what we needed to make room for our house. We are trying to maintain the woodlands and co-operate with nature. I was astounded to find all the different varieties of plants and trees on the land and I began researching each one and I learned so much. We are now landscaping the property to keep it's natural look and enhance it with plants, herbs and trees that will not only look nice but have benefits also. Anyone can do the same no matter how big or little your yard is or where you live. Look into your garden at the plants and flowers you grow and find out what other purpose they have. I'd like to share with you some of the information I have found and you will also find links to other sites that can give you even more information. Once you find out other purposes of those beautiful plants, you may truly appreciate them for more than their beauty.
              When we learn to live in harmony with nature, we learn we can co-exist together and that nature will work with us. How many times have you traveled past a a new area under construction and they literally level everything on the property and then worry about landscaping afterwards? I truly believe that with careful planning on the part of the designer, most trees can be saved and do not have to come down. Trees enhance property and they provide shade to houses and they also offer their beauty and a place for wildlife. In building on our property, we left orders that only the trees that needed to come down to make room for our house were to come down. Before any work was done, we offered our prayers and asked for blessing on our land. We also gave thanks to the trees and plants and for what they provided. The trees that were cut down, were put in piles. Some of which we have chopped into firewood, some is being used for mulch (after going thru a shredder), some is being used for raised garden beds, and some we are even used as decorative garden accents and garden furniture. A tree stump makes a nice looking and natural outdoor table and plant stand. We dug up rocks and put them into a pile to be used for borders and garden accents. In the fall, I do rake the leaves as they make a great natural covering to the plants during the winter and they decompose to rich compost. Excess leaves I pile into the compost area to be used for the gardens. So the next time you think about that garden project, or you are building a house in a wooded area, think about all the natural resources at your disposal and how they can enrich your property.
               

              Have you ever sat in a park or garden somewhere and watched the butterflies as they flutter from flower to flower? Sitting and just watching the butterflies, birds, and bees as they scurry among the flowers is not only relaxing, but it does have a calming effect. I think of it as one of the many masterpieces of creation. I sit there in awe and think that it is really incredible how each of God's creations is provided for and how they benefit each other. The wildlife that feeds off the trees and flowers, spread the seeds so that they can grow elsewhere and feed more wildlife. Take some time and observe one of masterpieces of creation at work.
               
               
               

              Herbs & Medicinal Plants
              Creating a Spiritual Garden

 
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