12.28.2009

Kentucky Wild Weeds: Storing Roots



Today we have another installment of Kentucky Wild Weeds, written by team member Jackie Alberti of Glorybeherbals.

Harvesting and Storing Roots

Fall is the time to harvest roots to store for future use. Roots will store much longer than leaves and flowers and will remain “fresh” for years if handled properly.

The first thing you should do is to do your homework about the particular plant you are harvesting. Some plants have to be a certain age or they won’t be useful-this would be tragic all the way around if you kill an innocent plant and waste your time. Also, some plants like American ginseng may be illegal for you to harvest without a permit from the state. Here are some useful guidelines-Coneflowers (Echinacea) should be 4 years old; Ginseng 4 -7 years old; Goldenseal 3-5 years old. I strongly recommend raising your own endangered plants so that wild stands aren’t depleted!

After you have dug up your roots you want to wash them really well then cut them into small pieces that will be easier to work with later. Then comes the hard part-lay them out in a dry dark place to thoroughly dry. This will probably take months but it’s well worth the wait since you will have years worth of medicine on hand. Check them periodically to make sure they aren’t developing any mold and they are drying out.

After they are dried you can store them in plain brown paper bags away from heat and light.

Companionplants.com has lots of bare roots for sale if you are interested in raising endangered plants on your land. They are located in Ohio so shipping is fast to anywhere in Kentucky and I have always received beautiful stuff from them. If anyone knows of a Kentucky source let me know!

12.26.2009

Congrats to Tina Mackin of Smackin Art

Today’s Woman Magazine recently issued an Artists’ Call to Entries for an art piece representative of its 18th birthday. Tina Mackin's piece “18” landed in the top 5 (out of 52 entries) and is featured in the December issue of the magazine, on its website and on a T-shirt.

Check out the 18 finalists at the Today's Woman website.

Click here to see the top 5 winners featured in depth, including Tina.

Way to go Tina!!


12.16.2009

And the Winner Is!


Congratulations to Teresa R. of PaperonParade! Teresa is the winner of the December team giveaway donated by Belinda Johnson of Wandering Whimsies. Enjoy the cute "Joy to the World" snowman ornament. We'll be sure that you receive it before Christmas!

We will announce the January giveaway in about 2 weeks.

On behalf of the entire Bluegrass Etsy Team, we wish you a very happy Holiday Season!


12.15.2009

Give a Gift Made in Kentucky Month

It's Official! Here is a wonderful press release from the Governor's office, proclaiming December as the month to buy something handmade from Kentucky. Our team couldn't agree more! To see wonderful Ky Handcrafted items, visit etsy.com and search for "teambluegrass" in the search box. It's not too late to do some holiday shopping!

Original artwork by andreatdesigns

Governor Beshear Promotes Giving Gifts Made in Kentucky

Press Release Date: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Contact Information: Ed Lawrence
Communications Director
(502) 564-3757 ext. 473
ed.lawrence@ky.gov
www.artscouncil.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed December 2009 as "Give a Gift Made in Kentucky Month," and representatives of the Kentucky Arts Council joined First Lady Jane Beshear yesterday, along with regional artists and state and local officials, in kicking off the campaign at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

"We are very pleased to join in this campaign to contribute to our state's economy and support artists in Kentucky," said Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. "Giving a gift made in Kentucky is as gratifying as receiving a gift made in Kentucky."

If you're not sure what someone on your gift list would like, consider purchasing a "Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Gift Card" online at http://parks.ky.gov/gift. The gift recipient can use the card to purchase works by the over 650 artisans featured at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea (www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov).

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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