Categories: Outdoor Life

5 Spring Foraging Forays

By Published On: February 15, 2016
5 Spring Foraging Forays

5 Spring Foraging Forays

 

Plants have it figured out. They know when spring is here, when soil temperatures are just right for germinating seeds and when it’s time to bloom. At least I’d like to think that’s the case — climate change and all.

Here in coastal Northern California spring is synonymous with a myriad of plants and their respective life cycles. The first sprigs of miner’s lettuce, Claytonia perfoliata, I find for our salads, plum, cherry and apple blossoms filling the skies and streets, ripening lemons and the first calendula blooms.

Dormancy is slowly giving way and the seasonal pallet shifts from hardy greens to spring charm. With it is a zest that is tonic for the senses and celebration for the simple things in life.

 

5 Spring Foraging Forays

 

Hats Off to Spring, 5 Foraging Forays:

1. Bring blooms inside. Get vases and clippers ready and prepare to bask in fragrance and color. Think outside the box, often the more whimsical and unexpected the more fabulous the display.

Bring Blooms Inside

2. Plant seeds for late spring and summer harvests. Foraging has taught me that sometimes the plants growing outside the garden are just as good and more nutritious as the typical garden fare. Grow your own miner’s lettuce and even weeds such as purslane from seed. These seeds can sometimes be hard to find so now is the time to consider which seeds you may want to gather for future use.

How to Grow Greens From Seed

3. Add fresh herbs such as rosemary to dishes and drinks. For me, fresh is always best but sometimes an herbed syrup is a treat. (The rosemary in this photo was harvested from my neighborhood where it’s growing for free.)

Herb Syrup for Cocktails and Other Beverages

Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat stirring all the while until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add a sprig of rosemary or herb of choice. Let steep for about 1 hour.

4. Blend what is left of winter greens and cool weather crops such as snap peas with tender spring finds such as miner’s lettuce and lamb’s quarters. Add flowers such as calendula for color and fun.

Four Fab Edible Flowers

5. Grow what you love to eat and learn to identify plants in your neighborhood and community worth adding to the table.

Grow What You Love

 

5 Spring Foraging Forays

 

*Dedicated to my father. August 14, 1942 to February 11, 2016.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” – John Muir

Just like plants, my dad had it figured out. He knew that happiness and strength of mind came from his time spent outside. Fishing, walking or simply sitting and watching nature. May we all find solace and peace in our gardens and the gardens beyond the garden.

Best wishes to you all for a happy spring, Emily.

The Truth About Turnips: Recipes & Growing Tips
DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden

Listen

Grow what you love podcast
Grow what you love podcast on Spotify
Grow what you love podcast on itunes
Grow what you love podcast on Google Play
Grow what you love podcast on Stitcher
Grow what you love podcast on Tune In

Buy The Book

Buy the book

Special offers

Begin Composting Today With SubPod

Newsletter Signup

Newsletter



Yes, you can tell me about your other products and services! Privacy Policy

Archives

Disclosure

Pass The Pistil is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs such as Etsy, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to curated affiliate sites.

 

About the Author: Emily Murphy

I’ve learned there’s something wonderfully powerful in the simple act of growing. Here, in our gardens, we can repair ourselves and our plots of earth with our own two hands. GROW WHAT YOU LOVE and GROW NOW!

Related Articles

6 Comments

  1. Roxanna February 20, 2016 at 10:42 pm - Reply

    Your dad sounds like mine. They taught us all they knew about life and living it. You have my condolences. My dad passed 3 years ago so I can honestly say holding on to the things that were special for the two of you makes the memories sweeter as time passes. I’m glad to have come across your site. This is something I’ve been wanting to do more of, gardening and producing what my family needs. Thank you for the information.

    • Emily Murphy February 22, 2016 at 10:04 am - Reply

      Thanks so much, Roxanna! I’m taking your kind words to heart. Life is fuller thanks to those we share it with, isn’t it? So happy my site is a source of information and inspiration. Looking forward to sharing more in the coming days. xo Emily

  2. Sarah Perry February 18, 2016 at 4:06 am - Reply

    Loved reading this on a very chilly morning in VT. There is an abundance of sprouts waiting to be sprung. I can taste the grateful bounty!

    • Emily Murphy February 18, 2016 at 9:57 pm - Reply

      Thank you, Sarah! You’ve made my day. Wish I could be there when spring emerges — love VT in spring. :)

  3. Laura February 17, 2016 at 10:47 am - Reply

    Condolences on the loss of your father, Emily. I hope that spring gardening brings you happiness and strength of mind as well as you reflect upon memories shared.

    • Emily Murphy February 17, 2016 at 1:32 pm - Reply

      Thank you so much, Laura. Your kind words and thoughts are much appreciated. Emily

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.