Wild Edibles - Part I

 

What an amazing rewarding day! I had the opportunity to explore nature's bounty and learn (what I used to take for granted) about our local native plants.

 

 Katrina, the author of the book, Local Wild Life, was our teacher today. We didn't have to walk far - EVERYWHERE we turned, Katrina held up another, and yet ANOTHER edible plant.

 

 

We tasted leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and learned about the nutritional and medicinal properties of each plants.

 

 Pita bread was exceptional. Thanks Elani!

 

 

The juice from all that we collected was surprisingly very delicious. What a health boost!

 

 

The first plant we studied was the Chickweed.

The Chickweed, also known as Starweed (known by the star shaped flowers) is commonly found all over the world and blooms from March through October.

A Traditional Look at Chickweed

Chickweed has been used for generations as a common wild herb in folk traditions. It is often found growing in yards, gardens, and cool-weather areas, and many foragers recognize it as one of the early green plants of the season.

Historically, chickweed has been used in teas, salves, poultices, and bath soaks. Some people enjoy it as a mild herbal tea, while others use it externally in homemade skin-care preparations. Like many traditional herbs, its uses have been passed down through families, herbal books, and folk-gardening communities.

Chickweed Tea and External Use

Chickweed tea is sometimes prepared by steeping the dried or fresh herb in hot water. Some herbalists have traditionally used chickweed in gentle baths or skin rinses, especially when looking for a cooling, soothing herb.

Because chickweed grows wild in many areas, proper plant identification is extremely important. Never harvest wild plants unless you are certain of what they are, and avoid areas treated with pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals.

A Caution About Herbal Remedies

This post is shared for gardening, homesteading, and historical interest only. It is not medical advice. Chickweed should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, taking medication, has allergies, or has a medical condition should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/121118-benefits-chickweed-tea/#ixzz1qSrCt0Id

I scribbled what I could, but am depending on the help of my fellow students to make sure I logged this correctly. I'll be posting Part II tomorrow, as we had covered many plants, and I need to go over my notes, verify spelling, and double check information. (worm not edible) :)

http://www.altnature.com/gallery/chickweed.htm

Eggamples - Small Eggs. Large Eggs. Our Hens are Laying

FOUR of our hens are now laying. As expected, when the hens first lay, their eggs are usually smaller than usual until they gradually increase in size (see eggs to far left.) The white egg shown for comparision is a large store bought egg. Imagine our surprise when our 4th hen, Golda, layed this whopper to the far right! This is her first egg! I have never held a chicken egg this large or as heavy, except for the duck eggs.

We are now wondering if it is either a double yolk, or maybe we can expect this size of egg each morning. Another hen of ours lays in the afternoon, so I'll be comparing after we collect. Since the chickens are different breeds, we're finding it much easier in identifying the owner of each egg.

Why Do New Hens Lay Small Eggs?

Many backyard chicken keepers are surprised when pullets (young hens) begin laying eggs. During the first few weeks or months of production, eggs are often much smaller than the eggs we find in grocery stores. As the hen matures, egg size typically increases and becomes more consistent.

What Causes Extra-Large Eggs?

Occasionally, a hen will lay an unusually large egg. These oversized eggs are often double-yolk eggs, which occur when two yolks are released at nearly the same time and become enclosed within a single shell. Double-yolk eggs are especially common in young hens whose reproductive systems are still adjusting to regular egg production.

Identifying Eggs by Breed

One of the fun aspects of keeping a mixed flock is learning which hen laid which egg. Different breeds often produce eggs that vary in size, color, shape, and shell texture. After spending time with a flock, many chicken keepers can identify the layer simply by looking at the egg.

Watching our hens begin laying has been one of the most enjoyable parts of keeping backyard chickens. Every morning brings a new surprise to the nesting box!

Growing Weeds: Giant Reed: The Bamboo-Looking Invader of Texas

Every morning my chickens look forward to their freshly picked salad.

 

Thanks to nature, "salad" greens grow in abundance in my yard! The other day I was showing my husband my newly sprouted plants in the greenhouse and he inquired about the weeds. I patiently explained to him that I had no plans to get rid of the weeds. Our chickens were enjoying them too much, so let them grow! Allowing a part of our yard to weed has also brought us an abundance of wild honeysuckle and two Mulberry trees!  For the past few days I kept wondering WHO was spraying on the perfume. Never realizing that the aroma of honeysuckle was wafting through my open window! What heaven!

 

 

Some of you may remember that I had this REED growing in my yard. It resembles bamboo and yes it is invasive. Yes, I know it's not very popular with the neighbors. Yes, it grows like a weed. No, I don't regret growing it.

UPDATE:  I actually do regret that it's growing (fast forward 10 years later) as it truly is invasive and I had no idea at the time. 

Giant Reed: The Bamboo-Looking Invader of Texas

At first glance, giant reed (Arundo donax) looks very much like bamboo. With its tall cane-like stalks and feathery plumes, it can easily reach heights of 20 feet or more. Although it has become a familiar sight along Texas roadsides, rivers, and drainage areas, giant reed is not native to Texas.

Originally introduced from the Mediterranean region, giant reed spread rapidly throughout the Southwest. The plant grows aggressively from underground rhizomes, forming dense stands that can crowd out native vegetation and consume large amounts of water. Because of its ability to spread so quickly, giant reed is considered an invasive species in many parts of Texas.

Despite its invasive nature, people have found practical uses for the plant over the years. The sturdy canes have been used for fencing, garden stakes, musical instrument reeds, and various craft projects. Today, landowners often work to control giant reed in order to protect native wildlife habitats and waterways.

 

 

This reed has been serving its purpose, enabling me to save a ton of money in making my own bean poles. Have you priced a simple bamboo stick at your local garden store? Outrageous.

 

 

Some of the reed I've used to help create a gate. This entrance leads into my new enclosed garden. (I'm actually standing in my garden looking out - at the invasive reeds. Most of the reed will be taken down for building some trellises. In the spot that you see where the reeds are, I plan to grow corn!)

 Hut I made from reeds.

 

 Another purpose I found with the reed is making an overhead roof for the chicken coop. Can't really see from this picture, but draped over the reed frame is a net to keep the chickens from flying out of the coop.

 

 Sharing a small corner of the chicken coop, I've recently put the 4 youngest of my chickens outdoors. The screen gives them a chance to see and get used to the older chickens. I'm hoping they will all get along after I remove the screen. If not, I have a plan B. We recently had ducks that we had rehomed to a nearby farm, and I plan to use their coop to keep the newest chickens in. This coop will also serve as the rabbit pen.

So far, we have 4 laying hens, 2 that should be laying in about 2 months, and the 4 baby chicks. Last month, we had to rehome a rooster. Wish we could keep him, but it's very important in keeping peace with the neighbors. No pun intended.

Tomorrow, I'm off hiking with a small group of people. We're taking a course in native herbs, that can be eaten and used for medicinal purposes. We'll wrap up the day by eating what we find, and cooking over an open fire. I'm especially looking forward to being able to identify most of what is growing locally. I somehow have a feeling I'll be eating Dandelions tomorrow.