This solar holiday, also known to some as "Midsummer," marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. There is much folklore and myth associated with this holiday, and some traditions consider Midsummer’s Night to be a night where the veil between the human world and the world of the Faerie Folk is at its thinnest—a night the denizens of Faerie might be seen frolicking, making mischief, and dancing in merriment! Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a good illustration of this mythical thread. 

Many of us here at Mountain Rose Herbs are the products of great dads, and we always look forward to honoring them as Father’s Day draws near. If the important father figure in your life is hard to shop for, we have a few suggestions to make the search a bit easier ... and more sustainable! 

Spring is upon us here in Western Oregon, and that means it’s time to head up into the Cascades to see how our treasured stands of Oregon grape and pipsissewa fared after a long, cold winter. The only problem at this time of year is the clouds of mosquitoes and other biting insects that stand between us and our treasured plants. Luckily, we have a new certified organic Bug Spray to help keep these buggers at bay.

Though it is still mostly cold and dark here in the Willamette Valley, we often close our eyes at this time of year and dream of our bountiful summer gardens. And our dreams got much bigger this year, as we have added several new varieties of seeds.

Just in time for the holidays, we have two chic new cast iron teapot sets!

While many of us may be trying to cut synthetic chemicals from our cleaning regime, there are a few areas in the house where it can be tough to feel confident with homemade cleaners. The bathroom is one such room for me. While these toilet bombs may look cute and adorable, they really pack a punch and have become a staple in my household!

It's time to get moving! Not only am I spending more time outside, but my body systems can also use a little inspiration, as well. I tend to naturally reach for lighter foods as the days get longer and I find it makes me feel better to start with a day or two of rooty infusions as the seasons change. I think of it as tonic for my tummy and beyond!

We're still working on the leftovers from Thursday's big feast and we've already jumped into the hustle and bustle of the upcoming season with great abandon. After all, we're staring headlong into the frosty eyes of December! My belly could use a reprieve from all the tasty treats and maybe more of a boost than can be had from an ordinary cup of tea. This is the perfect time for a stronger infusion or a decoction. While tea is a type of infusion, sometimes it is helpful to steep herbs for longer than the usual 3-5 minutes--especially some of the woodier roots and nutrient-packed plants.