Bramble Bird Meadow

🌱🌱 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧! 🌱🌱

I didn’t grow tomatoes or basil last year and reaaalllly missed them… so I’m making sure we have all of them this year! 🤞🙏🙌

I’ve excitedly adding willow this year. These are new for me, and I’d happily take any experience / input!

How are your gardens going?

Any new plants you’re excited to try this year?

Forever favorites in which you’re anxiously awaiting their abundance?

(Photos are just a few I took yesterday. Full garden post to come soon.)

🌿 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 🌿

A hands-on herbal learning program for middle and high school students ready to dive deeper into the world of plants, research, and herbal preparations.

Throughout this program, students will learn how to properly research herbs using a variety of trusted resources while building their own herb monographs and herbarium collections. We’ll explore plant identification, botany, traditional uses, safety considerations, preparation methods, and responsible herbal practices.

Students will also gain practical experience creating herbal products such as teas, salves, syrups, infused oils, and more while learning foundational safety, sanitation, labeling, and formulation skills.

This offering is designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper connection with the natural world through education-based, hands-on experiences.

Topics may include:
• Plant identification & botany
• Herbal research skills
• Creating monographs & herbariums
• Herbal safety & ethics
• Preparation methods & formulation basics
• Hands-on herbal crafting
• Nature journaling & observation

If this sounds like the perfect fit for your student, fill out an interest form here:
https://bramblebirdmeadow.com/juniorherbalist2026interest

𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳.

𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦:
https://bramblebirdmeadow.com/junior-herbalist-interest-form

🌱🌱𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 🌱🌱

I know many are planning their fall semesters already as we’re already having inquires!

We will have limited spaces available as most of our current families will be continuing to adventure with us.

For those who would like to be notified regarding these openings, please submit your interest form here:
https://bramblebirdmeadow.com/meadowlings2026interest

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧?

During our 2026 - 2027 semester, our Meadowlings will journey through the rich history of herbalism across cultures, continents, and traditions. Together, we’ll explore how people throughout time have understood plants, wellness, food, and the natural world through systems such as the four humors, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and modern herbal energetics.

Students will connect these historical concepts to the plants and traditions that inspired them through hands-on projects, sensory experiences, nature study, and creating herbal preparations. Activities may include examining vanilla bean orchids, blending chai tea, sampling Ayurvedic-inspired porridges, creating chocolate from bean to finished treat, crafting fire cider, sharing tea alongside thoughtfully created tea pets inspired by traditional tea culture, making guacamole, experiencing turmeric sun prints, blending Herbes de Provence, and more!

𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 12:30𝙥𝙢 - 3𝙥𝙢 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙. 𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.

🌿 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🌿
Friday, May 8th

It felt so good to be back in our usual studio space!

🌱 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜
With only a few classes left this semester, we took some time to reflect on all we’ve explored together so far. We checked on pressed flowers, added details to past entries, and made plans for tying up loose ends over the next couple weeks.

🌸 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨
We discussed our final plant family for this semester: Fabaceae (previously known as Leguminosae). This family is most recognized for edible plants like peas, beans, and peanuts, but many of our medicinal plant allies belong here as well. From enriching the soil beneath us to supporting emotional wellness, these plants have quietly shaped both ecosystems and cultures for generations.

🪡 𝙁𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨
We continued our unit on plant-based dyes by discussing fugitive dyes and why they still hold value in traditional craftwork. The children helped smash frozen elderberries to prepare this week’s dyestuff. It was wonderful seeing everyone so excited about the process!

Our sewing and weaving projects are still ongoing, and it’s incredibly heartwarming to watch these creations slowly take shape week by week.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you this Friday!

🌿 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞! 🌿

I’m so excited to share a new offering, created in response to the beautiful growth and curiosity I’ve seen in our students this past semester.

This summer intensive is designed as a foundational learning experience for students who are eager to deepen their understanding of our natural world.

** 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙪𝙥𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡. **

🌱 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞:
• Foundational herbal terminology and vocabulary
• The basics of creating safe, simple herbal preparations
• Continued skills in foraging, botany, and plant identification
• Introduction to creating herbal monographs for deeper study

🌱 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
This program is best suited for middle and high school students who are ready for an academic focused approach to plant study and herbalism.

🌱 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
• Prior experience with plants or herbal learning is highly beneficial
• Enrollment is based on readiness, either through previous classes or a simple application process

✨ 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚. ✨

If you feel this may be a meaningful next step for your child please fill out the following form and I’ll be in touch!

https://bramblebirdmeadow.com/junior-herbalist-interest-form

EDIT: People have inquired into the day! These classes will be held over 8 Fridays in June / July. So sorry! Answers to other questions can be found at the link above. 💕💕

🌱 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲! 🌱
May 4th, 2026

Be sure to dress for outdoor play and exploration!

Feel free to bring whatever your family needs to enjoy a relaxed day in nature: water, snacks, hats, picnic blankets or chairs, sunscreen, expiration toys (buckets, nets, hand microscopes, etc) and your sense of adventure!

Today we’ll be exploring creek beds, and getting to know each other.

We’ll meet at the pavilion before heading down to find our spot for the day!

Feel free to message me if you have any questions or want my personal number before heading out.

See you all this afternoon! ☺️

[Interested in joining us? We’ll be meeting at 1pm! Message me for more information, and/or location specifics!]

🌿 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🌿
Friday, May 1st

This week found us learning in a different space, one that felt like a sweet return to last semester’s rhythm. The change of scenery brought a fresh sense of curiosity and connection to our day.

🌱 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜
We were guided through a watercolor study of a moth, gently building on our painting skills and observation. These pieces are safely tucked away, ready to be added to their journals next class.

🌸 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 & 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨
With new surroundings came a chance to revisit and strengthen our knowledge. We reviewed leaf parts, plant family traits, and practiced identifying what’s growing around us. I love watching learned skills take root in a different places.

🪡 𝙁𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨
While our ongoing projects remained safely at the studio, we began our plant dyeing unit. We talked through safety, explored how mordants support the dyeing process, and why natural fibers matter. The children carefully peeled onion skins as we prepared a rich, concentrated dye bath… our first “dyestuff” of the season.

🐇 𝘼 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚
Miss Sadie’s baby bunnies joined us once again, bringing a quiet joy to the day. There’s something about their presence that softens the moment and gently gathers everyone’s attention.

Wishing you all a peaceful and lovely week! I’ll see you Friday, back in our usual space. 🌿

HAPPY MAY!!!

🌿 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🌿
Friday, April 24th

We spent another beautiful day learning, creating, and settling into the rhythms of the season together…

🌼 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜
Our journals opened back to our Asteraceae family lesson as students enjoyed a guided watercolor. Students slowed down to both practice their painting skills and deepen their connection to this widespread and important plant family.

🌿 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 & 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨
We divided into two circles of learning:

One group stepped into the role of herbalist, exploring the art of tea blending. With jars of herbs and curious noses, they experimented, tasted, and began to understand how plants come together in both flavor and function. Some blends were an instant success, others… an invitation to keep learning.

The second group gathered around “Wildcraft”, working cooperatively through forest scenarios and choosing plants for support. It’s always a joy to watch their knowledge surface in play as they remember lessons, discuss, and problem-solve together. Games are a fantastic way to help the brain engage with and utilize their lessons.

These groups will switch places next week.

🧵 𝙁𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨
Hands stayed busy with satin stitch and weaving, threads slowly becoming something meaningful.

Èirigh, Wild Art’s fiber instructor, also took some time to share the magic of transforming wool into yarn with their spinning wheel.

🐇 𝘼 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚
One of our students also gifted a quiet, special moment with her baby bunnies. The students approached with such gentleness and care. It was a beautiful reminder of the softness of this season.

📍 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫:
We’ll be gathering at our alternate location this week. If you need the address, just send a message my way.

🌿 And always, our steady guiding truth: never eat a plant unless you are 100% certain of its identification.

Wishing you a week of sunshine, slow moments, and a bit of wild wonder…

See you Friday. 🌼

🌱TODAY’S WILDLINGS MEETING IS CANCELED! 🌱

Ugh!!! Well… Missouri spring is being Missouri spring… All my weather apps are warning that severe weather may pop up at any time today. Even stormdar is saying they’re not sure when, but early afternoon is probable. So unfortunately, I don’t feel comfortable having all our families out when we could be trapped in severe weather somewhere. 😭

We do have a meet on the calendar for next Monday!! So hopefully the atmosphere will be kinder to us then.

I miss all your faces!!! I hope you have an absolutely beautiful week… and stay safe in these crazy spring storms.

“Hey, so… I forgot to tell you, but there’s a plant walk this afternoon…. So I’ll pick you up shortly?”

… would you go with me last minute? 😉💕

Also… I have absolutely fallen in love with dried Queen Anne’s Lace flower heads. They look like little fireworks frozen in time… just celebrating that they existed. We should all be a bit more like our plant Queen. 🥰

🌿 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🌿
Friday, April 17th

Here’s a little glimpse into our day together:

🌱 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠 & 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜
We braved the wild, foresty paths behind the creek, revisiting plants we’ve studied before while paying close attention to those that require extra caution… like poison ivy, poison hemlock, and toxic bulb plants such as star-of-Bethlehem.

The kiddos also began practicing their identification skills using field guides, working to recognize unfamiliar plants by applying what they’ve learned so far (flower structures, leaf shapes and margins, simple vs. compound leaves, and more). This is a skill we’ll continue to build throughout the season.

🌸 𝘽𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮
We spent time observing wild roses and identifying key features on non-flowering Rosa species, like stipules.
Students were also introduced to the Asteraceae (composite flower) family with a close look at daisies.

🪡 𝙁𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨
Students continued with their satin stitch and weaving boards, taking time to slow down and enjoy the process. I have been so happy to see the kiddos so eager to pull out their projects.

🌱 𝘼𝙩-𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
Keep exploring the plants in your own backyard and practicing identification! I’m always happy to recommend field guides or resources if your child would like to keep practicing these skills outside of class time. 💕

And always, our gentle reminder: never eat a plant unless you’re 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 of what it is.

Have a wonderful week! I’ll see you next Friday! 🥰💕