Clark Valley Folk

08/15/2026

06/23/2026

A forager always wants what she can’t have. I have wanted to find mimosa flowers but they do not grow where I live. The mimosa tree can’t survive Minnesota winters so I thought I’ll never get a chance to pick them. I told my brother about them a year ago and he said, “My buddy has those trees.” In Tennessee, they bloom in June. They can’t survive in the mail and I need them fresh. Insert my sister who planned a trip to visit him in TN this week! I sent her down there with some jars and a big bottle of vodka. They spent the day harvesting the flowers, picking the petals off the stems and preparing a tincture for me! We did a video chat so I could show them what to do. I have the best siblings on the planet.

06/16/2026

Harvested my first Holy Basil today. I bought established plants on May 9 and got them in the garden a few days later. I’ve never grown it before but want it for its medicinal benefits. It’s hanging to dry for a week or two. I kept some fresh leaves and flower to make a cup of tea and am having the most stress-free, relaxing evening.

Holy basil (Tulsi) tea is a powerful adaptogen that lowers cortisol levels to reduce anxiety, clear brain fog, and improve your body's stress response without causing drowsiness. Its volatile oils act as natural expectorants to open airways, while its robust antimicrobial properties strengthen the immune system against colds and infections. Additionally, this healing herbal brew reduces systemic inflammation, enhances insulin sensitivity to stabilize blood sugar, and acts as a cellular detoxifier to shield the liver and kidneys from oxidative stress.

06/05/2026

My peony’s are in full bloom and I love them so much. I made Peony jelly for the first time last year and won a Best In Show ribbon at the Cannon Valley Fair. I made my first batch tonight and it’s amazing. YES! I will be taking special orders for this delicate floral jelly so let me know very soon if you would like some. I have to make it on demand and the bloom time is short. Send me a private message if interested.
I have also made Wild Violet (it’s similar to grape) Dandelion (tastes like honey) Lilac (sweet and light) and Rhubarb (sweet and tangy). Should I do a Jelly of the Month Club?
Pint size 16 oz—$15 (very limited quantity)
Half pint 8 oz—$10
1/4 pint 4 oz—$6
I will ship ☺️

04/28/2026

Who knew? 🙋‍♀️

Taraxasterol and chicoric acid sound like laboratory inventions, but they evolved millions of years before patents existed. Dandelions produce these compounds as chemical shields against fungal attacks and tissue damage. When you harvest those bitter leaves from your lawn, you are collecting the same molecular defense system that pharmaceutical companies isolate, concentrate, and bottle. The plant makes these anti-inflammatory molecules to protect itself from environmental stress. Your joints recognize them because inflammation follows the same pathways whether it happens in plant tissue or human cartilage. A handful of fresh dandelion leaves steeped in hot water for ten minutes releases these compounds in their whole-plant form, alongside dozens of supporting nutrients that work together. The bitterness you taste is the medicine working. [R832T]

04/26/2026

You may see weeds and don’t like the unkempt look of a lawn in the spring. I see herbal remedies and the beauty of what is provided for is just when we need it. What I need is peaceful plucking of dandelion heads and wild violet blooms while bees gently buzz around me on a beautiful Sunday on the farm. I feel a peace I can’t get anywhere else and gratitude for a place like this.
Today I’m harvesting violet leaves and blooms, dandelion heads for infused oil and cleavers. All three have important qualities to cleanse your lymphatic system as we start to move in the spring and wake up stagnation in the body.

04/25/2026

Fresh spring dandelion. Chop roots, leaves, stems and flowers and cover with vodka to make a tincture. Will be ready in six weeks. Clark Valley Folk

04/22/2026

It’s almost time for me to find all the spring weeds! I saw the beauty of dandelions yesterday and got so excited. Last year, my harvest in Clark Valley was on April 30. I have my dad on high alert to call me when his property has all the things and he promised not to mow until I get there. 😂
When harvesting spring “displaced native plants” (aka weeds) make sure you trust your source—areas that you know are not sprayed with chemicals and free from unhealthy water run off.

04/15/2026

Well, it’s been a labor of love, and Clark Valley Folk is ready for the Hometown Craft Market at the Senior Center in Cannon Falls this Saturday! Please come and let me show you what I’ve created for you out of plants and natural, clean ingredients. I can’t wait!