Intermediate level

Class description Come spend two hours wandering the gardens and natural areas of Blossomwood Farmstead for a guided Herb Walk. Clinical herbalist L. Leland will lead you through the herb garden and surrounding landscape, introducing the plants that grow abundantly in this part of coastal Oregon. Together, we’ll slow down and meet these plants in their living environment—learning to recognize them, understand how they grow, and explore the many ways they are traditionally and currently used. This is a chance to deepen your relationship with the plants themselves, through observation, touch, and presence. We will close with a quiet moment together, including a short meditation with a flower essence. Some topics we'll touch on in this class: plant identification in the garden and along the nature trails how to recognize key features for identification growing tips for herbs that thrive in this region ethical harvesting practices sustainable gardening practices common and traditional uses of local beneficial plants seasonal awareness and working with plants where you live Accessibility We will move slowly on this walk and with intention, stopping often to learn about the plants and spend time in observation and conversation. The land here is alive and uneven—trails include natural surfaces, some elevation, and areas that may be narrow or irregular underfoot. Good footwear and a walking cane, if needed, would be good for support. What to bring? Please bring a notebook and something to write with for note-taking. It's a good idea to wear layers for protection from shifting weather patterns and the sun. Please also bring water to drink. Who is this class perfect for? This class is a great fit for anyone who feels drawn to herbalism—whether you’ve already dabbled in making home remedies or are just beginning your journey. This class will offer valuable learning for participants at both beginner and intermediate levels. What will you bring home? Students will be invited to take a flower essence home to continue working with it. You will receive a printed guide of course content, links to many of Leland's herbal remedy recipes, and a curated resource list. You will also be invited to join the Blossomwood Botanicals email newsletter to keep up to date on Leland's herbalism practice and future classes. *** About the herbalist Leland’s work with plants began in childhood, guided by her mother and the old ways of Northern Italy. She later completed formal training at the Berkeley Herbal Center, including a year-long intensive clinical program and a year of mentored clinical practice. She now teaches there as part of the faculty. Her herbal education also includes studies with Scott Kloos, the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, and practitioner training with Flower Essence Studies. *** About the location - Blossomwood Farmstead Blossomwood Farmstead is a magical 42-acre healing sanctuary in the heart of the Yachats River Valley, just 15 minutes from the ocean and the town of Yachats. It is a place of deep restoration, where Leland tends the land and cultivates long-standing relationships with the herbs she grows. *** A few important notes The specific address will be shared with participants after registration. Please watch for an email with logistical information about one week ahead of the class. Class attendance is limited to 14 students. If you can carpool, please do to limit congestion with parking. If you need to cancel your registration, please let me know as soon as possible. Kindly note that cancellations within 48 hours of the class meeting are non-refundable.