In reaction to the current social distancing requirements, I am offering a free weekly online gathering for my apprentices. It has worked out really well, we Zoom and chat about whatever herbal things are on our minds, check out someone’s garden or plant pot for mystery plants if that comes up, make herbal lotions and potions together-apart, my cat joins in the fun sometimes, we discuss issues with crafting, using remedies and simply spend some time together. It is very gezellig – as the Dutch say!

I am going to keep these weekly gatherings going as I am really seeing how it is adding power to my students’s herbology studies and creating a great sense of togetherness as we each navigate the plants in our own area, at our own pace. The gatherings are open to all past and present apprentices and are most certainly a great place for brand new students to connect. You don’t need any background knowledge or experience and everyone is very friendly so don’t be shy about joining in!

This week, we will look at how to make useful tinctures, elixirs and honey/agave infusions.

If you want to work along with me this Friday at 19.30 Amsterdam time, you could gather beforehand: about 20 dandelion flowerheads, a clean dry glass jar with well fitting lid, a knitting needle or chopstick and enough honey or agave syrup to fill that jar. You could also have some strong spirit available – vodka/brandy etc. Soggy dandelion flowers are not going to work well so dust them off or wash them and dry before the gathering.

I have a batch of newcomers to the course, who joined in the past few weeks so several of you are in the same boat and this is a great way to connect.

Send me a message if you would like to know more, take a look at the apprenticeship website or see the meetup group. It is perfectly possible to dip in an out of the course at your own pace.