Summer Hygge & Garden LOVE <3

I love every season for different reasons, but summer has a special place in my heart. <3

During the summer months I try to rise early in the morning (before the heat strikes), and spend time in the garden.

Have you heard of Hygge? It's a defining characteristic of Danish culture. It means "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that causes a feeling of contentment or well-being." I enjoy honoring & following the Danish example by bringing Hygge into my own life in each season.

We’ve had a small garden since our first apartment (when we started on the balcony), but during the pandemic I spent a lot of time reading and studying books on herbs & herbalism. I listened to several audio books and podcasts on farming & agriculture, and we became absolutely fascinated with composting, building quality soil, growing food & learning to can and store our food. That season of life took me on a learning journey, and deepened my love for gardening. The garden is a teacher, and every year I learn and grow with it. It also surely is one of my happy places.

I’m currently growing several herbs including Chamomile, Calendula, Lemon Balm, Echinacea & more!

I enjoy making homemade teas, and herbal infusions + tinctures.

I dry my calendula in our dehydrator and add Olive Oil in a mason jar for an infused oil. Calendula has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a useful natural remedy for healing wounds, soothing excezma, and relieving diaper rash. It’s also used as an antiseptic.

I hang chamomile upside down to dry before storing in a mason jar for tea.

We are also growing plenty to eat, share, and can this summer — including tomatoes, peppers, beans, melons, berries, squash & more!

We also love growing several different types of flowers. <3

Wonderful for attracting pollinators, and also an abundance to bring into the home as well.

When the heat of summer becomes unbearable during the mid day, I have plenty I enjoy doing inside to stay cool.

A simple stretch, pilates, or yoga session is always uplifting and refreshing.

In this photo I’m preparing to do a simple stretch flow video I found. It has beautiful images & peaceful music.

A sip of herbal iced tea or lemon balm lemonade (I will share a recipe soon) is always a good idea in the summer. <3

My father is a musician, and my mother is an artist, music teacher, and wonderful gardener. Growing up I used to spend summer days reading books in my mothers garden. I loved to read, listen to the birds, and feel the sun on my skin. It was my happy place. Mom always had wonderful flowers growing everywhere. We lived in a modest home, but our small garden and flowers surrounding the house were always so special.

I love to read & collect books about art, music, and plants.

Certainly every season brings forth simple pleasures and joys to indulge.

How are YOU enjoying your summer?

Thanks for stopping by!

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