April showers continue....
I really don't mind the rain. I prefer to work in it to tell you the truth. It is better than 1oo degree heat. I have been making soaps the past week. It takes two weeks to cure before I can send them out. I am almost ready to send out the brochures. It seems to take so much time to organize it all. I thought that I WOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT MORE TIMELY.
I decided to redo my small (7X11) pond. I had put it in when the boys were small. I had been patching it for the last two years. Bidding time. I did make it deeper and more professional then the first. But then again there were no children to run after or keep an eye on whilst I was preparing the hole. That alone is tricky. I saved most of my original plants but the fish did not make it. My hands are sore from holding the shovel! I think it will be much nicer than the first. Soon my granddaughter will be here and she can put her little hands in the water to touch the fish. I look forward to teaching her all the things I know. If her parents will let me. It is hard being the boys mom. If the woman they chose does not feel like sharing it could be hard. I am hoping for the best.
I am getting ready to design the displays for my customers now for the summer. I want to do some really nice work.

Another Rainy day.....
Well it is still cloudy. More rain on the way. I am planting today. Daffodils and tulips showing their faces. I have just finished making soap. Gearing up so I am ready for those orders to come in. I made a batch of Protection and Passion yesterday. I am hoping that the alkanet root that I am using turns pink (it is still purple). I guess maybe the name of the name of the soap should be purple passion. I am trying to use different natural ingredients to color the soaps. Maybe when the ph drops a bit while curing it will turn pink. Fingers crossed.
I have been using a tincture of Reishi mushroom to help with my Immune system. I got it from a friend I met while at Sage Mountain. Nancy Scarcello she lives in the Catskills.She is a great gal and wonderful medicine maker. I have a case of the shingles and am building my immune system with the tincture. So far so good. I think it is really helping I am also taking a good vitamin B complex.
I hope everyone is getting outside even if it is in between rain drops to see what plants have made it back from last year. This too me is the most magical time. I totally love seeing the emerging plants. Gives me such incredible energy. Planted the peas already. I just wish it would get warmer. The almanac predicted a cold april and so far it is right on the mark. I long for those warm may days. They are coming!

April Showers....

Well this is my first real post. One that I am actually writing for the blog. I hope that anyone who reads this will enjoy it and hopefully feel free to write and exchange ideas. I have just finished stuffing envelopes with my new brochure to introduce my soaps. I have been working on a line a soap that will attract specific intention. Hopefully I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT COULD USE A LITTLE LOVE, PROTECTION OR HEALING.
I really loved doing the research and developing of them. It was a nice way to put together all the knowledge I have soaked in to work. I have to admit they are really nice soaps.I feel confident that anyone can use them. Herbalist, aromatherapists and the wonderful Witches too will enjoy them for their healing ability.
I am also gearing up for a busy spring. Having my own gardening business has been a great experience for me. My clients are eagerly awaiting their Spring displays. The economic situation has been difficult for many. I have been bartering with some clients. I also had the opportunity to get rid of the dead weight. For the most part it has been a positive experience for me. I think it is because I am in not in it for the money. I totally love being able to bring the beauty of the flowers to my community. It makes me feel blessed. I am Oh so grateful!

With Seeds Of Intention

MARITA ORR

Professional gardener, Herbalist, Reiki Master, Plant Lore Historian, Remedy Maker, Creator of fine cuisine, Wife, Mother, and lover of all things found in nature.

EDUCATION

Gardening and Herbalism:
New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx:
Herb Garden Design, History of Herbalism, Container Gardening, Botanical Latin and Overview Gardening Classes.

Rosemary Gladstar
Apprentice Program Fall of 2007 & Summer of 2008.Science & Art of Herbalism Home Study Program. Natural Cosmetics, Creams, Lotions and Medicinal Preparations.

Susun Weed
Herbal Medicine Chest Hands and Herbal Medicine/Summer: Identifying, Harvesting, Making Herbal Remedies, Teas, Infusions, Vinegars, and Tinctures.

Reiki:
Received Reiki 1: From
Rhianna Essential Reiki Master and owner of the DREAMING GODDESS SHOP of Poughkeepsie, New York .
Reiki 2 and Master: From Kat Manaan at THE WOMAN WILD (TM) SCHOOL OF REIKI A non-traditional approach to Reiki incorporating the intuitive wisdom of the Wild Feminine.

Business:
Dutchess Community College
and received 52 credits with a GPA of 3.52 with Accounting as major and Business as a minor.

WORK EXPERIENCE

I Worked under Julie Helberg, the head perennial gardener from 1996-1999 as her assistant. When she dissolved the business she gave me the commercial sites. I began my own business Boxes and Borders in 1999. It consists of commercial as well as residential accounts. It has been a wonderful experience working in the public eye. I love being able to bring the flowers and plants to people to live amongst in their own sacred space. I have been learning to plant with intention for over 5 years. It is exciting to be able to create sacred space for myself and others. I find it very exciting and purposeful. I believe that the gardens I tend to help all those that visit them.
I worked in the Food Service Industry for over 20 years. Including, Putnam Hospital Center as sanitation supervisor. EFCO as a lab tech in their kitchens, Adams Fair acre farms 10 years in the Deli Department - involved with platters and catering .I also assisted in some recipe formulation, Creator of the Marita‘s Sesame noodles. Which by now has been adapted, .
I am also a Professional Stained Glass Artisan. I apprenticeship with Joanne Guarante owner of the Kaleidoscope Glasswork in Poughkeepsie in 1986-1989. I have sold some large pieces on my own and got to work on some outstanding pieces as well. It was an honor to be able to study with some one so talented.

Member of:
United Plant Saver
New York Botanical Garden's in the Bronx
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York
Madd Gardeners of Sharon Connecticut.
North East Herbal Association

PRESS

Wrote an article for The Essential Herbal titled With Seeds of Intention May/June ‘08
Current writer for The Essential Herbal the Column is titled The Global Herbal March '09-current

Articles written about Marita:
The Taconic Weekend May 3-9, 2007 edition written by Mark Adams in his Let’s Grow column titled Flower Power.

FAMILY HISTORY

My maternal grandparents were both very gifted with the plants and vegetables as well as cooking . The owned there own tavern. My grandfather was an old Irish farmer and taught me how to use the gifts from the ocean as fertilizer for my gardens along with his stories of capturing mermaids and understanding the Celtic ways. My grandmother Was an amazing cook as well as flower gardener. She loved the smell of roses and a good pot roast cooking. She was one of the first people to bring the flowers to me. Along with my late Uncle and God Father Val Gallagher founder of The China Trade Bonsai Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1998. He taught me anything was possible by showing me how to make a big tree fit into a small pot.
My paternal great great grandmother has a medicine woman of the Mohegan long house. Her daughter as well as granddaughter were both very gifted. They were active horticulturist winning many awards for their gifts.
The biggest influence on me was my parents. My Mom was most amazing horticulturist I knew. People came from miles around to see her gardens and receive her maternal support. She brought the flowers to me to learn from. She was also the most amazing cook. I still count on her recipes they are tried and true. She also taught me compassion. Up to the day he died my Dad was and will always be my sweet heart. He gave me unconditional love and support and a few of his cynical ways. Their lives taught me to steadfast and believe.
I have a beautiful and supportive Husband. Who enters my gardens only to enjoy it's beauty and contribute his strength and carpentry skills when needed. We have grown together like an old tree since 1981. We have two amazing sons. They are totally awesome inside and out. What awesome gifts I have been given.