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Spring is about to be SPRUNG!

3/16/2016

It always started those first few early spring like days, my dad would slink off for a few, eyes glued to the ground, looking for the first sign of spring, Morels. I however, always knew that the bounty wouldn't pay off until Spring Break. As a child, I would adventure to the "location" (one NEVER broadcasts their shrooming grounds) with my dad, empty bread bags in our hands, and a few spares in dad's pockets to glean some false morels or if we got lucky true morels. I think my favorite part of the hunting was being able to crawl into those impossible spots that grown ups couldn't reach and pluck a pile of mushrooms. My dad was always impressed with my willingness to belly crawl under and through the bramble to retrieve the prize. Then, once home , Dad would clean, and instantly sauté up some mushrooms, using way too much butte, as if that is possible, and serve the steaming pile on hot toast. Yum!

As as I got older, I realized the potentional of making some quick easy cash selling the mushrooms to local chefs. I had a couple restaurants that would wait for my call and be delighted to pay whatever asking price I made up that year. This was my first venture into the gourmet world. Soon, other things took priority, and I left my shrooming business behind.

However, much like my dad, I now often find my eyes casted down, searching for the first signs of spring.

Happy almost Spring everyone! -
heather

Incase you want to know more about False Morels -
Verpa bohemica is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae. Commonly known as the early morel (or early false morel) or the wrinkled thimble-cap, it is one of several species known informally as a "false morel".

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verpa_bohemica

20 years ago today... We were flooded.

2/5/2016

A man on high ground! Dad soaking up some sunrays!

Man, I don't even know where to start. It was crazy.

Lets see, it was Feb. 5th, 1996. The Herbary was just about 4 years in the making. We had finished laying out the formal garden, and we had the platform for the our shop built. I remember the weather was perfect for the ski bum like me! Lots of snow up on Hood. I was working at the Tualatin REI at this time, my mom Penny was still teaching and my dad was still working full time as a Teamster at Oregon Transfer. The weather was a perfect storm, tons of snow up on Hood, and then the Pineapple Express hit us.

Look at all that snow! That was days before the pineapple express hit Portland!

Look at all that snow!! I got the call at work that the dike by Jerry Ronnies broke, and that it was time to come home. The drive from Tualatin REI to the island was made in record speeds, thank god all the officers were busy with flooding issues. I remember that highway 30 was pretty flooded at the time, I wasn't too concerned until I got about 2 miles from the house. I looked over to Dairy Creek, and it was almost parallel with the road. WOAH. I flew into the driveway, and bounded indoors, wild and wide eyed as my mother recalls. We began moving everything from our day light basement to the upstairs. Mom gathered items that needed to be moved to higher safer ground. Dad and I tackled the big stuff in the basement

The last trip, before coming back to ride out the flood. This is Dairy Creek Bridge, 1 mile before the Herbary.

Mom and Dad waiting and watching for the flood. Everything was moved upstairs. Infact, Dad make an apple pie!

We took the vehicles to our neighbors, the photo above is one of the last trips. I was driving the truck, and the truck ahead of me ferried me back home to wait out the flooding with my folks. We weren't going to leave - heck we had a boat. Haha. I remember the constant looking out the front window, waiting for the flood to happen. We all thought that we were going to be attacked from the front, the Columbia river was going to get us. I remember sitting down watching Jeopardy and eating a slice of home made apple pie, because gosh darn it, who doesn't make a pie while waiting to be flooded? I got up to return to the basement, grab the few final items and take a shower. I rounded the corner to head the rest of the way, and screamed. While we were enjoying ourselves and answering final Jeopardy, we had been flooded. Suddenly, everyone had to pee.

Not the best photo, but that is Dad standing at the top of the stairs to our basement.

Photo of the back of the house, 2 days after the flood. This photo is taken by my mother in a canoe.

That building to the right is the chicken coop roof, thankfully at the time we did not have any chickens. OH and by the way, hunting was awesome!

So just like that, we were wet. The power stayed on upstairs, and it was an odd and eerie nights sleep. I remember waking up the next morning, and the sun was shining. Our phones were out, but we did have one cell phone at the time, and it was ringing off the hook.

I know you must be wondering what the hell?!? I was taking the dogs on a tour of the property. Yes, only one dog is real in this photo.

The platform our shop is built on. We put random things on it to keep it weighed during the flood. I think our tractor saved it from floating away.

Mom standing in the driveway taking photos before heading on the boat to go back to work. We stayed at the house the entire time. I left after a few days, and mom went back to work after a week.

SUPPLIES! BEER AND BACON! The first visitors, I think everyone had fun coming to our rescue!

The Herbary getting an extra dose of fresh flood water. Hey, all I know is that our plants grew really well that spring.

Thats Reeder Road right there. The water was only about a foot deep then.

A view into the Herbary garden from the road.

That's it for today, I will continue again with photos of the remodel and the aftermath, and of course the flooding part 2 in 1997!

We love this lil herb, Salad Burnet!

1/22/2016

A beautiful fernlike herb plant, Salad Burnet is a perfect addition to any garden or container. Use the leaves to brighten up a salad, or drink! Can we say hello Bloody Mary's?

Check out this adorable houseplant! Salad Burnet does well indoors, as its light and drought tolerant.

Salad Burnet is hands down one of my most favorite plants. I mean, I actually sorta like it better than Basil, and Thyme. I know, I know huge statement! One of the reasons why I love this little plant is because it is one hardy bugger! It's a beautiful fern like herb with a nutty cucumber flavor that shines when sautéed with veggies, in summer salads, or vinegar!

Salad Burnet, Sanguisorba minor is a perennial that tends to be drought-tolerant and lucky for us it grows year round. The young leaves can also be used as a substitute in some recipes for mint. You can plant this attractive plant in containers or the ground. It will reseed itself, but is certainly not invasive. Are you looking for a unique houseplant? Salad Burnet is a fantastic as it never grows too big or tall.

Salad Burnet sprinkled on potatoes is one way to use this herb and its also great with beans. It makes a great salad dressing and is so good on cucumbers and sweet onions. These are just a few great ways to use this versatile herb and vinegar. This was my Grandmother's signature vinegar in her vinegar business, and I am pleased as punch to continue in her tradition and offer it under the Blue Heron Herbary Threebird label as well. You can find a listing of our herb infused vinegars on our website http://www.blueheronherbary.com/shop-online.html

Here are a few of our favorite recipes using Salad Burnet

Salad burnet and Lemon Salad Dressing
Chop a small bunch of burnet
6T of lemon or better yet BHH Threebird Salad Burnet Vinegar
Pared peel of lemon cut in long strips
1T clear honey
3/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper

Cut half of the lemon peel in tiny bits and add other ingredients. Save a few burnet leaves and half the lemon to add later. Make sure with the lemon that you have zest and not too much white.

Salad Burnet Cucumber Salad
2 Medium cucumbers
1 Tablespoon salt
1/2 Cup BHH Threebird Salad Burnet vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 small onion, sliced
Wash cucumbers and slice thinly. Place cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let stand 2 hours, then drain off any liquid that has formed. Add onion to cucumber slices. Combine Salad Burnet vinegar and sugar and pour over the vegetables. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Salad burnet Dip
1 cup fresh Salad burnet leaves (use leaves when young. Herbs can get bitter with age)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1T lemon juice (or better yet us BHH Threebird Salad Burnet Vinegar)
1/4t salt
1 cup low fat sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4t pepper
Pulverize the burnet, mint,lemon juice and salt in a food processed or mortar and pestle.
When smooth, pour into a bowl and add sour cream and black pepper. Let sit for an hour to allow favors to blend.

Herb Dip (w/ salad burnet parsley & chives)

8 oz. package of cream cheese
1/2 C. mayo
3 T. finely minced, fresh salad burnet leaves
1 T. finely minced, fresh parsley
1 T. finely minced, fresh chives

Blend cream cheese and mayo with the minced fresh herbs with a fork. Do not add the herbs to the food processor. Cover and chill until ready to serve. It's best to let the flavors meld for at least an hour. Can be used as a dip, spread with vegetables, flatbread or crackers.

Tuna Salad with Salad Burnet

1 can of tuna (drained of water) also awesome with salmon!
1 Tbsp. of mayo
1/2 dill pickle diced or t. of BHH Threebird Herb Infused Vinegar
1 Tbsp. minced chives
1 Tbsp. Salad burnet leaves

Mix thoroughly, serve on toasted bread or bagels

The Tomato Days

1/18/2016

Our lot is #127

Here is a photo of an old map we use to have hanging in the family room. It shows all the old names and homesteads. I meant end previously that my parents purchased the young Johnson house. Our property was partially sold off to the Oregon Department of Fish and Game (ODFW), leaving only a little finger of land surrounded by state land.

This is good in many ways depending on how one looks at it. My father had what other hunters called the worlds smallest hunting club. Before the 1996 flood, we would get enough water behind the house to get loads of ducks and geese flying in for the winter. Now, the water flow has changed and we primarily have a great goose season, with a few good duck days of hunting.

The other way to look at our little slice of heaven is that we will never be surrounded by neighbors, other than one house directly next door. In the almost 45 years of my life, I have only had 2 neighbors. Harold and Muriel Cushman, or as I called them Milkman and Mill, I spent most of my summer days playing over at their house growing up. Their youngest son, of nine kids was a year older than I, and the only kid within a mile radius. Milkman, worked for the ODFW as a mechanic. You might be wondering about the nicknames. Harold had a couple of Jersey Dairy Cows, and would milk them. We use to get the fresh milk from him, and in my magical way called him Milkman, come on, I was little. The amusing part was that it didn't sound quite like that, as a child I had a terrible speech impediment and was missing the beginning and ending of my words, let's just say 90% of the population probably had no clue what I was saying. And for my most favorite woman growing up, Muriel, or Mill. She was a great baker and could cook, some mean fried chicken. My father always knew when the pie or cinnamon buns were fresh out of the oven! Sadly when I was about 16, it came time for Harold to retire.

My new and current neighbor became Jimmy. Jimmy also works for ODFW, and has become one of the family. He saves my bacon more often than not, and I will be lost without his and his families friendship. Jimmy and I spend a lot of time handing out in the back enjoying the beautiful view. Some of you have met his wife Denise, as she fills in at the Herbary on Saturdays when mom comes to the PSU Farmers Market with me. Denise also helps out watering and planting.

My dad, the tomato gardener.

My tiny A&W beer mug.

I think one of my favorite stories is how we had a tomato patch where the Herbary is planted. We grew over 300 tomato plants, and sold them picked and U-picked. The key to our successful tomato crop was that each plant had a tire around it! The tire warmed the ground, and supported the cage. The plants were planted deep so the stalks were always huge and strong. With the money we took a trip to Disneyland. I think we went the summer of 1975, I was 4. Everyday, when my father returned home from work, I would run out the door to meet him. Clutched in my hands was a beer, salt shaker and one of those tiny A&W mugs. Dad and I would patrol the tomato patch looking for a red tomatoes to sample. We would sit on the tires, dad would pour some of his beer into my mug and we would salt our 'mators.

We used the top part of our property in lots of different ways .... More stories another day.

Sauvies Island won the coin toss

1/14/2016

The Old Johnson home and their children's house, the Young Johnson house, future home of Blue Heron Herbary.

This could have been my childhood neighborhood, Oak Hills. Thankfully my father happened to find the young Johnson House!

I found an old aerial photo of our property. It was taken some time in the mid 70s.

At this point in time, we had just finished building a pig pen, next to the chicken house. My father found a huge hunk of steel, salvaged from a ship that wrecked across the road down on the river. They drug it up using a couple of tractors. The first thing my father built on our property was the chicken house. It still stands, barely. As a kid, my brother and I raised hogs for 4H, in addition to sheep. We finally tore down the pig house in 2009 when we build our 2nd greenhouse.

My father also found the orchards final resting place by this time. He had moved the trees 3 other times before settling on the current location. What I find amazing is that when my parents moved to the island, there wasn't a single tree planted on the property.

We raised all sorts of things before finally landing on the Herbary in 1992. My parents were involved in Field Trails, showing Springers. Their kennel were called Mipen. (Mike-Penny) We had horses, and even a cow! We were involved in 4H so of course, I raised everything under the sun; ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens, turkeys... Heck even Guinea Hens. The barn stands were the Herbary shop is located. We had horses at this time, a big beautiful quarter horse named Skeeter and a pony named cookie. I raised some Grand Champion Lambs, and hogs. Occasionally, we still raise a couple spring lambs, and of course some chickens and now 2 geese!

My parents were torn when it came to purchasing the house on the island. They use to come out to the island for field trail meets. Mom always like the Johnson house, (where Jimmy and Denise live) and would have loved to have bought their house. However it was the young Johnson's that was up for sale. Mom called it an ugly mushroom house from top to bottom. The other option was to buy a house in Oak Hills... For those that don't know, Oak Hills

The neighborhood is north of the Sunset Highway and is bounded by Cornell Road on the south, West Union Road on the north, Bethany Boulevard on the west and Northwest 143rd Avenue on the east. It was a planned community and was built in the 1960s.The first ten homes were completed in May 1965, the first of about 650 planned, in an area of approximately 250 acres (100 ha).Oak Hills today includes around 650 residences, of which 627 are single-family homes.The neighborhood is located at the western end of Cedar Mill and southeastern end of the Bethany area.

Omg!! Thank goodness my father saw the magic of owning a couple acres! My parents moved to the island, Thanksgiving of 1968.

More to come another day-

Heather

Gardening is good for the birds part 2...

1/11/2016

A beautiful male hummingbird grabbing a snack from a Jacob Cline Monarda.

Continuing on the bird kick, here is a list of some perennials that attract birds and especially hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are always a favorite in the garden. We tend to plant a lot of nectar plants at the Herbary, especially bee friendly plants. Among our favorite are Bee Balm, Foxgloves, Columbines, Echinacea and of course Lavender!

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies adore the bright wild blossoms of bee balm. We carry an array of of blooms in pinks, purples, raspberry and occasionally white. Remember to deadhead often so you can keep the blooming season longer. We love to put bee balm in pots, as well as planting large stands. Thankfully many of our varieties are mildew resistant. Bee balm does best in full sun.

Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
A country garden classic, foxgloves produce spotted, tubular flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Foxglove stands are also known as Fairy Condos. Here is a perfect plant to brighten up those shady sections of your garden. Foxgloves range from white to pink to purples, there seems to be new variations springing up. The blooming season is spring to summer.

Columbines (Aquilegia spp.)
An easy to grow perennial that can strive in full to part shade. Hummingbirds love the deep, bell shaped flowers of these little beauties. There are many different varieties to choose from, with colors ranging from yellows, pinks, scarlett and purples. Expect blooms from late spring through midsummer.

Echinacea
Coneflowers come in all sorts of crazy colors now day! The classic coneflower is purple or white, but there are yellows, oranges, reds and more! They are excellent in beds and containers. This hardy perennial attracts seed eaters, and insects as well as butterflies. Remember to deadhead to continue the blooming season, but make sure leave some for the birds to enjoy in the fall and winter.

A incomplete list of perennials to enhance your bird garden!

Ajuga
Asters
Balsa root
Beard-tongue
Bee balm
Begonia
Black-eyed Susans
Blanket Flowers
Bleeding heart
Butterfly weed
Canna
Cardinal flower
Century plant
Columbine
Coral bells (heuchera)
Coreopsis
Cleome
Crapemyrtle
Dahlia
Dame's rocket
Daylilies
Delphinium
Echinacea
Eupatoriums
Fire pink
Four o' clocks
Foxglove
Fuchsia
Gilia
Geranium
Gladiolus
Globe Thistles
Glossy abelia
Goldenrods
Hollyhocks
Impatiens
Iris
Ironweed
Lantana
Liatris
Lily
Lupine
Milkweeds
Nasturtium
Nicotiana
Paintbrush
Penstemon
Petunia
Phlox
Pincushion Flower
Sage
Salvia
Scabiosa
Scarlet sage
Stonecrops
Sweet William
Verbena
Violets
Yarrows
Yucca
Zinnia

Bee Balm, or in my opinion Crusty the Clown hair from the Simosons is a fabulous addition to your bird garden as well as your salad!

Bees love the trumpet flowers on the Foxgloves.

Columbines are a great fairy hideaway as well as a source for hummingbirds.

Beautiful Coneflowers attract butterflies and are great for seed loving birds.

Attracting more wild bird - annuals

1/8/2016

I am still on a wild bird kick.. This spring, I am going to make an extra effort to ramp up my bird attracting plants. Here are a few of the annuals I am going to incorporate into the Herbary. I recently tore apart the front yard beds to build a deck off the front porch. I will be adding pots to the deck, and will prune the Flowering Cherry a bit to allow more sun in that back bed. Last year I had a huge stand of Calendula and loved it, hopefully they will be even thicker this next spring!

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus and C. sulphureus.)
One of my all time favorite flowers. I love their simple look and ease of growing. They are a sun loving plant, yet can also handle some shade. Don't worry if you don't have the best soil in the world, these babies can grow in just about any soil condition. The Cosmos are attractive to seed eaters and insects. The classic color are pink, but you can them in pinks, reds, orange, yellow and white. They have a long bloom season, summer to fall.

Hollyhocks (Alcea roses)
Hollyhocks come in an array of co,ore; Whites, Scarlett's, purples pinky and yellows. They are
tall and have a long season of color blooming mid summer to early fall. The large bright showy flowers are a fan favorite of hummingbirds and other nectar feeders. Planting in well drained soil, and remember Hollyhocks self sow readily.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum manus)
Nasties the best addition to just about any garden! They are beneficial in gardens, pots, or as a screen. So many different colors to choose from; whites, yellows, oranges, reds, purples and even black! The trumpet shaped blossoms attract hummingbirds. Nasturtiums have a long blooming season, summer until frost. Sow directly in the garden after the last frost.

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
So called because colonists used to toss it's marigold like flowers into cooking pots to add the blooms deep orange color to rice and other dishes. Calendula also can be found in yellows, creams and red blooms. Remember to deadhead this plant and you will get blooms from summer to frost. Don't forget to let some plants to go to seed to provide food through the fall.

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
Sunflowers attract Jay's, chickadees, and other seed eating birds. There are many different types of sunflowers both annual and perennial sunflowers. We have both in our garden, and really like to add the annual sunflowers to our pots. Sunflowers have large showy daisy like flowers of yellow, orange, and cream with very large, flat eyes on a thick stalk. Sow after the last frost, or plant in trays and get a quick start on the season. Sunflowers bloom from Midsummer to mid autumn.

And my last favorite annual is Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
These make the best cut flower! It's fragrant pink, purple, red white or bicolored flowers make it a favorite amongst gardeners. The tufted deep green foliage contrasts nicely with its bright blooms. Sweet William self sows readily and provides food for many seed eaters. It's not a tall plant, 10-18 inches and blooms from late spring to summer.

The whimsical Cosmos, I love how they sway in the wind.

Nasties, or the formal Nasturtium, a spicey addition to a salad, or a sweet treat for some nectar seeking birds.

Hollyhocks, a biannual showy plant that is often over looked. Plant a stand and wow the neighborhood.

A very happy flower, Pot Marigold or Calendula. This is one of the best bursts of color!

A classic in any garden vegetable or herb garden.

Ah, Sweet William... A sturdy cut flower that grows like a weed.

Snow Day 1/3/2016

1/3/2016

Dre, Billy Ray and Coach enjoying the first snow day of 2016

First snow of 2016!
I love the snow, one of the biggest thing I miss about not living in Jackson, Wyoming. This past fall, I build a deck off the front porch. My main idea was to create space when entering the house, but instead I created yet another perfect perch to watch the day go by.

I hung up some bird feeders and have enjoyed spoiling them. I have a posse of goldfinches that are eating me out of house and home. There are also the other typical backyard Tweetie birds.

Of course, on the snow day I have run out of Niger seed, and the birds are swarming the deck looking for some love. The bird baths are defrosted, extra food is scattered about and I am working on a new suet feeder.

So, if you haven't checked your feeder, or bird baths take a minute and help out your little feathered friends!

Our friend Krissy has a very popular hummingbird feeder happening right now. I am off to locate my hummingbirds feeders and see if I have any hummers lurking around.

i am going to have to research some better plants to keep my birds happy during the winter.

Enjoy the blanket of snow!

A few female goldfinches enjoying a snack.

Our friend Krissy's hummingbird feeder!

Life is too short to waste on boring drinks....

12/30/2015

BHH Threebird Herb Infused White Balsamics

Life is to short to waste on boring drinks, and I have a feeling that 2016 needs to be rung in a big way! So instead of a champagne toast at midnight, why not try a BHH Threebird Cranberry Balsamic Royale? If your party goers are more of a cocktail sipping crew, put a fun twist on a Vodka Soda or Tonic. The only thing holding you back from a fantastic 2016 is your tastebuds! Unleash your inner buds! Happy New Years!!

Cranberry Balsamic Royale
Tools and ingredients necessary include a champagne flute, prosecco, BHH Threebird Cranberry Crush balsamic vinegar, sugar coated cranberries for garnish.
• Pour prosecco in champagne flute
• Drizzle in about 1 teaspoon of cranberry balsamic to taste
• Float a few sugar-coated cranberries in glass for garnish

Balsamic Vodka Soda
Tools and ingredients necessary include a highball glass, a cocktail shaker, great vodka, soda water, BHH Threebird white balsamic and fresh herbs
• Fill highball glass with ice
• Add 1.5 ounces of vodka and soda water (amount depends on how strong you like your libations) to cocktail shaker
• Add about 2 teaspoons of BHH Threebird Lavender Lemongrass, or any of our white balsamic to taste and shake
• Pour into glass and garnish with fresh herbs (lavender, mint or thyme)

Pickle it! Pickling Veggies with Herb Infused Vinegar

8/9/2015

Threebird Herb Infused Vinegar Refrigerator Pickles on The Blue Heron Herbary Blog

Summer's bounty is here. If you want to make the most of all the veggies and fruit you've harvested or bought at the farmers market, refrigerated pickling is an easy and delicious way.

When you use the Threebird Herb Infused Vinegars to pickle your produce you take it to a whole new level!

Try Chive Blossom Vinegar with carrots, Lemon Delight with cucumbers, Thai Basil with onions, Lemongrass with jicama or Lavender with blueberries. The combinations are endless.

Threebird Herb Infused Vinegar Refrigerator Pickles

Create a super simple brine

1 Tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup warm water
1 cup BHH Threebird Vinegar

Fill mason jar with whatever you want to pickle - cucumbers, onions, carrots, fennel, peppers, garlic, you think it- you can pickle it!

In a separate container add warm water, sugar and salt, mix until it dissolves, then add vinegar. Pour in the mason jar filled with veggies and refrigerate.

These will be ready after 2 hours, but they're better after 12 hours or so. Lasts up to 2 months!

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About Us

Blue Heron Herbary is a herb plant nursery and gift shop located on Sauvies Island in Portland, Oregon.

We also create a line of handmade herb vinegars and herb blends with the no-pesticide herbs we grow on our Portland farm.

Spring is about to be SPRUNG!

20 years ago today... We were flooded.

We love this lil herb, Salad Burnet!

The Tomato Days

Sauvies Island won the coin toss

Gardening is good for the birds part 2...

Attracting more wild bird - annuals

Snow Day 1/3/2016

Life is too short to waste on boring drinks....

Pickle it! Pickling Veggies with Herb Infused Vinegar

About Us

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Blue Heron Herbary
27731 NW Reeder Road
Sauvies Island, OR 97231
ph: 503-621-1457

About Us

Archives

Categories

Blue Heron Herbary27731 NW Reeder RoadSauvies Island, OR 97231ph: 503-621-1457

Blue Heron Herbary
27731 NW Reeder Road
Sauvies Island, OR 97231
ph: 503-621-1457