Hello herb-y friends!
I am writing to you with exciting news. Fireweed Farms medicinal plant nursery is re-opening in Victoria for the 2021 growing season!
Many of you know Fireweed as the sister business to Ravensong Seeds and Herbals, owned by herbalist, medicine maker, and teacher Jessy Delleman. Last summer, Jessy moved her business to the Comox Valley and opted not to take Fireweed with her. From its new location, Ravensong continues to offer a wide variety of seeds and medicinals, as well as workshops, and intern and apprenticeship programs. For more information, or to shop the apothecary, you can visit her website at ravensongseeds.com.
At the time of the move, I was part of Jessy's herbal apprenticeship program, and was given the incredible opportunity to take over Fireweed Farms as the new owner and manager. Hi! I’m Stephanie. I am an avid grower and like to refer to myself as an “urban homesteader”. It is a constant work in progress, but this season, in the midst of the madness that was 2020, we saw a large year round harvest of herbs, veggies, berries and eggs.
When I applied to the herbal apprenticeship program, I was looking for a more holistic approach to my family’s health, and to learn how to use plant medicine to support us in times of illness. I did not expect to discover that the benefits of plant medicine are far more complex and magical than simply taking an herb to treat a symptom. So much of the medicine in plants comes from the connections we build; with the plants themselves and the land on which they grow. Spending time in the garden, hands in the dirt, can have a profound effect on one’s physical and mental health.
The spring of 2020 saw an almost frenzied return to the land; as gardening supplies, seeds and starts flew off the shelves. This phenomenon certainly showed us that in times of uncertainty people seek connection to the natural world, and a sense of self-reliance and resiliency. Growing your own medicinal plants is an incredibly powerful way to do this. More than just food and medicine, there is also peace, beauty and hope to be found in the garden. My hope for Fireweed Farms is that I can uphold what Jessy has built, provide continued access to these amazing medicinal plants, and be of service to the community.
I will have another update in the coming months, with information about upcoming plant sales, workshop offerings,and my new herb garden and nursery set up. Until then, I wish you all comfort and warmth in what remains of winter, and I look forward to all that is possible this spring.
Thank you for your time,
Stephanie