Blackbird's Daughter Botanicals

07/20/2025

Aunties got that magic touch 😝

06/01/2025

Lady slippers have always been a magical sight in the late spring woodlands and this year they were far more abundant than I’ve seen before. Showy, fleshy, strangely demure for an orchid reminiscent of things far more *anatomical* than footwear, they strike me as restful yet stunning emissaries of both the understory and the fairy realm. And going in search of them is such a seasonal rite - are you there? Are you up yet? Ahhh, THERE you are! How ARE you? What beauty!

05/24/2025

Go with the Goddess, sweet boy. Jack. Jackal. Jackalope. Jackalopius. Lopie. Lopes. Lopester Bisque (that one never quite caught on). Fuzzbucket. Squeaks.
I used to run his nicknames through my head as a litany, wondering how on earth I would ever manage without my constant companion and beloved familiar of 11 years. Yesterday the time came to say goodbye and it was just as peaceful and heartbreaking as one could imagine.
He was a therapy cat and forest guide (he led many groups, classes, and clients through the literal and emotional woods with me), a purrbox (yet another nickname; he also responded to a little trilling noise I’d use to call him over, then wait respectfully until I patted the couch 3 times before jumping up and revving his engines), and my furry familiar and bestie.
He got me through so many transitions and losses, was a constant friend through chronic illness and countless sleepless nights, and was at Steph’s side as they they wrestled with accepting their gender-fluid nature, and when they had a stroke last autumn while we were in Canada (it's true what they say about purring being a healing vibration). He was an international traveler, and a great camper cat. He loved to visit family and explore new places. He once went on a walkabout for almost two weeks because I told him we were leaving on a vacation without him, and I will forever and always be grateful to the countless folks who shared his photo, my dad and H for searching for him, and the kind stranger who saw him on her ring cam and caught him. He loved getting brushed and snuggled and paraded around the house in a basket (I have so many pictures of Steph holding him aloft in various baskets and boxes). He once did a backflip to catch a baby bird (hence the bright ruffs he often wore, shout out to for saving untold birds at our nature sanctuary). He had a truly grating meow when he wanted you to hurry up. He loved being carried so much that I bought him a baby wrap last year and wondered why it took me a decade to upgrade from a pack basket. He tolerated many costumes, lorded over social gatherings, and was an excellent babysitter.
My deepest thanks to Dr Allison of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice who let me administer the shot that released him from suffering, to S & M who rushed over a final meal of roast chicken, & all who loved him.
I laid him out under Grandmother Oak amongst the spring flowers he walked amongst, and buried him in the artemisia crescent moon garden, giving him to the Goddess to guide him into the next part of the journey.
There are more pics of him on Insta, and in the hearts of all who knew him. What a treasure it was to love you, my darling boy.

Rest well, Lovecat. 💗

04/02/2025

Spring Notes from the Sanctuary -

“Part of our responsibility, our soul responsibility, is to throw as many seeds as possible into the darkness. And isn’t darkness what the seeds require?” - Francis Weller

04/01/2025

Beloveds, if you’re looking for a restorative retreat to love up on your nervous system and the planet, join us at the Sanctuary on Saturday, April 19th (Earth Day Weekend)!

Nourish yourself with a day of ecotherapy, ceremony, spiritual skill building, delicious food and drinks, art, self-care, herbal gifts, and sacred stewardship of the Sanctuary and our own sweet souls.

You’ll leave well resourced, rested, and feeling interconnected with one another, your own wild wisdom, and with a deepened relationship with this magical planet we are blessed to be part of.

As always, this event is sliding scale! Social justice scholarships are available for any BIPOC or trans folks who would like them, and we have 1 work-trade spot available.

to register, visit https://www.blackbirdsdaughter.com/registerhere

12/16/2024

Need a quick peaceful reset (and some fabulous last minute gifts)?
Mama Gaia, Jack, and I have you covered! 🎄🐈🎁

Swing by for some shopping, a stroll in the woods, an Oracle reading and mug of tea, or just a hug and a chance to breathe in some peace.
You’ve got this! And I’ve got you 🧙🏼💗🌱😘

Address : 57 Lois Lane Barrington Questions: (802) 578-7931

12/13/2024

12/08/2024

Our resident master cabinetmaker explains just a smidge of why his sushi trays, charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and chefs chopping blocks are So. Dang. Smooth.
Come on over this Saturday the 14th and find out for yourself why touching these is like an video for your fingertips!

12/05/2024

✨ Come one, come all, to our WINTER SOLSTICE OPEN APOTHECARY! ✨

Steve and I have been busy making one-of-a-kind cutting boards and limited-edition magic potions, delicious herbal treats, teas, syrups, smoking blends, body care products, and more!

Form meets function and decadence dances with practicality, with sweet, savory, healthful, and heavenly apothecary wares to delight, comfort, and please the senses, all handcrafted by your favorite woodland witch (some say fairy)...

Come check out this year's limited edition apothecary wares and stock up for you and your loved ones, while helping us spread the sanctuary's magic!

💗COMMUNITY CARE💗
Did you know? All sales support sliding scale and pro-bono herbal consultations, wellness counseling, and even nature therapy for folks in need, and help us make the sanctuary more accessible for all!

💗SPREAD IT ON & SPREAD THE LOVE💗
One of the highlights of this year is our VERY special, limited edition Herbal Allies WONDER BALM with Tallow: an all-purpose skin soothing, antioxidant, redness-reducing, antimicrobial salve for face and body. With wildcrafted bilberry leaves and tree resins, this blend is perfect for winter! Buy 1 for you and 1 for a friend, and we'll donate 1 to folks in need.

👩‍🍳 Other treats include gluten-free & dairy-free Biscotti Mix, Miracle Mouth tooth & gum tonic (recommended by beloved storyteller Papa Joe), Emotional Support In A Bottle (recommended by every single parent who tries it), Brain Booster Tonic for kids and adults, this year’s ritual self-love potion, new tea blends, and more!

☃️🌲 Bundle up and explore the acres of peaceful, quiet nature trails (perfect photo ops abound), make a fairy house, or roast an apple over the fire (weather permitting).

🔥🫖Indoors, get an oracle card reading, take a nap on the couch with our resident therapy cat Jack, hang out by the wood stove with friends new and old, or browse the color-coordinated bookshelves and snuggle in for a good read (introverts, we’ve got your backs… quietly. With tea and snacks)

BYO mug for delicious tea, a treat to share (if you wish), and recycled bottles/bags/jars to restock your home apothecary with bulk tinctures, teas, and herbs. Cash is always welcome, but we take venmo and zelle as well. Take a break from the chaos; the comfort of the Sanctuary awaits. We can’t wait to see you!

11/07/2024

WE ARE NATURE.

If your soul is struggling and your spirit sore, join us at the Sanctuary for two very special Sunrise and Sunset Services, and soak in the healing power of Gaia.

Led by wise woman, green witch, and interfaith minister Jessica, each hour-long event is a chance to receive some wisdom from the Earth and the non-human with whom we share this endlessly adapting, ever creative planet.

Address: 57 Lois Lane. Please arrive on time.
Saturday: 6-7am
Sunday 3:30-4:30pm

All are welcome.

11/02/2024

*UPDATE: Delicious. Squishable. Slices thin, enjoyable untoasted (or toasted). Would not know this was GF at all.* Happy to share starter with folks, but you have to come here to get it and give me at least 3 days notice.

Sal, you’re a treasure! Adventures with Salvatore the Sourdough continue, and after fabulous flat breads and fried dough, fluffy pancakes, decent English muffins, a very low sandwich loaf with surprisingly impressive crumb, a too-dry boule that cracked during transfer to the pan, and some hard but tasty cinnamon raisin bagels (made better with homemade vegan cream cheese frosting), we’ve done it!
Now the biggest challenge: waiting 8 hours to let the crumb structure set before cutting into this beauty and smothering it with fresh taum for breakfast!
Gluten free kitchen witching for the win!

10/23/2024

Beloveds, gather round and feel the crisp embrace of autumn! 🍂
SATURDAY 10:30-1, we invite you and your cherished ones to our family-friendly Samhain celebration, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of herbs and the laughter of kindred spirits. Can you feel the magic?

Don your fairy-est of attire, or come dressed as your favorite plant and win a prize! Musical accompaniment by herbkin Jesse on guitar and brother Jonny on saw, and all who wish are encouraged to bring an instrument and join in! Everyone can also go home with some seed packets and spread the herbal love.

Aspiring herbalists, snag a book from Jessica’s herbal library at the used-book sale, and bring your recycled bottles and jars to stock up on discounted tinctures, organic castor oil, local honey, and tincturing supplies. We’ve got lots of small batch teas, potions, gifts, and one of a kind cutting boards for sale!

Fairy enthusiasts, there’s magic afoot in the enchanted forest, and the fairies would love your help making homes for the winter!

So much has happened in the gardens this past year, and we’re pleased as herbal punch to show off all the amazing changes, and give a big cheer for all the volunteers and the 2024 herbal apprentices! (Herbkin, email me if you’d like a printed certificate)!

This is more than a gathering; it's a chance to connect, celebrate, and reflect. Together, let's honor the turning of the wheel and welcome the mysteries of the season. We promise an evening overflowing with love, light, and a touch of enchantment. Will you join us in this wondrous celebration?