Green Spiral Herbs

04/13/2022

Lilacs have broken leaf (not bud). It’s time to plant peas and potatoes. Your area will vary. Leaf break is when leaf buds go from tightly clasped to opened up.

01/15/2020

www.artworkshops.com/workshop/crazy-quilting-with-betty-fikes-pillsbury/

Learn to create sumptuous, one-of-a-kind art by hand. You can make blocks or a wholecloth piece. Those blocks can be turned into a crazy quilt wall hanging or pillow, journal cover, etc. Betty will teach you her 52-card-pickup method of piecing, by hand. This technique ensures you will never sew you...

05/21/2019

Yup, Nicole E. Day Gray and I are working up some herb magic for this summer!

04/21/2019

I had to fill my own Easter basket, but that's okay! Shiitake mushrooms, nettles, garlic mustard and sweet violet from the garden.

04/19/2019

Buffaloberry, butterbur and Cornelian cherry in bloom. The tree swallows have returned. Hello spring.

11/03/2018

Recently completed commission of The Green Man.

11/01/2018

The Green Man: A sculpture or other representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves. An enigma spanning thousands of years, the Green Man is a symbol of mysterious origin and history. Permeating various religious faiths and cultures, the Green Man has survived countless transformations...

07/31/2018

Just made another 650 First Base Lip Balms for Beekman 1802.

07/05/2018

White borage blooming in the garden.

06/07/2018

If you want to make syrup from Black Locust flowers, I tell you how here...

02/02/2018

I'll be talking about lovey-dovey stuff...

01/15/2018

A digital download of a terrific booklet! You need this...

An ebook about the 2013 Herb of the Year - Elderberry. Chock full of information on growing, using and appreciating this spectacular herbal shrub! Did you know elderberries are full of antioxidants? And the folklore associated with elderberries allows one to see the Queen of the Fairies? Lots of rec...

09/08/2017

How to make Pickled Dandelion Buds by Betty Fikes Pillsbury of Green Spiral Herbs

09/04/2017

I am a contributor to Mother Earth News' Herbal Living. Here's a post I wrote on making elderberry syrup.

09/03/2017

Want to learn how to make elderberry syrup? Check out this post I wrote for Mother Earth News Herbal Living.

Making Elderberry syrup by Betty Fikes Pillsbury “Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!” If you are a Monty Python fan, you will recognize that quote. If you are not a Monty Python fan, look it up! Folklore holds that sitting under an elder on Midsummer allows one to see…

08/29/2017

Elderberries!

08/11/2017

Good Morning!

08/03/2017

Thursday, August 17, 5-7 pm, GRILLING WITH HERBS
Join Herbalist, Betty Pillsbury as she shares culinary tips and ideas for infusing flavor into your grilling menu.
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Thursday, August 31, 5-7 pm, COOKING WITH LAVENDER
Lavender is the quintessential herb for summer. Join Betty in her kitchen as she cooks up some wonderful dishes with lavender. Sample Lavender Lemonade, Chicken Salad with Herbes de Provence, Lavender Truffles and Lavender Cookies.
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Thursday, September 14, 5-7 pm, PESTOS
It is the end of the growing season and the basil is growing like crazy. Join Betty as she makes pesto out of basil, but with other tasty herbs as well!
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Thursday, September 28, 5-7 pm, HERBAL VINEGARS
The cost of a bottle of tarragon vinegar in a gourmet store can cost $20. Learn to make your own herb vinegars at a fraction of the cost. We will explore many herb blends for delicious vinegars. You will leave with two pints of herb vinegar which you make yourself. Bring pint jars.
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Thursday, October 5, 5-7 pm, MAKING INCENSE
Exotic scents will waft through the air as you burn your handmade incense cones. Made from ground spices, herbs and woods, incense is an ancient way to fragrance the home. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
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Thursday, October 19, 5-7 pm, HERBAL THANKSGIVING
Make Cranberry/Sage Chutney and Herbed Butters for the Thanksgiving table

Betty Pillsbury is herbalist/owner of Green Spiral Herbs. She is a contributor for Mother Earth News’ Herbal Living, makes products for the Beekman Boys and maintains a United Plant Savers’ Botanical Sanctuary. She has lectured for the Northeast Organic Farming Association, The Herb Society of America and many garden groups.