Who doesn’t love sage? The piney, peppery taste, soft color and feel, and decidedly fall vibe make this herb my top pick to kick off my new herb series! Let me take you on a tour of all things sage…it’s history, tips to grow your own, and inspiration for how to use it all season long (and not on your turkey)!

Salvia is the botanical genus name for a group of sage varieties. I use common sage, salvia officinalis, in these examples, but you can use other (edible) varieties too. Salvia comes from the latin word salvere,  meaning "to be saved," and has been used medicinally for centuries. In the middle ages people used to say, "Why should a man die when sage grows in his garden?" Sage was used to fight all types of infections and ailments, particularly tooth decay, colds, hot flashes, and even sweat. Sipping sage tea was an early form of deodorant! Today sage is still used medicinally by herbalist and is also recognized as a good source of vitamin K, which supports blood and bone health.

What you’ll need:
Mini roses (optional)
Fresh Sage*
String

1. Gather sage into a bundle at least 4 inches long.
2. Add in roses. You can also make a sage only bundle. If you're using roses, play with the placement. I suggest putting one in the center and then at varying heights around the bundle.
3. Wrap it. Tightly wrap string around your bundle several times, working around the more delicate rose heads. You can do this in clean lines (several spots along the bundle length where you wrap two times) or criss-crossing the whole length (what I do), wrapping the stems several times to finish. Cut, leaving at least 6” left of string to hang.
4. Cut stems down to be the same length.
5. Hang to dry.

 
Once your bundle is dry, you can use it to sage your space. The string may be loose after drying. Some people avoid the problem by drying the sage first or using rubber bands instead of string. You can play with these options or just re-tie if you have a loose bundle.
 
How to smudge: 
Carefully light the leafy end of your sage stick. Blow out and wave the bundle and smoke around yourself, home or workspace with the intention of clearing away everything that's stale and stagnant. Always have a saucer (or traditionaly an abalone shell) nearby to catch embers and put out the bundle when you're finished.
 
*Traditionally, bundles are made with white sage, but I used common sage here, which is a little easier to find at the grocery store, in your garden, or farmer’s market. It still works for clearing. 

​The holidays are here! With Thanksgiving tomorrow and Christmas just around the corner, we are officially in the season of gatherings. Want to mix up your usual décor with some new ideas? Here are my top picks for tablescape trends to try:

1. Keep it simple with greens
In case you haven't noticed, nature is in. Stay on trend by keeping things simple (and wallet friendly) with a free-form all greens table runner. 

​2. Use this moody, romantic palette, perfect for late fall. 
Okay, so maybe you don't look for your Thanksgiving table to remind you of a vampire love affair, but hello? Look at these colors! I love the black candles and pink florals.

​I used a similar moody romantic palette in a recent still life photo shoot with Katie Lenhart and I will always come back to these colors this time of year:

​3. Look to your fruit bowl for inspiration. 
Speaking of the still life...try mixing in some pomegranates, or citrus with your table decor, or let your imagination run wild. Pear tree holiday table?

​4. Mix in sage (and flannel too) to get cozy.
Doesn't this look make you want to grab a blanket and hot chocolate? For more sage ideas, check out this issue's Sage 3 Ways: Grow + Make + Sip. 

​5. Don't be afraid of a little sparkle.
No matter what's "trending," I will always be a fan of glitter. My great grandmother made tons of glittery decor we still put up around Christmas. If you're like me and will always have a soft spot for something sparkly, check out these adorable ways to add some shine to your table this holiday season.

​6. Get energized with table side aromatherapy.
Get sleepy after a big holiday meal? Give the whole table an aromatherapy boost with energizing eucalyptus (and you can usually find it at Trader Joe's!).

​7. Add Succulents or other botanicals.
I think this will be my route this year. Though not-your-usual holiday evergreens, succulents or air plants (especially big bold xerographica or echeveria rosettes)  are surprising, creative additions to any table.

​8. Rethink traditional decor.
Play with quantity and color to for a whimsical, very Martha vibe.

​9. Get crafty with found objects.
Pinecones, seedpods and other foraged goods are always good decor additions. Want to learn more about foraging? Check out the Found Beauty article from this month's issue. 

​10. Skip to the main event. 
Of course you could skip the florals all together and make one giant cheeseboard!

​
​Want help with your holiday decor?
I'll be in Southern California for the holiday season this year. If you're in the San Diego or even Los Angeles area, join me for a holiday hands-on workshop (more coming soon) or let me know what you're looking for. I can create a custom holiday look for you and deliver it to your doorstep.

Not Nearby?
Keep an eye out! I'm creating a special gift just for you this holiday season to inspire you to create unique, plant-y projects all month long. It'll be in your inbox in December! Not on the list? Send me your email, and I'll make sure you get your guide too.

I also often travel for private making parties. If you have a group of 6 or more, contact me to talk about a customized private event.

by Leelee

​I can't believe it's already almost October! This is one of my favorite times of year. Long gone are the lounging days of summer. There’s a feeling of change in the air. Back to school. Back to regular work schedules. Lots to do. And soon enough it’ll be the holiday season.
 
In the hustle and bustle of this busy time, be sure to get in some much needed self care. Head to yoga, walk outside, cozy up with tea and a book. And....add more plants to your life! If you’re trying to stay healthy and focused, try a little re-wilding of your home and especially workspace.

Studies have shown that plants are good for your health, lower stress and increase productivity, all things we need this busy month. Researchers at The Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England found that students have 70% greater attentiveness when they are in classrooms with plants. And a Texas A&M University study showed that workers in a room with two plants and a floral bouquet had 13% more ideas than workers in a room with sculptures.
 
When you’re choosing your desk plant buddy, be sure to think about how much light you have. If you’re in the middle of an office, stick to low light indoor plants. Here are some of my favorites for bright and low light levels!  Happy re-wilding!