Category: Herbs

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Mint Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Mint Herb Nature Study

This week we’ll be studying mint as part of the herb nature study series. This plant is an easy plant to grow for beginners and younger students.

Here are a few observation ideas for you to get started:

  • Note the mint’s square stalk and the opposite pair of aromatic leaves. Feel the stem. Crush the leaves between your fingers for a more intense scent. Does it smell like toothpaste?
  • Note the color and height of the stem.
  • Look at the leaves and observe the shape and veins. What is the texture of the leaf?  Taste a few of the fresh leaves if possible.
  • Observe the flowers if they are present. What is their color and size? Do they have a fragrance? Did you see any insects on the plant or flowers? Bees, hover flies, and tachinid flies all are attracted to mint flowers.
  • Advanced Study:  Grow and then study two kinds of mint. This link has a list of a variety of mints you could choose from: Mint Plant Varieties.

Outdoor Hour Challenge Mint Nature Study

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

You will need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the herb ebook download.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Once you download your ebook, you’ll have complete access to the challenge. This includes additional links, resources, study ideas, and printables.

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

 

Join Us Ultimate Naturalist June 2020

Use the discount code GREATDAY to receive $10 off your Ultimate Naturalist Library membership. Valid until  9/10/21.

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Sage Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Sage Herb Nature Study

  • Sage is a common medicinal and culinary herb in the mint family. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Sage is a wonderful addition to your garden and is easy to grow for even beginning gardeners.
  • Sage is a drought tolerant evergreen plant or shrub that grows approximately 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It can become a woody shrub if you don’t keep it trimmed. You can grow sage in well-drained areas of your garden that have lots of sun.

Here are a few ideas for observations to get you started in your sage study:

  • What is the height of the sage stem? Feel the shape, color, and thickness of the stem. Note the arrangement of the leaves on the stem.
  • Look at the sage leaves and observe the shape, color, and size.  What is the texture of the leaf?  Taste a few of the fresh leaves if possible. Crush a few of the sage leaves in the palm of your hand to bring out the aroma.

Outdoor Hour Challenge sage nature study

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

You will need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the herb ebook download.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Once you download your ebook, you will have complete access to the challenge. This includes additional links, resources, study ideas, and printables.

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

 

 

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Thyme Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Thyme Herb Nature Study

Get started with your study of thyme by using the links below.

¨ Learn more about thyme on this webpage: What is Thyme?

¨ Learn how to grow thyme: Thyme Tips.

¨ Here’s a YouTube video: How to Harvest, Dry and Use Thyme.

Outdoor Hour Challenge thyme nature study

Already a member?  You’ll need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the herb ebook download. Once you download your ebook, you’ll find the complete challenge with observation ideas, additional links, notebook page, images, and a coloring page.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

In the Herb ebook are eight brand new Outdoor Hour Challenges for you to complete as part of your nature study lessons with your children. These challenges are not based on information in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. You’ll be using internet links and field guides to glean information about each topic.

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Dill Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Dill Herb Nature Study

This week we’re going to learn about dill as part of our herb nature study. Listed below are some suggested observations to make while observing your dill sample. This aromatic and delicious herb is easy to study and is a common item in many produce departments and garden nurseries.

Dill Observation Ideas

  • Observe the dill plant’s leaves and stem. Measure the height of your dill plant and keep a record as it matures.
  • Observe the foliage and draw it in your nature journal. What is the texture of the leaf?  Crush a few of the leaves and describe its aroma. Taste the dill. Does it remind you of any of your favorite foods?
  • Observe the flowers if they are present. Can you see 5 tiny petals and 5 tiny stamens? What is the flower’s color and size? Do they have a fragrance?
  • Measure the flower umbel. Did you see any insects on the plant or flowers? You will often observe small wasps, flies, and hover flies on dill flowers.

Outdoor Hour Challenge dill nature study

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.  You will need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the herb ebook download. Once you log in, you can download the Herb Ebook for the complete challenge, the notebook page, and the coloring page.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

 

Join Us Ultimate Naturalist June 2020

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Oregano Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Oregano Herb Nature Study

Words to Describe Oregano’s Taste–Which ones do you agree with?

Pungent, earthy, green, minty, slightly bitter, lemony, peppery

Outdoor Hour Challenge oregano nature study

Here are some observation ideas from the challenge.

  • Observe the oregano plant’s leaves, stem, and flowers if present. What is the height of the oregano stems?
  • Feel the shape, color, and thickness of the stem. Note the arrangement of the leaves on the stem.
  • Look at the leaves and observe the shape and veins. What is the texture of the leaf?  Taste a few of the fresh leaves if possible. Bring in a few leaves and dry them inside.
  • Observe the flowers if they are present. What is their color and size? Do they have a fragrance? Did you see any insects on the plant or flowers?

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.  You’ll need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the Herb Ebook download.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

Included in the Herb Ebook are eight brand new Outdoor Hour Challenges for you to complete as part of your nature study lessons with your children. These challenges are not based on information in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. You will be using internet links and field guides to glean information about each topic.

  • This 49-page digital ebook has 8 challenges and supplemental activities that will help you learn about some popular and common herbs you can easily grow in your garden.
  • There are multiple custom notebooking pages for each of the topics. You can choose from simple notebook pages or more advanced notebooking pages.
  • There are 6 coloring pages.
  • Sample: Print an ebook sample here: Cilantro Nature Study

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

 

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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Bee Balm Herb Nature Study

 

“The name ‘bee balm’ implies that the plant is attractive to bees. It is, but its long flower makes it less accessible to bees but easily accessible to hummingbirds.”

100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names

Read a little bit about bee balm using the links below.

Outdoor Hour Challenge bee balm nature study

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.  You’ll need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the herb ebook download.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

Included in the new Herb Ebook are eight brand new Outdoor Hour Challenges for you to complete as part of your nature study lessons with your children. These challenges are not based on information in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. You will be using internet links and field guides to glean information about each topic.

  • This 49-page digital ebook has 8 challenges and supplemental activities that will help you learn about some popular and common herbs you can easily grow in your garden.
  • There are multiple custom notebooking pages for each of the topics. You can choose from simple notebook pages or more advanced notebooking pages.
  • There are 6 coloring pages.
  • Sample: Print an ebook sample here: Cilantro Nature Study

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint
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Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge: Cilantro Herb Nature Study

Brand New! Outdoor Hour Challenge

Cilantro Herb Nature Study

Here we are at the start of another new series of nature study topics! For the next eight weeks, we’ll be studying common herbs that most families have used and may have access to in their gardens. Cilantro is one of my favorite culinary herbs, especially in Mexican food. It’s easy to grow, so look for it at your local garden nursery.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Please note that this week’s challenge for cilantro is found in the sample for this ebook. Your family is welcome to download the sample, use the suggestions for nature study, complete a notebook page for your nature journal, and perhaps even use the coloring page.

Outdoor Hour Challenge-Herb Ebook: Download the cilantro sample here.

Outdoor Hour Challenge cilantro

Here are some observation ideas from the challenge.

Observe your cilantro plant using all your senses.

· Touch–Describe how the leaves feel? Is the stem stiff or bendable?

· Fragrance–Smell the leaves. Crush a few leaves and note the difference in aroma. Do the flowers have a fragrance?

· Sight-How tall is your plant? Note the shape of the leaves. Do you see any insects on your cilantro plant or flowers?

· Taste-Rinse a few of the leaves and then taste them. It has been described as tasting “bright, lemony, or a little peppery”. What is your description of the taste?

Remember that the rest of the challenge is available to Ultimate and Journey level members here on the Handbook of Nature Study.  You will need to sign into your Ultimate or Journey level membership to see the Herb Ebook download.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

Included in the new Herb Ebook are eight brand new Outdoor Hour Challenges for you to complete as part of your nature study lessons with your children. These challenges are not based on information in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. You’ll be using internet links and field guides to glean information about each topic.

  • This 49-page digital ebook has 8 challenges and supplemental activities that will help you learn about some popular and common herbs you can easily grow in your garden.
  • There are multiple custom notebooking pages for each of the topics. You can choose from simple notebook pages or more advanced notebooking pages.
  • There are 6 coloring pages.
  • Sample: Print an ebook sample here: Cilantro Nature Study

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

 

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Forbs and Pocket Gophers

Forbs and Pocket Gophers

I love it when I’m researching and learning about one topic and it leads me to another interesting topic. This often happens with nature study when an answer to a question just makes you curious about something else.

I’ve been reading about pocket gophers because we have many that live and are active in the habitat behind our house here in Central Oregon. Their holes are everywhere! (If you’re interested in learning about pocket gophers, there’s an Outdoor Hour Challenge in the High Desert ebook that will help you get started.) We’ve been wondering just what they eat and it turns out their diet includes “forbs”.

I had no idea what a “forb” was, so we decided to research the term.

Forb:

“A forb or phorb is an herbaceous flowering plant that is not a graminoid (grass, sedge, or rush). The term is used in biology and in vegetation ecology, especially in relation to grasslands and understory.”

-From Wikipedia

Basically, most wildflowers are forbs. Grass is not a forb.

A pocket gopher’s diet consists mainly of forbs, eaten from the roots and pulled down into their tunnels. Most pocket gophers do not venture too far from their tunnel entrances to look for vegetation to eat.

So my dear readers, follow those “rabbit trails” when you are researching a topic. You never know what gem you will discover. I learned a new term to use in my nature study.

 

Pocket Gopher Nature Study Outdoor Hour challenge

 

 

 

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Herbs in a Child’s Garden

My youngest son has always included herbs in his square foot garden. Along with his veggies, he would include herbs like oregano, thyme, chives, and cilantro. He enjoyed watching them grow and harvesting them for meals.

herb garden containers june 2019

Herbs not only taste good but they provide for a full sensory experience with very little effort.

  • Texture: soft sage, feathery dill, chives.
  • Fragrance: rosemary, dill, oregano, lavender, thyme, mint.
  • Sight: shiny basil, pretty flowers.

Most herbs will re-seed themselves each year so they make a perfect long term garden project for your children. They can learn a plants life cycle using herbs too!

You don’t need much space to grow an abundance of herbs. Try using a flower pot, window box, or recycled container. Add some nice soil, seeds, and then teach your child how to water and care for the herbs.

Herb Links for you to Check Out

  • Pollinator Partnership: Enter your zip code to find out which eco-region you live in and then read all about how you can attract various pollinators to your yard by planting specific flowers. https://www.pollinator.org/guides
  • Gardening Projects for Kids—my review of a wonderful resource for you to use with your family

You may be interested in using my new herb nature study lessons in the very first Herb Ebook available here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphicHerbs offered in the Herb Ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

Join Us Ultimate Naturalist June 2020Use the discount code NATURESTUDYFUN for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

 

 

 

 

 

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New Ebook is Now Available-Herb Nature Study

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic
Ultimate and Journey Level members can click this graphic to go directly to the library to download a copy of this new ebook. Make sure you are logged in and if you’re having trouble with your password, please leave me a comment or send me a direct email to receive my assistance. Email: harmonyfinearts@yahoo.com

 

New Ebook is Now Available to Members!

The Herb ebook is now ready for you to download and use with your family. I’ve been creating the challenges for this ebook over the past year for your family to use while growing and enjoying some fragrant and delicious herbs in your garden.

We’ll be working through this ebook during the upcoming 2020-2021 school year but you can use the challenges this summer if you want to jump start some easy nature study right in your own yard.

2020 to 2021 plan graphic with ebook covers2
I released the 2020-2021 plan for nature study last week. Please click over to the entry to see the complete plan.

 

In the new Herb ebook are eight brand new Outdoor Hour Challenges for you to complete as part of your nature study lessons with your children. These challenges are not based on information in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. You’ll be using internet links and field guides to glean information about each topic.

  • This 49 page digital ebook has 8 challenges and supplemental activities that will help you learn about some popular and common herbs you can easily grow in your garden.
  • There are multiple custom notebooking pages for each of the topics. You can choose from simple notebook pages or more advanced notebooking pages.
  • There are 6 coloring pages.
  • Sample: Print an ebook sample here: Cilantro Nature Study

Here are the specific topics included in this ebook:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Bee Balm
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint

Herb Nature Study ebook cover graphic

How do you get the new Herb ebook?

Members of the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey levels have access to the new ebook in their library. You need to click the “Members Area” button at the top of the website, sign into your account, and the ebook is there to download and save for your family to use when desired.

Join Us Ultimate Naturalist June 2020

If you don’t have a membership yet, I am offering a $5 off discount code that will be good towards your Ultimate Naturalist membership.

Discount Code: HERBS4U