Welcome to the outdoor Apothecary
The Outdoor Apothecary inspires naturally minded people to live with the seasons, become self-reliant, connect with nature, and protect their health through herbal living. We love celebrating “the old ways” of living to bring blessings to ourselves, our families, communities and to Mother Earth. We offer articles, tips, recipes and ideas on practical self-reliance, simple herbal remedies, foraging, gardening and reconnecting ourselves to our natural world and sacred ancestral traditions.
About Me: Barbi
I’m a bookish “earth mother” who loves to read and walk in the woods. I’m a wildcrafter & herbalist, avid gardener, collector of nature specimens, and field guide enthusiast.
I spent most of my childhood exploring our natural world and I’m now devoted to reviving the ancestral wisdom of plants as medicine and healers. I love spending hours outside tending to my gardens, gathering plants and herbs, being in nature,and learning skills of self-reliance like homemade soapmaking.
I give deep thanks and gratitude to my Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck family for inspiring me to honor our Mother Earth by dedicating myself to studying and sharing ancient lifeways and reviving the wonderous arts of plant medicine and nature connectedness. I sincerely hope you’ll join me on this journey.
Return to Our Roots
Connecting with nature is more than a walk through the woods. It’s about being conscious of seasonal changes, becoming attuned with the plants around us, and relearning the nature-language we’ve forgotten through our modern lives. We believe that incorporating the “old ways” of doing things, growing and harvesting our own food, and having a do-it-yourself spirit, promotes self-sufficiency and is an important part of leading a healthier lifestyle, closer to nature.
We hope to provide you with a foundation to rewild yourself through aligning with the cycles of the seasons and to help you in discovering the energies of the seasonal cycles.
Nourish Yourself with Nature
Free 29-page Guidebook to Celebrating the Seasons
A Guided Workbook to help you celebrate nature’s seasonal cycles with mindfulness and meaningful intentions – our gift to you! Learn how to live a mindful nature-connected life.
Recent Posts
Cleavers 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification, Uses, Harvesting, and Preparation
Explore the comprehensive guide to identifying, using, harvesting, and preparing Cleavers (Galium aparine). Discover the unique features of this versatile plant, learn about its various medicinal and culinary uses, master the art of proper harvesting and preparation techniques.
July’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Buck Moon
Explore the folklore, spiritual significance, and enchanting traditions associated with July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon. Discover the deep-rooted beliefs of various cultures. Uncover ten meaningful ways to honor the Buck Moon, from moonlit meditations and nature walks to rituals and ceremonies that embrace the transformative energy of this celestial event.
Harmony with Nature: The Power of Permaculture Gardening for Sustainability
Unlock the Secrets of Permaculture Gardening: Explore the philosophy, principles, and methods of permaculture gardening in our comprehensive blog article. Discover its pros and cons, and learn how this sustainable approach can contribute to a greener future.
Foraging Burdock: How to Find, Harvest, and Identify this Amazing Plant
Join me as I discuss foraging burdock plants, unveil the optimal times to harvest their roots, leaves, stalks, and flowers, and unlock the secrets of accurately identifying this remarkable plant. Together, let’s delve into the enchanting realm of burdock and deepen our connection with the earth’s bountiful offerings.
Crafting Yarrow Salve: Honoring the Medicinal Gift of Achillea millefolium
Discover the art of wildcrafting yarrow salve with our comprehensive guide. Immerse yourself in the world of plant medicine as we delve into identifying, harvesting, and creating this potent herbal remedy. Learn to harness the healing power of yarrow, honoring nature’s wisdom while crafting a nourishing salve for your herbal first aid kit.
Burdock: Exploring Its Magical and Medicinal Properties
Discover burdock’s magic in our blog: uncover its history, skin and digestive benefits, and ways to enhance well-being with this healing plant.
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Situated in the heart of Northeastern Connecticut, Barbi Gardiner is a bioregional herbalist and a proud member of the Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck tribe. With a homestead recognized as a certified wildlife habitat by the Wildlife Federation and a native medicinal plant sanctuary by United Plant Savers, Barbi is a leading voice in permaculture and regenerative gardening. Passionate about seasonal living and ancestral wisdom, Barbi aims to reconnect people with the natural world and the ancient knowledge of their forebears. Through engaging articles and resources, Barbi is a beacon for sustainable living and earth-centered spirituality.