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
Best Holiday Gifts for Herbalists, Nature Lovers, and Wildcrafters
There’s still time to pick up the perfect holiday gifts for herbalists, nature lovers, and wildcrafters in your life! This list is packed with goodies that will appeal to anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. From books on herbalism and foraging to herb grinders and binoculars, there’s something for everyone on your list.
11 Easy Simmer Pots for Fall
Discover why simmer pots are our favorite fall hack for a welcoming home. Learn how they work, their benefits, and get our favorite simmer pot recipes for a cozy home this autumn.
New England Aster Plants: Identification, Uses, and Medicinal Benefits
Unlock the Secrets of New England Aster plants: Learn to identify, explore its uses, and harness its medicinal potential in our comprehensive guide to this vibrant native plant.
Sacred Moon Tea Recipe — Celebrate the Divine Feminine
I love to make Moon Tea as a full moon ritual to bring sacred feminine energy to the tea, especially during a full moon.
Incredible Juniper Berries: Identification, Uses & Benefits
Juniper berries have many uses. This article explains how to identify juniper berries, their medicinal uses, and how to cook with them.
Make Your Own Lavender Linen Spray (With Free Labels)
Learn how to make your own lavender linen spray with this simple 3-ingredient DIY recipe. Not only will the calming scent of lavender soothe your senses, but you’ll also get exclusive access to complimentary printable labels to add a personal touch to your homemade creation.
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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.