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
Your Useful Guide to Seed Starting, Both Indoors and Out
Seed starting made easy! Everything you need to know about hardening off of seedlings, the proper soil, water and light conditions, and supplies needed.
Easy Rose Hip Syrup Recipe for High Dose Vitamin C
This rose hip syrup recipe is simple and a great way to get a delicious high dose of Vitamin C.
9 Basic Principles of Ethical Wildcrafting for Beginners
Here are the basics of ethical wildcrafting to consider before harvesting plants from the wild. These principles will help you to be a good steward of our natural world.
6 Full Moon Rituals to Restore Your Sacred Femininity
Explore the enduring tradition of full moon rituals in herbalism, celebrating the monthly journey around the sun with ancient wisdom and practices.
How to Make Your Own Tea Bags: With FREE Printable Tea Tags
Step-by-step instructions on how to make your own tea bags plus FREE printable tea tags.
Delicious Pine Needle Tea for Health and Simple Pleasure
Pine needle tea is not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C. It’s one of the herbs easily foraged in winter and is perfect for sipping by the fire.
Featured In
Author
-
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.