Calendula is a medicinal flower I cannot live without. If you’ve ever wandered through the rows of my little patch of heaven here at Grace Walk Farm, you know I’m a gal who loves her flowers. Not just for their pretty faces—though, goodness, they sure do brighten a day—but for what they give us when we take the time to listen to their quiet wisdom. And if there’s one flower I’ll never let a garden season pass without, it’s calendula. Those golden blooms? They’re like sunshine caught in petals, and I’m here to tell you why they’ve earned a forever spot in my dirt-stained heart.
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Calendula—sometimes folks call it pot marigold, though it’s not kin to those frilly marigolds you might be thinking of—is a healer through and through. I first tucked a few seeds into the soil years back, half out of curiosity and half because an old herbalist friend wouldn’t stop singing its praises. Now? I can’t imagine a garden without it. Those cheerful orange and yellow heads pop up like they’re saying, “Hey, we’ve got work to do!” And work they do.
For one thing, calendula is a skin-soothing wonder. Here on the farm, my hands take a beating—shoveling, weeding, hauling water in the summer heat. I whip up a simple salve with calendula petals, some good olive oil, and a dab of beeswax, and it’s like a hug for every scrape, burn, or rough patch. I’ve even caught my husband sneaking a bit for his cracked knuckles! It’s gentle enough for the kids, too— little ones are always tumbling into something—and I love knowing it’s straight from the earth, no fancy store-bought fuss needed.
But it’s not just about what calendula does for us humans. This flower’s a friend to the garden itself. Plant it near your tomatoes or beans, and it’ll call in the good bugs—ladybugs, hoverflies, all those tiny helpers that keep the pests in check. I swear, it’s like calendula is waving a little flag that says, “Come on over, pollinators!”
The bees adore it, and if you’ve ever watched them dance from bloom to bloom, you know that’s a sight worth planting for. Plus, it keeps blooming right through the season, even when the days get long and hot, giving the whole place a glow that feels like hope.
Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret: calendula is easy to love because it’s not fussy. Give it some sun, a bit of water, and it’ll thrive without much coddling. I scatter seeds in the spring, and by midsummer, I’ve got handfuls of petals to dry for teas, oils, or just to sprinkle in a bath when I need a quiet minute. Brewed up as a tea, it’s got this warm, earthy taste—like a sip of the garden itself—and it’s a comfort for a cranky stomach or a sore throat. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve pressed a mug into a friend’s hands and said, “Try this, it’ll fix you right up.”
I think the real magic of calendula, though, is how it reminds me to slow down and notice. Harvesting those bright blooms, feeling their soft stickiness on my fingers, watching them dry in baskets around the farmhouse—it’s a rhythm that keeps me tied to this land and all it teaches me. Every petal feels like a gift, a little nudge to care for ourselves and each other the way the earth does.
So, if you’re thinking about what to plant this year, take it from me: don’t skip the calendula. It’s more than a flower—it’s a helper, a healer, and a bit of joy all rolled into one. I’ll never grow a garden without these medicinal wonders, and once you’ve welcomed them into yours, I bet you won’t either. Let’s explore some ideas of things you can make with this amazing little flower.
1. Calendula-Infused Salve
Oh, friends, this one’s a staple around here! Start by gathering about a cup of dried calendula petals—fresh works too, but dry them out a bit first to prevent mold. Place them in a jar with two cups of olive oil, and let it sit in a sunny spot for a couple of weeks, giving it a shake now and then. Strain it through some cheesecloth, then warm it up with about an ounce of beeswax until it melts together smoothly. Pour it into small tins or jars, let it cool, and you have a balm that will soothe dry skin and scrapes. It’s perfect for those rough farm hands!
2. Calendula Tea Blend
Nothing warms the soul like a good cup of tea, right? Take a handful of dried calendula petals—about half a cup—and mix them with some chamomile or mint from the garden. I like to keep it simple: a teaspoon of this blend per cup of hot water, steeped for 10 minutes or so. It’s gentle, floral, and just the thing to sip when you need a quiet moment. Plus, it’s said to ease an upset stomach—nature’s little hug in a mug!
3. Calendula Bath Soak
Now, who doesn’t love a good soak after a long day? Grab a muslin bag—or a clean sock if that’s what you have—and fill it with a generous handful of dried calendula petals, maybe some oats too for extra softness. Tie it up, toss it in a warm bath, and let those golden blooms work their magic. Your skin will feel so loved, and the tub will look like a little piece of sunshine. It’s my go-to when the world feels a bit heavy.
4. Calendula Sugar Scrub
This one’s a treat, friends! Mix a cup of sugar—plain granulated works fine—with half a cup of coconut oil until it’s nice and smooth. Stir in a tablespoon of dried calendula petals, crushed up a bit so they sprinkle through. Scoop it into a jar, and you have a scrub that will leave your skin glowing and faintly scented of summer. Use it on your hands or feet—anywhere that needs a little extra care. It’s like a spa day right at home!
5. Calendula Flower Crown
Alright, this one’s just pure fun! Pick a bunch of fresh calendula blooms—stems and all—and weave them into a small crown. You can twist the stems together or use some floral wire if you’re feeling fancy. Wear it for a garden party, or just because it makes you smile—I won’t tell! It’s not something to keep forever, but it’s a sweet way to celebrate what’s blooming and feel connected to this beautiful earth.
There you have it, friends—five little projects straight from my heart to yours, using that golden calendula goodness. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you—drop me a note sometime! Until then, keep finding joy in the simple things, alright? Blessings from Grace Walk Farm!
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