Earth's Flowers

Making Homemade Handcrafted Soap Here's a detailed recipe for making homemade natural soap using the cold process method, presented in a step-by-step format inspired by information mapping principles for clarity. I'm new to this, but love the idea of making homemade, handcrafted natural soaps using natures plants and flowers. Remember to use caution when making this type of soap and watch some great videos online from master soap makers who value safety when processing. This is for me to remember each step. I can't stress enough that when using lye make sure no children or pets are around. It is best to do it yourself and wear safety gear. International Soap (Adaptable to various scent and color profiles) Natural Soap (Not for consumption, for external use only) Important Safety Note: Lye (Sodium Hydroxide - NaOH) is a caustic substance. ALWAYS wear safety goggles and gloves when working with lye. Work in a well-ventilated area. Keep lye and soap batter away from child...

Dahlia by Carol Eliassen I posted this on my other blog , but it fits perfectly with this one as well!  If someone loves to photograph flowers but doesn't have access to a garden or lives in an apartment, there are several great options to consider: 1. Public Parks : Many cities have parks with beautiful flower gardens. These are often well-maintained and provide a variety of flowers to photograph. 2. Botanical Gardens : Visiting a local botanical garden can be a fantastic option. These gardens typically feature a wide range of plant species, including many types of flowers, and are designed for public enjoyment. 3. Flower Markets : Local flower markets or farmers' markets often have vibrant displays of flowers. These can provide excellent opportunities for close-up photography. 4. Nature Reserves : Many nature reserves have wildflowers and native plants. These areas can offer a more natural setting for flower photography. 5. Community Gardens : Some neighborhoods have communit...

Borage Borage can grow tall and display light purple and pink flowers. It may be an annual but it does come back every year and can land in areas that you weren't expecting. In my case, just remove it, but keep it where it is beneficial for your other plants. I sometimes let plants take over and then regret it. It is so hard to pull up something that I love, but it can be a necessity. I try to replant somewhere else, but I'm out of room. I also give away starts in my yard. If I had 100 acres, it would look like a park. The leaves and flowers of the Starflower are edible and have a cucumber-like taste. It is actually an annual herb! Some say the flowers taste like honey. I have not tried it yet, but I will this year. The best thing about it is that it attracts pollinators - Bees. I love that! Plant in a sunny location that drains well.

Peach Rose One of my favorite rose bushes is blooming delicate peach-colored roses. It has a blend of pink and yellow tones, which gives it the peach color. It is highlighted next to my wooden fence. Who doesn't love to walk by and smell the roses?   

Calendula, known as a Pot Marigold  This orange daisy-like flower, which can be bright yellow or orange, highlights the garden with its graceful and bright bloom. The peddles are edible, and historically, they were used medicinally for skin conditions. It is a versatile flower that I love to grow. I have not used it for anything else.

Clematis Lanuginosa I'm growing this in my garden, and it is spectacular to look at with the beautiful, big blooms on the vine.  It is widely used in landscaping for its flowers. The flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This plant is appreciated for its beauty and versatility in garden design, making it a favorite among gardeners and horticulturists. It prefers full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth and flowering. It can also grow the vines up to 13 feet! After flowering, the plant produces fluffy seed heads that resemble cotton, which is where the common name "old man's beard" comes from. It is native to the mountainous regions of Central and Eastern Europe , particularly the Carpathians and  Balkans . It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in woodland edges, scrub, and rocky slopes.