One girl's field notes as she visits with CABBAGES and tromps through the garden and the woods and the cupboards.
WILDA LITTLE PATCH OF CABBAGE
When you plant a cabbage you have to imagine just how large it will bloom. And really that's just a set up because no matter how large your eyes widen nor how many sashays down the runway of the garden bed you manage to measure you will always underestimate. They need room to splendor and once they're half grown, they insist on twirling every morning in the dew filled air. So just add more room for that too.
My first patch of cabbages twinkled in the early dawn and loved the cool breeze of late morning. Early afternoon was absolutely fatiguing. Cabbages just can't even with that so a little bit of shade goes a long way. Then dusk hits and the color is back in their cheeks and they sit up straight again and with evening they stretch up toward the moon and smile. Then the fairies come out to walk about the cabbage castles and enjoy a bit of twinkle too. |
WHIMSYCABBAGE AND CLOVE TUTU
The cabbage leaf is lovely and delicate but not at all subtle. It is subdued in color but uses bulk and bloom to join the party with zeal. It insists on layers of gorgeous texture and subtle stripes that twist and turn in a slow ballerina twirl.
This wooly tutu is equally at home in the earthy mischief of the garden bed, or as a party dress for any particular enchanting engagement. It's got layers of hand spun wool, tulle, and ribbons, all dip dyed for added color depth. The cabbage fairy was born to a very infamous pirate who sniped treasure from seven kings. The treasure was buried one day layer after layer in one secret place, heavily spelled for protection. When the pirate returned to search the treasure, there only remained a single cabbage in it's spot. The cabbage fairy guard's her treasure closely by hiding it in plain sight. Only when the morning dew glistens can you catch a glimpse of the jewels within. |
WONDERFIREFLIES IN THE PATCH COLLAGE
In the height of summer, when it's warm even in the evening, the air is thick with magic. That kind of energy beckons you out of your chair and has you causally suggesting to everyone, wouldn't it be lovely to go for a walk? You wander casually past the lake and the great trees that gently flutter their leaves in greeting as you pass by. Then, back through the garden and you spot the fireflies dangling midair like twinkle lights over the cabbages. The fairies are having a party, and you were invited.
I painted this collage with inks and acrylics. It sits on a base of vintage ephemera that has been further sketched, and smudged. |
OTHER *CABBAGE* NOTES OF IMPORT
Little bits of knowledge from traipsing through libraries, internets and life. I focus on northern climate, North American varieties and techniques.
DISCLAIMER: I try to provide footnotes and links if possible but please be safe and do your homework. This is not meant as advice or consult.
DISCLAIMER: I try to provide footnotes and links if possible but please be safe and do your homework. This is not meant as advice or consult.
FOOD
Cabbage leaves can be eaten cold, fermented or hot, or brewed into a tea. Each is incredibly healthful. Cold cabbage dishes are salads, treated similar to a lettuce. Fermented cabbage makes a very healthy coleslaw, and hot cabbage can be broiled, sautéed, or boiled. |
TOPICAL MEDICINE
Dip leaves in hot water and apply to incisions, cuts or scrapes, sore throats, or hot swollen joints to pull pus from the wounds. Pulped cabbage leaves have antiseptic and soothing properties and can be made into a poultice and applied directly to small wounds. |
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Cabbage has a wide variety of healing properties. Eating the cabbage leaves can treat scurvy, reduce risks of cancer and ulcers by addressing free radicals. Cabbage also boosts mental function, promotes bone strength and protects against osteoporosis, it controls blood pressure and also helps with constipation and digestive issues. |
NATURAL DYE
Red cabbage can make wonderful natural dye by boiling the leaves. The color will seep into the water creating a lovely and vibrant natural dye that works across many fiber types and produces lovely purple and blue colors. |
DIVINATION
Cabbage is known as the spirit of vitality. Lore tells that babies are born in cabbage patches. And the vegetable is also known for its properties in anti-aging by both eating the vegetable and drinking the brew. In early Europe, Cabbage gardens were planted to honor the King and represent youthful energy (and a long reign). |
GROWTH
Cabbage thrive in cool temperatures and will appreciate full sun in a cooler spot in the garden. Easy to grow from seed. They'll grow large if you've given them lots of room, but the smaller/mid sized cabbages are tastier. Good companions are celery, dill, and onions. Clover covers ground to protect from pests. Chamomile improves growth and flavor. |