One girl's field notes as she visits with LILIES and tromps through the garden and the woods and the cupboards.
WILDMOONBEAM COREOPSIS DYE BUNDLES
I never believe the instructions on the back of seed packets. They attempt in one sentence to account for diverse varieties and gardeners and zones and soil types simply by stating the recommended spacing of seeds and days to harvest. So it is for that reason, and general lack of patience, that I ignore them completely and plant carrot seeds abundantly and on top of each other. I sprinkle them liberally like sugar on my cinnamon toast.
And when I yank them up one by one they are plump and long and twisted and lovely. I add them liberally and abundantly to my soup pot with all manner of other wayward and sultry vagabonds from the garden. Most notably, the potatoes, unsociable in their growing towers, but quite happy to partner in the pot. I would offer a recipe here if there was one. But really you can't write down garden soup. It is simply the day's finds, foraged from the nests you made them months ago, and then into the pot with cream and butter. |
WHIMSYLILY TUTU
Carrots aim to fool. Their cool temperament, long patience, soft colors and subtle flavors will lull you to casually overlook them and that's just what they want. That's when they take you for a spin to their Carnivals. Those carrots are daredevils and mystery novel junkies. They play banjos and grow flavors that can make a radish blush.
This wooly tutu has all the colors you'd least expect a respectable carrot to have. Deep greens and burgundies and hot pinks and plums. The texture is as variegated as rings on the carrot -- made perfectly bumpy with hand spun yarn, soft feathers and silk ribbons. The carrot fairy is hard to spot because she's covered in mud from exploring caves and possible forts under tree roots. When she does pop out she wears a tall hat with a sprig on the end and sneaks up on sleeping rabbits to tickle their noses. She is fond of wearing shocking colors and hanging upside down in the trees with the bats. You might mistake her for an autumn leaf if you're not careful. Be careful. |
WONDERMOONBEAM IN THE GARDEN COLLAGE
Most people visit Carnivals at night when the big cats are roaring and the lion tamer walks a tight rope of twinkle lights. But its worth wandering through camp in midday if you can. The Carnival Lady is there wearing waders on her way to feed the big cats. She's carrying a bouquet of flowers and a bucket of carrots.
Please don't ask her if lions eat carrots. Don't ask her if leopards do either. She'll just laugh and point to strongman and say he's strong for his size but he still can't tame lions. Then she'll ask you your name, kid, and tell you to go home and eat your vegetables. I painted this collage with inks and acrylics. It sits on a base of vintage ephemera that has been further sketched, and smudged. |
OTHER *MOONBEAM COREOPSIS* 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
Carrots are wonderfully versatile and can be eaten as a savory or a sweet depending on preparation. They're great in savory stews and divine in sweet cakes and breads. Carrot juice is also quite refreshing, and incredibly healthy as a cleanser too. Don't forget to add the leafy tops to salads, or brew them as tea. |
TOPICAL MEDICINE
Pulped or peeled carrot can be applied to sores. It's also an excellent first aid ointment for itchy skin. Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot) has other similar properties and can be made into a useful tincture. |
INTERNAL MEDICINE
In addition to helping your vision, carrots are great for internal cleansing. They help the intestines and purify the blood and work as an overall tonic. They can also aid in fluid retention, reduce colic, and help address the pain of menstrual cramps. |
NATURAL DYE
Carrot dye will give you lovely rounded oranges that work on cottons and wools - but you can also dye your hair with it too. The color is pulled from boiling the peeled root. |
DIVINATION
Carrots of all things are said to improve lust and desire. Lore has it that you can eat the seeds for fertility and the roots for virility. If you're feeling fancy, go to the carnival and eat some carrot cake. |
GROWTH
Cosmic purple heirlooms are my favorite variety for color and taste. Companion planting can help enhance their overall health and care. Tomatoes provide shade, and rosemary, chives and sage protect against carrot flies. |
Sources: Many medicinal properties were found here and here. Varieties and growth habits can be found here.