Calendula, the Bright Orange Giver

Every now and then I will have some unexplainable affinity with something.  It doesn't make sense but certain things really resonate with me.  I'm especially drawn to fireweed.  For years I would go into the mountains and dig up little shoots but it never took root in my garden.  Much to my surprise I found some seed packets of Fireweed when I was in Alaska 6 years ago.  I brought them back, planted them, watered them with love, and even talked to them looking about first to make sure all of my neighbors were inside.  I was so excited to have my very own fireweed.  As they grew and grew something didn't look right.  Not sure if the seed manufacturer messed up or if the people of Alaska were saying, "Ha Ha, Fireweed is ours!". What grew instead was Calendula.  Turned out to be a new love affair.

Calendula is pretty (some even say happy), grows in any soil, and is anti bacterial, anti fungal, has anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties.  It can be used medicinally, in culinary, in cosmetics, and aromatically.  Calendula is from the Latin calendulae which means little calendar or little clock.  This   nicely ties in with its habit of closing its petals when there is no sun.  Propogate from seed sown autumn or spring and it will self seed profusely.  Also regular dead heading ensures you will get the most flowers.

If choosing to grow a medicinal garden, you can't go wrong with calendula.  Calendula salve is so easy to make and has become a staple in my medicine cabinet.  I use it for chapped lips, minor wounds, burns and bruises.  It is also excellent for babies.  Here is a site that gives you a fast and a long version (time wise).  I always use the longer version.  Make sure you have dried your petals completely as any dampness in the oil causes mold.  I dry mine on an old window screen on a sunny wind free day.  If you are going to use lavender oil make sure it is therapeutic grade.  You don't want to make a beautiful salve and spoil it with synthetics.

http://adelightfulhome.com/how-to-make-calendula-salve-and-why-you-should/

You can also cook with calendula.  It was once known as the poor man's saffron.  Fresh or dried petals can be added to rice, salads, and sprinkled over sweet dishes or baked in breads.  Zucchini bread is especially lovely with these bright orange and yellow petals sprinkled throughout.   Throw in some lavender buds and your friends will wonder why you are spoiling them so.

Now is the time to make room in your garden for this wonderful giving flower. Make sure your seed packets say Calendula Officinalis.  There are other related species that do not have the same medicinal value.