Foraging Friends Inc.

10/01/2026

Hello Foraging Friends,
I am saying farewell to Summer and hello Fall! In my garden and surrounding landscapes I try to understand our environment. Noticing these little critters just living their best life. Yet, just seeing them can trigger a different responses from different people. Still they are really harmless.
When I look at them, I see two critters that make it possible for us to live on this planet.
The China Praying Mantis prays on all that would overwhelm plants, humans and more, just like its less aggressive cousin, the Carolina Praying Mantis. It is tough in these woods, but can we look for ways to help without toxifiing ourselves in the process?
The humble red worm turns the vegetables in my compost bin to black nutrients for the elderberry plants next year and nourishes our stinging nettles. Not to mention, it has become another layer to keeping our trash down.
Both of these creeping and crawling things has come to the maturity of their cycle and are creating new life for next year. No-one needs to rule over them, to do what they were created for.
I find that amazingly wonderful.
Remember these critters and others through to coldest days of Winter.
Notice, Wonder and Share your lessons from Nature.

09/26/2026

Hello . I love to visit the 3 sister at the Shamokin St. playground. I have never noticed these tiny mushrooms before. All over them. They reminded me of something from an animated film. We have had quite a bit of rain and overcast for the last few weeks. Typical this time of year, for the . Some of the crevices looked like faces, don't you think? Just beautiful. Oaks are such kind and welcoming trees.

09/04/2026

Today, I stopped by my favorite farmer’s Market, ’sfarmersmarket. He had Oyster mushrooms, white button mushroom, and picked up quite a bit of parsley, so beautiful.

BTW did you know historically parsley was used as an aphrodisiac? Use wisely🧐 🤭
I also brought some basics, onions and a cantaloupe. Raise your hand if you know how to pick cantaloupe? Let me tell you one secret your nose knows. Maybe this will help https://youtu.be/0PmrU5mw48o

Yesterday, I foraged at my neighbor’s Susan’s garden for Hibsicus buds, They were resting this year. She graciously shared basil, thyme, lavender and rosemary. The Hibiscus buds🥰 are adorable! I don’t know if I have enough for a syrup but I will cover in honey 🍯

Can you believe the year is coming to a close? I hope to get all my Autumn joys complete; fill my lemon balm jar, dig out the horse radish for fire c***r and make more apple c***r, finish drying all the herbs I have foraged or gathered from my garden. I am halfway there. New to me dried Mulberry leaves I like their subtle texture.

Lots more foraging discoveries, home chores and more, before Winter sets in.

Forage on in bliss😌

09/01/2026

Look who visited my garden today?
is part of the cycle of life, in an ecosystem I allowed, didn’t plan. The , and live on
the fence side of my garden. One year I put cardboard on this same strip on soil. The next more cardboard and pebble’s thinking it would deter cat activity, to no avail. No worries I have a new plan. So does the Calendula it has spread further to the pebbled section and there’s an abundance of Asiatic , they look similar to pea flowers, they make good cover for crickets, spiders and toads 🐸.
Whom by the way look well fed. No shortage of their favorite delights. I look forward to their song every year. For some reason this year they were a little late... at least the little peepers. Maybe due to Winter lingering on into May. Never the less I am happy to see them taking care of the grubs, bugs and other nuisances of the cycle. I just hope I keep things tidy enough not to attract any venomous predators 🐍

08/28/2026

Recognizing, Noticing and today’s work;
Noticing, the birds actually do like the elderberries! Two years and this was the year they decided to feast. either that our I was just quicker last year at getting them picked and processed. I took what was left( about 2 c.), and prepped a small jar for the season.
Elderberries make me feel loved and that I love myself by giving my cells a little bit of help. I know most people make a syrup, but I know even a syrup won't get used fast enough so I opted for jam. Just decreased the water content significantly and voila jam worthy elderberries. I will share the recipe in Foraging Friends Newsletter.

08/12/2026

season! Easy to identify, they change from red to deep purple/black, when you pop them off at the attachment of the stem there is no deep recess opening, the vines are green unlike black ’s that have a deep recess opening and whitish green vines. Don’t forget the thorns. I like to wear gloves. Collect enough to make , mash-ins and more.

08/06/2026

RSVP experience the flavors of Fresh, -based , from the forest or hedgerows of Pennsylvania. Reserve your spot at the table and take note in the FB event section for more details.

An afternoon of tasting, storytelling, and discovering the flavors of the season.

08/03/2026

https://foragingfriendsinc.wixsite.com/friends/post/mushroom-monday-which-edible-mushroom-are-for-you

Hello Foraging Friends!Guess what I found in the produce section at Weis? Oyster mushrooms! They’re such a lovely looking bunch!Every day brings a delightful surprise, even when things are a bit hectic 😂This reminds me of “The Black Forager” Alexis Nicole Nelson’s video. She made a YouTub...