Explore the Wonder and Medicine of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Special Announcement for an Upcoming Retreat
When I was in my early 20s I was having issues that were not being resolved through standard western medicine. I was introduced to Chinese medicine and herbalism. The results were immediate, and I was a convert. When I became an avid gardener, I took to growing not just culinary herbs, but also medicinal ones. My husband would often make fun of all my teas and tinctures, but he knows they make a difference, even if he won’t admit it. By the time I left Dallas, my backyard was somewhere between a salad bowl and an herb counter.
In early winter last year I was doing some digging on the internet for herbalist education, and I stumbled upon a great interview on NPR (have a listen) with Kat Maier. I was blown away. But the most delightful surprise of all, was that she has a school about an hour away in Charlottesville. There was a 6-week intro to herbalism class starting the following month, and obviously I immediately signed up! Kat did NOT disappoint. It should come as no surprise my wheels started spinning.
And with that, I am excited and proud to present Herbalism in the Blue Ridge an Heirloom Springs Retreat, with Kat Maier: May 31 - June 2, 2024.
This will be an intimate retreat with limited spots, so don’t wait to sign up if you are interested.
Details and schedule below.
P.S., Here is another favorite interview with Kat. And, did I mention she is also an award winning author? #fangirl
XO,
Rachael Lieck Bryce
Herbalism in the Blue Ridge with Kat Maier
May 31 - June 2, 2024
Join us for an intimate retreat to learn about herbalism and experience nature in gorgeous surroundings with award-winning author and respected herbalist Kat Maier.
Retreat Highlights
Meet and Learn from Award-Winning Author and Respected Herbalist Kat Maier
Discover How to Heal, Rewild, Reawaken and Restore Yourself with Herbalism
Study the Ancient Wise Woman Ways of Healing
Nourish from the Inside Out
Awaken Inner Wisdom and Physical Connection with Morning Hikes and Yoga in the Forest
Evoke Inner Strength with Pilates
Explore the Wonder and Medicine of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a Forest Ramble
Schedule/Weekend Outline
*Subject to change
Friday, Start 2pm
Meet-and-Greet in our Retreat Center
Welcome Herbaceous Refreshments
Walking Farm Tour with Rachael and Kat
Workshop 1: The History of Herbalism with Kat
Nature walk to a restorative yoga class in the forest
Herbaceous happy hour
Farm-to-table dinner and dessert outdoors under the stars
Fire, star-gazing and moon-bathing
Saturday, Start 9:30am
Coffee and light breakfast
Morning plant ID walk
Workshop 2: From the Spice Rack to the Medicine Chest with Kat Learn to work with the most common kitchen spices for preventive health care as well as deep healing. Ginger, thyme, sage, rosemary and others are profound medicines beyond the spice rack, learn why herbs have been traditional remedies for millennia.
Farm-to-table lunch served outdoors. Lunch to highlight culinary herbs discussed in the morning session.
Workshop 3: Planting a Culinary and Medicinal Garden with Kat and Rachael This is an outdoor active workshop. We will plant an herb garden together, including many of the herbs we learned about in the morning. We will get dirty and talk about soil health; the ins and outs of how to grow herbs from seeds to plants; what you need in terms of tools, space, water and sun; and what herbs grow best together.
Free time on the farm
Workshop 4: Making Medicine with Kat Learn how easy it is to make your own elderberry syrup, oxymel and elderflower tincture.
Workshop 5: Medicines in the Forest with Kat and Rachael This delightful hour will be a forest ramble to identify the medicines of the woodlands including the magnificent trees which many have called the “big herbs.”
Evening restorative yoga
Herbaceous happy hour
Farm-to-table dinner and dessert at Belle View, our lodging host
Sunday, Start 9am
Optional hike prior to start
Coffee and light breakfast
Pilates mat class in the barn
Workshop 6: Energetic Herbalism and Q&A with Kat Energetic herbalism is what ancient systems have been working with for centuries. Simply stated, it looks at plants as well as people and their nature. Do they run cold? Hot? Is the plant cooling or warming. This is essential in looking at how to begin to choose from among the multitude of herbs. We will look at moistening herbs and drying herbs, as well as plants to relax and tone.
Farewell brunch
End 1pm