No matter how much classroom knowledge one gains, nothing can replace getting into nature and using one’s organoleptic abilities to get to know our live plant allies on their own turf. This year’s themes of rooting, resting and renewal all have their place as we immerse ourselves within the tree canopy and open up to the energy of the natural environment.

Developing our senses as herbalists is important in so many ways. It can help us to recognize possible misidentification in plants that you may not have harvested yourself. We can gain an understanding of why a plant may lean toward healing certain conditions by realizing the type of environment in which the plant grows. We can see the optimum time and season for ideal harvesting of the herb. Ultimately, it can help us understand the nature of the plant itself.