top of page
- Seeds of Wisdom -
A collection of writings, musings, and prompts inspired by plants and the natural world.
If you enjoy my writing and would like to buy me a tea, feel free to drop a tip into my Venmo tip jar:
An appreciation for the teachers
I thought I would take a moment here and give honor to some of my teachers; because nothing I share with others is new, nothing is "mine", it is all an amalgamation of the wisdom and learning I have gathered over my lifetime distilled through my own unique lens. So, while it may appeal in new ways or connect with new audiences, it is because of that gift of learning given by others before me.
Lauren Snyder
Mar 306 min read
California Poppy
California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica Just about everyone who lives in California is familiar with our Stat’s flower, the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica ). This brilliant sunny bloom emerges each spring with golden orange flowers and splays of light bluish green feathery leaves. During years of heavier rainfall, these flowers can wrap hillsides in blankets of vibrant oranges and golds. Not as commonly known, are the medicinal qualities this beautiful flower
Lauren Snyder
Feb 262 min read
A gentle heart centered ritual & Tea recipe
Ritual has often been sold to us online as something that has to be complex, aesthetic, and very often expensive. Ritual is reserve for those who have the fanciest and most beautiful ways of participating. But, in my experience small simple rituals are often times the most effective.
Lauren Snyder
Jan 263 min read
Four essentials for every plant walk
The four essentials I take with me on every plant walk. These things will help you connect with and explore local plant life!
Lauren Snyder
Jan 75 min read
The Magic of Herbal Steams for Respiratory Support
One of my favorite ways to clear the congestion and stagnation of the winter months is through the gentle practice of herbal steams.
Lauren Snyder
Dec 31, 20253 min read
Post-Cold Renewal Herbal Tea Recipe
I recently whipped up this delicious, easy to blend tea for my daughter as she was getting over the last remnants of a cold. This is a great tea for when you're past the apex of the infection, but still feeling kind of run down and needing a boost...
Lauren Snyder
Nov 30, 20252 min read
What your favorite Ojai plant says about you...
Recently I made a post on Instagram about a handful of Ojai plants and what their attributes seemingly evoked about someone who chose them as their favorite.
Lauren Snyder
Aug 25, 20253 min read
Summer Chill: Cooling herbs for the heat
Let me introduce you to some of my favorite cooling herbs for long hot summer days; plus some bonus recipes!
Lauren Snyder
Jun 30, 20255 min read
Herbs for Resiliency & Resistance
I felt called to compile a list of herbs that I feel can give folks a toolkit of resources that may be of help as we navigate the difficult times ahead and resist the tyranny before us.
Lauren Snyder
Jun 9, 20257 min read
Sensory Exploration: Sages (Salvia)
A sensory exploration of the unique qualities of White Sage, Purple Sage, and Black Sage.
Lauren Snyder
Jun 2, 20255 min read
Grow where you are planted...
I have vivid memories of walking up Sisar Trail as a kid, with my elementary school class. The smell of chaparral sharp in my nostrils
Lauren Snyder
Apr 2, 20253 min read
It all started with a single sage...
I knew planting herbs would be a beautiful hands-on addition to my herbal studies; I did not anticipate the deep nourishment for my garden
Lauren Snyder
Mar 10, 20253 min read
Paeonia californica; Finding Presence with Juxtaposition & Everyday Beauty
It may not burst forth with the vibrance of the local Poppy; California Peony reserves its beauty for the more attentive, mindful observer.
Lauren Snyder
Feb 10, 20255 min read
Tulsi Rose Lemon Cookies
I gathered some Tulsi flowers, roses, and a few lemons from our yard and stepped into the kitchen.
Lauren Snyder
Nov 18, 20243 min read
The wisdom of Romneya coulteri: matilija Poppy
Romneya coulteri: Matilija Poppy A few weeks ago, I cut back my Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri); as I have done to a small degree many times before. However, this year, upon doing some research about the growing patterns and best practices for managing these beautiful plants, I came across a few articles discussing the benefits of cutting back poppies to about 2-4 inches from the ground in the fall, to allow for abundant fresh growth in the spring. Before I share further,
Lauren Snyder
Oct 8, 20244 min read
Let's Plant an herb garden...
Ready to plant an herb garden? Here are a couple free helpful resources to get you started.
Lauren Snyder
Aug 28, 20242 min read
Nature: It's a Queer thing...
Nature is inherently queer; it is also violent and beautiful and miraculous and wildly complex.
Lauren Snyder
Aug 26, 20246 min read
The Prayer of Gardening
Finding a unique spiritual practice through the practice of gardening
Lauren Snyder
Aug 26, 20246 min read
bottom of page