45 The Pollinator's Sermon | Tending Here While Holding the Dream

"The garden you have is already worth returning to. Tend it well." Brenda J. Sullivan   In this episode of The New England Herbary, I share a small, unexpected moment from my deck garden in Connecticut — a hummingbird hovering at the edge of the hose spray, drinking from the mist, then coming back for more. That quiet visit became the sermon for this week's episode. As we move into June and the sun climbs toward the Summer Solstice, I sit with the pollinators' oldest teaching: show up to what is blooming, tend it completely, and trust that the garden you have — not the one you're dreaming toward — is already worth returning to. This week's herbs are chamomile — blooming now, beloved by bees, and one of the most useful plants in the kitchen herbalist's cabinet — and a first introduction to St. John's Wort, the queen of the solstice, waking up along the sunny field edges ahead of her full episode next week. Topics include: the Druidic tradition of the bees as messengers between worlds, the Saxon sacred herb Maythen, five simple ways to work with chamomile at home, and what the approach to Litha is asking of us this June. ✍️ Join my Newsletter! Each Friday, a letter arrives from the garden — seasonal stories, herbal wisdom, and the quiet rhythms of the Celtic year. You'll be the first to hear about new offerings, upcoming classes, and hands-on workshops. And every month, subscribers get the topic and the link for our free Zoom circle, where we gather to learn and linger together. It's a slow, unhurried corner of the internet. Come as you are. https://thenewenglandherbary.com/join/   🌿 Herbs & Favorite Tools (affiliate links — thank you for supporting this work) Herbs featured in this Show: 1. Dried Chamomile Flowers https://amzn.to/4xdFTlM 2. Flex Aeroponic Vertical Growing Tower (I am in love with my grow tower!!!) https://amzn.to/49FGDWS 3.  Budget Friendly- Vertical Hydroponic Tower Garden Growing System - Indoor Planter Kit https://amzn.to/4x82IqV 4. Rolling Elevated Raised Garden Bed-V Series, 2' x 8' Garden Beds with Legs (This is a great option if you don't have ground to grow in) https://amzn.to/3RSsWOb   My favorite tea-making tools: BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker, https://amzn.to/4r4LYNH   Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar,  https://amzn.to/4qWQr4L   Heat-proof wide-mouth mason jars https://amzn.to/4pNflmq   📚Bookstore - Brenda J. Sullivan Books https://www.brendajsullivanbooks.com/   🌱 My Garden Journal – A How-To Garden Book for Kids Because every gardener starts with a single seed — and a little curiosity. My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey. Inside you'll find: Simple planting guidance Space for drawings, photos, and notes Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef's Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden) Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants. ✨ You'll be amazed at how much you — and your garden — grow when you take time to journal the journey.   🌿 Work With Me 🌙 Herbal Consultations (Now Open) Root your wellness in the wisdom of the plants — and the stars. My one-on-one consultations offer gentle, grounded guidance rooted in traditional herbalism, vitalist principles, and (if you wish) astrology. Each session begins with listening. 👉 Learn more here: https://mailchi.mp/351efb18cd6b/one-on-one-consultations-landing-page   ☕ Buy Me a Cup of Tea If this story brought you comfort, you can support the channel here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thompsonstg 🎶 Music Credits A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story. I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander's work. 🎼 Song: Planning - 320bit -  September 5, 2021 🔗 https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/   🌿 Stay Connected Website: https://thenewenglandherbary.com/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thenewenglandherbary?si=f7_MB0XEz0vn0Xr   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewenglandherbary/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578148227744 The New England Herbary is a project of Thompson Street Farm LLC. https://thompsonstreetfarm.com/