Inherited Knowledge of Gardening

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature which if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us alright.      ~  Henry Thoreau     

 I inherited knowledge of gardening from my maternal grandfather, an organic gardener, who produced baskets of vegetables and fruits from a tiny city lot.  My mother taught me the love of plants for food, health and beauty to the eye.  After they passed on, trial and error was an excellent teacher!  My thirst for learning led me to the Cornell University training in the Master Gardener program which I completed in 1995, along with the Apprentice level of the Cornell University Master Beekeeper program in 2000.  At this time of education, my path led me along a term of employment in the agriculture and horticulture programs at Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

Over the past twenty or more years, herbal education has been my passion. Learning along with sharing and teaching! During those years, many wise herbal teachers have guided my footsteps, among them Stephen Harrod Buhner, Pam Montgomery, Susun Weed, Amy Goodman Kiefer, and Nancy Scarzello.  In 2005 I served an apprenticeship to Rosemary Gladstar, renowned author, teacher, healer, visionary and founder of Sage Mountain Herbal Sanctuary of East Barre, Vermont, and studied with Rosemary and many other incredible Wise women (and Wise men!) at the Mountain. However, the most profound experiences have proven to be the teachings that the plants themselves have revealed to me. It is truly awe-inspiring and very humbling to hear what they have to share with us, we only need to learn to listen!  

Look deep, deep, deep into nature.  Then you will understand everything.        ~ Albert Einstein

My beloved and truly amazing husband Dennis Prezyna makes the existence of Cats Tail Farm possible.  Even though he commits to a demanding sixty (& more!) hour workweek in his occupation, he is the sole force contending with all the digging and heavy work, the rock and manure hauling, the transplanting, the tilling, and so much more..... he is the plant propagator and starts the seeds of all our botanicals for the gardens.  He does all of this, all the while supporting every one of my efforts with his entire being.  To Dennis, my deepest loving gratitude, always and forever!

We utilize only organic gardening practices in our cultivation and harvesting, in our efforts to aid in the healing of Mother Earth.  In addition, any wild crafting of botanicals is carried out only in an ethical, earth conscious and sustainable manner.  In addition to the gardens of the more easily cultivated and  better known medicinal herbs, we are reintroducing many of the endangered, threatened or rare botanicals into the wild areas and into dedicated gardens on the Farm.  In this manner, we are able to show other humans the many wise plants that have special medicinal qualities and been over-harvested because of their value.  We believe that joining with Nature in a co-creative partnership is paramount in our earth stewardship. Our herbal education programs heavily emphasize the relationship that exists between humans, plants, the two-legged, four-legged, finned, furred and feathered beings on this planet. Our goal is to share with others that by reclaiming our connection with Nature, there can there be true physical, emotional and spiritual healing for ourselves, our civilization, and our planet.

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,    Old Time is still a-flying:  And this same flower that smiles to-day    To-morrow will be dying.    ~ Robert Herrick

 I  offer botanical site assessments at your selected location for your own information along with group herbal ID plant forays on your property.  On site at Cats Tail Farm, “backyard garden medicine” walks are popular with many garden clubs, educational entities, and social groups. Please contact me for fee schedule and details.

In addition, I am available for educational presentations on the many gifts from the Green Nations ~ food, medicine, perfumery, magic, crafts ~ and especially for the United Plant Savers (www.unitedplantsavers.org) visual presentation of "At-Risk Medicinal Plants"- which focuses on the current situation of North American medicinal plants and seeks solutions to over harvesting and habitat destruction.

A fresh crop of our own harvested ceremonial herbs are in stock, including sweet grass, white sage (salvia apiana) lady's mantle and more.  For those who are seeking to reconnect with their plant allies (or to discover them) we pride ourselves on our custom smudge and amulet creation, using a blend of plant communication and your own energies.  

Please be aware that we do not sell any botanical medicines, as it is our belief and our mission to teach you to make your own herbal preparations.    In this way you will empower yourself to take care of yourself and your loved ones, all the while developing and deepening your connection with all of Mother Earth and the natural world around you.

www.catstailfarm.com     Marian V. Prezyna. All rights reserved. All photos and content on this website are not to be used or published in print, on the web or in any other form. This web site may not be reproduced in any form, except as occurs in normal browser caching, without express written permission from the Owner. Misuse of private property will result in legal action.