Berries from the Ashe juniper are an ingredient in cedar tea for allergy sufferers. iStock image
Back by popular demand is the recipe for cedar tea. Thanks to fellow former cedar fever sufferer Betty Branch, we can enjoy some relief from the seasonal allergy caused by the Ashe juniper.
CEDAR TEA RECIPE
(WARNING: Consult your physician before trying this homeopathic remedy as some folks are highly allergic to Ashe juniper.)
Place ½ cup of cedar tree berries in a saucepan with 1½ cups of water. Bring the ingredients to a boil and then remove from the stove, cover, and let cool. Transfer the tea and the berries into a jar and place it in the refrigerator.
By the way, if you do not have enough berries on your place, they are available at local health food stores or you can stop to ask any rancher if they'd mind if you harvested their berries. In case you are new to Texas, we always ask permission first.
Each morning, take one teaspoon of the tea. Presto, you should have no more allergies to Ashe juniper this season. After doing this annually, at some time in the future, you could eventually become immune.
Thanks again, Betty!
GARDENING DUTIES
1. Since November through February is a good time to plant trees, begin your list. While you are making your list, take into consideration the following:
- How tall will the tree grow? Look up and check for utility lines.
- What is the purpose of the tree? Shade, fruit, protection, etc.
- How large will the canopy grow?
2. Don’t start pruning trees yet, as tempting as it is. We’ll remind you later.
3. Remove annuals as their blooms begin to dwindle.
4. Cut the tops off of herbaceous (herb-like, usually leafy or non-woody) perennials that have completed their flowering cycle.
5. If you have been collecting and saving seeds of favorite or newly discovered plants, allow them to air dry. Then, place them in an air-tight container. Mark what they are before putting them away inside for a good night’s sleep.
6. Time to feed azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons with bone meal to encourage bud formation.
7. When you are composting, add coffee grounds to assist in bringing the pH level down.
8. If you are not applying corn gluten this season, fertilize your lawn (8-2-4) for the winter. Till next time. Keep your souls and soles in your garden!
Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1
"In the Garden" is written by father-daughter duo Bill and Martelle Luedecke and Bill Luedecke. Contact Martelle at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com. Contact Bill at 512-577-1463 or bill@texasland.net.
