The Gift of the Garden: Organic Rose Petals

12 Jun 2024//Amy Lyon

Spending time in the garden with my mother is one of my favorite ways to connect with the earth—it’s a perfect blend of sunshine, light exercise, and, most importantly, good conversation. At 85, Mom is remarkably spry and continues to tackle her landscaping with the same ambition she’s always had. 

Her vision is truly "expansionist"; where others see boundaries, she sees opportunities, and she lovingly transforms every corner she touches. Watching her tend to her plants—right down to employing ladybugs for natural aphid control—is a lesson in both patience and ecological care.

I recently helped her harvest this collection of rose petals.I recently helped her harvest this collection of rose petals.

I recently helped her harvest this collection of rose petals.

The secret is in the timing: we wait until the blossoms are nearly ready to fall, then gently nudge them into a bucket held just below the bloom. Once harvested, the petals are spread across an elevated screen to dry in the sun. Proper airflow is essential to ensure they dry perfectly without catching mold. It is a simple, mindful process, and the result is pure, sun-dried botanical goodness.