By Beth Schreibman Gehring

In the heart of midwinter, when the world outside is hushed and still, a unique and enchanting rhythm emerges as we gently transition towards spring. It’s a time to draw our loved ones close, relish the warmth and comfort of home, and eagerly anticipate the bloom of a new season. Inspired by the indoor gardening adventures I’m sharing with my new grandson, I invite you to experience the essence of this magical season as we explore cozy traditions and heartwarming moments that make it truly special.

Last week, our garden expedition revealed shoots of snowdrops and daffodils peeking through the pristine snow cover. These tiny green shoots emerged from their white blankets, promising the beautiful snowdrops to come. It was a lesson in resilience, much like the herbs we treasure for their ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions. And speaking of herbs, I was delighted when Wolfie and I poked around the garden and discovered new shoots of sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender, all ready to be enjoyed.

While the garden may rest beneath a snowy blanket, midwinter offers the perfect opportunity to dream and plan for the lush, green days ahead. Gather seed catalogs and immerse your family members, big and small, in the world of gardening, where herbs play a vital role year-round. As you map out your gardening plans for the upcoming season, consider planting even more herbs than usual, those quiet healers of nature that easily thrive amongst some of our touchier plants and offer us their unique gifts.

As herb enthusiasts, many of us delight in discussing the herbs that will find a home amidst the vegetables and flowers in our garden. The anticipation of planting basil, rosemary, lavender, and so many others always fills me with excitement. The best part? Not only do they add flavor to our meals, but herbs such as basil, rosemary, and lavender may also serve as essential allies in natural pest control.

As midwinter’s frosty embrace surrounds our home, we love to gather to create a lovingly adorned mantel, celebrating the season’s beauty and family unity. With candles casting a gentle glow and winter greens adorning the arrangement, symbols of light and hope woven in, this communal effort becomes a tapestry of our unique essences.

This time-honored ritual deepens as we weave herbal lore into its fabric. Alongside the candles and greens, we place fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage on our mantel. In the realm of herbalism, rosemary symbolizes remembrance and protection. We feel its energy, believing in its ability to ward off negativity and bestow blessings upon our family. With each breath, we inhale the wisdom of the past and the enchantment of the present, further enriching the tapestry of our midwinter traditions. If you don’t have a mantel, creating the same magic on a table is just as delightful!

As you adorn your home with nature’s beauty, consider adding a touch of herbal enchantment to your decor. Windowsills, sideboards, and kitchen tables can come alive with vibrant colors and fragrance of hyacinth, daffodil and narcissus bulbs, delicate snowdrops, and budding twigs that you’ve brought indoors to force. Embrace the opportunity to bring the outdoors in and lovingly place aromatic, healing herbs like mint and thyme in pots throughout your home. 

Another thing that we do often is celebrate midwinter’s bounty with a hearty feast. Incorporate the magic of herbs into your cooking, for they have the power to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights, imbuing them with vibrant flavors and healing properties. Thyme, for instance, is not only a culinary delight but also renowned for its antibacterial properties. Sprinkle fresh thyme over your roasted root vegetables and watch as it elevates the dish with its earthy and aromatic essence.

Oregano, another herb that thrives in the garden even during winter’s chill, adds warmth and depth to culinary creations. Whether simmering a hearty stew or crafting a savory tomato sauce, a sprinkle of dried oregano leaves can turn an ordinary dish into a flavorful masterpiece.

Herbs like rosemary and sage, often associated with winter feasts, season your meats, and elevate dishes to new levels of deliciousness. One of my favorites this time of year is a roasted chicken stuffed with onion, apple, orange, sage, and rosemary and rubbed with a blend of butter, honey, and curry powder. The scent is sublime.

Don’t forget to explore the world of herbal teas. As you cozy up by the hearth, sip on a cup of peppermint tea, known for its invigorating and digestive benefits. Peppermint’s refreshing flavor provides a delightful contrast to the richness of winter meals. Embrace the soothing properties of chamomile; its delicate, apple-like flavor is a soothing balm for the soul, making it the perfect companion for chilly winter evenings.

Finally, Midwinter’s quiet moments create an ideal backdrop for journaling. Before putting pen to paper, light a lovely candle, prepare your favorite tea, close your eyes, and take a moment to breathe deeply. Visualize your path ahead and embrace the inner warmth and wisdom that will guide you through the remaining winter days.

Consider dedicating a section of your journal to your herbal endeavors, documenting the growth and development of your garden, the herbs used in cooking, or your explorations in herbal remedies. Note the changing appearances of herbs through the seasons and the delightful surprises that nature offers.

As we embrace these heartwarming activities and traditions, we find ourselves moving through the season with wonder and warmth. Midwinter is a time of cherished memories, renewed connections with nature, and a deep appreciation for the beauty each season offers. So, let’s cozy up by the hearth, draw our loved ones close, and celebrate this enchanting time as we eagerly await the arrival of spring’s gentle embrace.

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1)Snowdrops (courtesy of the author); 2) The next generation of herbal enthusiasts (courtesy of the author); 3) A variety of herbs adorn a table (Annie Spratt at Unsplashed); 4) Roasted chicken and herbs (courtesy of the author); 5) A warming cup of tea (Canva)

Beth Schreibman Gehring is a lover of all things green, delicious, growing, beautiful, magical, and fragrant. She’s also a lifestyle blogger, storyteller, and occasional wedding and party planner who uses an ever-changing seasonal palette of love, life, and food to help her readers and clients fall madly in love with their lives! Beth lives and works with Jim, her husband of 40 years, and is owned by 17 full sets of vintage dishes, hundreds of books, two cats, one dog, a horse, a swarm of wild honeybees, a garden full of herbs, fruit, vegetables, and old rambling roses, too many bottles of vintage perfume and very soon, a flock of heirloom chickens! She is the author of Stirring the Senses: How to Fall Madly in Love with Your Life and Make Everyday a Day for Candles & Wine (available on Amazon) and is currently working on a new book, Roses for Beauty, Flavor, and Fragrance. Join her in her gardens at https://bethschreibmangehring.substack.com/, or contact her at beth.gehring@stirringthesenses.com.