The Summer Garden at Wild Rose

Summer is here in Southern Oregon and our permaculture gardens are exploding with fresh food and herbs! We grow all of our own Calendula and Yarrow in our annual veggie gardens because they are wonderful allies for our food crops. They attract beneficial insects, improve flavor and keep the soil healthy. 

This is a first year garden on our new homestead. We established this garden using the lasagna gardening method with the help of a couple loads of rich, USDA organic compost. Our compost is from Southern Oregon Compost, a local company that reclaims local waste and transform it into black gold.

Calendula is perfect paired with tomatoes. Our tomatoes aren't quite ripe, but we are sure to have an epic crop this year!

We also practice bio-intensive gardening which combines beneficial crops into the same bed to best utilize space and increase yields. Here, our early kale plants are using space not yet taken up by our young squash. Lettuce also fills unused space as the squash grows.

When establishing our garden, we left this large wild Yarrow patch intact. I was surprised to see it bloom in hues of pink - a color only found in ornamental and high elevation varieties. This beautiful bunch will provide us with Yarrow for many years to come!

Clear Summer Skin with Wild Rose's Clarity Line

For those of us with oily or blemish-prone skin, keeping skin clear through the Summer can be tricky - particularly during these hot, dry spells! Rising temperatures can increase oil production and sweat, which in turn requires a more intensive cleaning regimen. But, extra washing combined with the dry air can leave skin parched, causing oil glands to work overtime. Thus, more washing, and the cycle continues.

Our Clarity skin care line has been developed with balance in mind. Clarity is an aromatherapy-based system that supports clear, blemish-free skin for all ages and skin types by working with your skin's natural cycles to reduce breakouts. Clarity combines pure botanicals with organic essential oils for an effective regimen that will not over-dry or irritate sensitive skin. All without chemicals or synthetic materials, this system is 100% plant-based. Perfect for blemish-prone and oily skin, beneficial for all. Clarity is a three-step daily regimen plus a weekly/as needed mineral facial mask.

Step one: Clarity Calendula Cleanser. A gentle, yet effective botanical cleanser balances and purifies for clear and healthy skin. This liquid facial wash is enhanced with organic Calendula extract plus organic essential oils of Tea Tree, Pink Grapefruit and Pacific Northwest Lavender for deep cleansing. Clarity's scent is refreshing, fruity and slightly floral.

Use just a few drops of this concentrated wash to lather in wet hands before applying to the face. Massage gently in a circular motion with fingertips or your favorite facial brush. Rinse well with warm water and lightly pat dry.

Step two: Clarity Purifying Facial Toner. This all natural astringent is made with soothing organic Witch Hazel extract plus organic essential oils of Tea Tree, Grapefruit and Pacific Northwest Lavender. These powerful plant-based ingredients work together to draw out stubborn impurities and tighten pores. 

After cleansing, apply just a few drops to a dry face using a clean cotton ball to remove excess impurities and tighten pores.

Step three is the Clarity Balancing Moisturizer. This lightweight, highly absorbent oil-based moisturizer combines Grapeseed and Borage Seed oils to balance and nourish picky skin. Enhanced with organic essential oils of Tea Tree, Pacific Northwest Lavender, Pink Grapefruit, Palmarosa and German Chamomile to soothe and hydrate skin without clogging pores. Clarity Balancing Moisturizer is designed to mimic your skin's natural oils and will leave your face feeling soft, clear and hydrated with sparing, recommended use.

 After cleansing and toning, allow face to air dry. Then rub just a few drops between the palms before gently patting onto the face and neck. Generally, 3-5 drops will be enough to hydrate the entire face depending on your skin type.

For best results, we recommend including our Clarity Purifying Facial Mask in your skincare regimen at least weekly, or more as needed. This gently purifying mask combines detoxifying French Yellow Clay with exfoliating Witch Hazel Bark for an effective, yet enjoyable spa experience. Enhanced with organic essential oils of Tea Tree, Pacific Northwest Lavender, Lemon Peel, Carrot Seed and German Chamomile. This unique blend will purify skin and fill your bathroom with a calm herbacious, lightly floral therapeutic aroma.

This is a dry powder mask that you mix at home. This eliminates the need for nasty preservatives, allows you to mix the mask to your desired consistency and gives you at least double the product! This jar pictured above will last for at least 24 treatments.

In a small dish, combine 1 tsp mask with 1 tsp water. This will activate the essential oils, filling the air with a rich, botanical aroma. Apply to face and let dry for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, gently rubbing to exfoliate. Use as needed depending on skin type, at least once a week. 

So stop fighting your skin this Summer! Healthy and balanced skin is possible with gentle, natural products like those found in our Clarity line.