Find Us Here: Sparrow Collective in Milwaukee, WI

 

 

Sparrow Collective stands out among specialty shops and gift boutiques for their extensive support and promotion of the handmade community. You'll be hard-pressed to find another store with such a wide selection of handmade goods. What's more, their in-depth craft classes show a commitment to help fellow artisans grow.

Located in Milwaukee, WI, Sparrow Collective is not lacking in Midwest pride. They opened in 2009 as a place to feature local artists. Coupled with their community involvement, events, gallery nights and workshops, Sparrow Collective has created a strong sense of place within their shop.

Of course, they also carry handmade wares from all corners of the US. With their extensive selection of jewelry, clothing, home goods and accessories, you're sure to find something for everyone - including yourself!
Sparrow Collective started carrying some of our best selling Wild Man beard care products back in 2014. They've recently added our botanical lip balms to the shop as well!
It's rare to find a shop so committed to the advancement of the handmade economy. We're honored to be included in Sparrow Collective's impressive collection of handmade artisans!
Looking for Wild Rose / Wild Man near you? Check our handy locations map!

Product Spotlight: Garden Carrot Hand Cream

Spring has arrived, which can mean long days spent with your hands in the dirt. Exposure to moisture, dirt and the unavoidable cut or splinter can leave hands feeling dry and rough. We designed our Garden Carrot Hand Cream to keep hands hydrated and soft even under the toughest conditions.

Garden Carrot Hand Cream is formulated with an ultra moisturizing base of Organic Coconut Oil, cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil and Pacific Northwest Beeswax infused with healing Yarrow, strengthening Gotu Kola and purifying Calendula. Enhanced with precious essential oils of Carrot, Rose Geranium and Lemon Peel to restore and hydrate damaged skin. Garden Carrot Hand Cream's aroma is rich and earthy with floral and slightly sweet undertones - a subtle scent that will please gardeners and mechanics alike.

Massage sparingly into clean, dry hands to soothe and hydrate hard-working skin. Perfect for those who work with their hands, or anyone looking for a luxurious, earthy hand cream. Use this "dry" salve sparingly and it will leave skin feeling soft without excess oil. An ideal all natural lotion alternative, keep a jar near the sink to hydrate and soften hands after washing.

You don't have to sacrifice soft hands for productivity. With a little care, you can make it through the garden season with healthy, happy skin!

How to Establish a Self-Seeding Wildflower Bed

The idea of a self-seeding wildflower bed is simple: plant pretty seeds once and watch them return year after year with nothing more than a little watering during the hot season. However, establishing wildflower beds can be tricky when you live in an area with unpredictable Spring temperatures, sporadic rain or pest problems. On the Wild Rose homestead, we've worked around these challenges with a fool-proof method that also uses excess packaging in the process!

Traditionally, wildflower beds are direct-seeded in the early Spring or Fall. Between variable rains, slugs and birds, we have never had great success with this method. Now, we start our wildflowers in shallow boxes that can be planted directly into the ground once they are large enough to defend themselves against pests.

How to Establish a Successful Wildflower Bed

What you need:

• Seeds
• Shallow Boxes or Seed Trays
• Planting Mix

Directions:

• Pick Your Seeds: Pick flowers that do well in your area and planting conditions. We like to use a variety of bloom cycles, heights, colors and growth patterns for our beds. My annual flower mix generally contains Chamomile (German and Roman), Flax, Bee's Friend, Cosmos, St John's Wort and an excessive amount of Poppies (all varieties). I like to add in Foxglove, Snapdragon, Yarrow, Echinacea and Hollyhock as perennials/biennials. And of course, Calendula is planted throughout for use in Wild Rose formulas. Several seed mixes for specific growing conditions are available as well.
• Sort Your Seeds: Sort your seeds according to planting time and planting depth. Most of the seeds above are recommended for direct seeding in early Spring or late fall. Some are to be planted on the surface (light dependent germination) and some are planted about 1/4" deep. Create a mix for surface planting and a mix for each planting depth.
• Check Planting Time: If you have the ability to start in a greenhouse, start your seeds as early as 8-10 weeks before the average last frost. We start ours in mid to late February in our unheated greenhouse here in Southern Oregon. Most flowers prefer to germinate in cool soils and can still be planted successfully outside of a greenhouse, but you will need to pick an area that can be kept free of pests. Use the direct-seed/outdoor planting time on the seed packets when planting outside of a greenhouse.
• Prepare Your Trays: Choose shallow boxes with a depth of 2"-3" or cut down a tall box that will fit inside your seed tray. We're lucky that our 4oz glass jar boxes fit almost perfectly inside a standard seedling tray. Check grocery stores for cardboard produce trays and bakeries for shallow boxes. If you cannot find boxes that fit, you can also plant directly into the seedling tray, but this will make transplanting more difficult. The boxes themselves will hold together well enough to plop into the ground at transplant time, but we highly recommend setting the boxes inside a plastic seedling tray for easy transport.

• Fill Trays with Seed Planting Mix: If you're just planting a few trays, pickup some seed planting mix from your local garden store. We like to make our own seed starting mix for all of our plantings. If you are planting seeds that require a planting depth below the surface, leave at least 1/2" of space below the top of your box/planting tray when filling with planting mix. Pat down lightly with your hands.
• Sprinkle, Sprinkle: Start with your seed mix requiring the deepest planting depth. For me, that's generally 1/4" deep. Sprinkle a pinch of seed over your box. Use less seed if you are planting another seed-depth mix in the same box. Cover seeds with enough dirt to get to your next planting depth. because I usually only use two seed depth mixes, I add 1/4" of dirt at this point and pat down securely. Repeat for all seed depth mixes. 
• Take Care: Care for your seeds according to packet instructions. Always keep them moist and preferably in the sun. Most flowers germinate quickly and you should start to see sprouts in about a week. If you are planing very early, germination may take a bit longer. 

• Transplant: When seedling are strong-looking and lots of roots begin to break through the bottom of the box/tray, it's time to transplant. If you started your seeds in a greenhouse, be sure to harden off before transplanting. Also, you might want to wait for good weather or lower pest populations if these are a challenge in your area. If you planted in a box, planting is simple: dig a shallow hole the same size as the box, plop the box in the hole, and replace dirt around edges. You can also split up the box into clumps to spread out the wildflowers (they will eventually fill the gaps). The cardboard should already be decomposing and will break down entirely in the following weeks. If you planted in a tray without a box, you will have to gently dig up a clump of seedling from the tray and transplant quickly to minimize root damage. 

 

• Watch 'em Grow: Using this method, you are heavily seeding a small area of dirt. There will be some competition for growth, but you will have a thick, lush wildflower garden in the end. If you choose varieties that reseed easily or are perennials, your flowers will return every year! Even though we struggle with direct seeding at the homestead, it seems like once our flowers are established they reseed with ease.

 

California Poppy seedlings emerging. Originally planted three years ago, they now easily reseed.

CLEARANCE SALE! Save up to 40% on Seasonal Beard Conditioners!

The time has come for our annual Spring Clearance of our beloved Seasonal Beard Conditioners! Snag a 50ml bottle for just $11.95 while supplies last - a 40% savings. Our Seasonal Trial Size Sampler Sets are on sale too - try all four Seasonal scents for just $10.49! Once we run out, you wont see them again until Autumn. So stock up on your favorites now!

Wild Rose 5 Year Anniversary + Sale!

Wild Rose is turning 5! Celebrate with 25% off your entire purchase using code HAPPYHAPPY5 at checkout through March 7th. Plus, enjoy free shipping on all domestic orders over $100 - no coupon code necessary!


Wild Rose has gone far in the past five years, and we're excited to see what the next five will bring! We are incredibly grateful for the support of our customers and are thankful for the opportunity to create ethically handcrafted botanical skincare. To read more on our beginnings, check out our full story.

Wild Rose is our response to an economy where the ecological, political and social costs of manufacturing are veiled. The founder of Wild Rose, Ash, spends much of her time tracking down raw materials, packaging and even office supplies to their source. This minimizes or eliminates the social, environmental and ethical footprint of our products by choosing sources that are non-GMO, sustainably harvested, organic or fair trade. We grow many of the fresh botanicals needed for our recipes just outside the workshop in our organic permaculture gardens.

Our homestead's plum tree always blooms around the Wild Rose anniversary.

We believe that our customers share our values and strive to find new ways to exceed our ethical standards. We're currently working to source more organic ingredients and eliminate as much plastic as possible from our packaging. We look forward to improving these standards in the years to come.

To all of our customers and fans, we'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks for your continued support of Wild Rose!

Find Us Here: Damask Tattoo in Seattle, WA

With an emphasis on a friendly, relaxing and supportive experience, Damask Tattoo in Seattle, WA stands out as a shop with a conscience. Shop founder Christy Brooker created her client-centric shop with the understanding that tattoos are highly personal, often emotional and permanent on skin and in memory. From friendly artists and private rooms to hot tea and vegan aftercare, Damask offers a welcoming and comfortable tattoo experience.

I believe that people should be able to go to a tattoo studio and not be intimidated. It should be comfortable, inviting, relaxing and friendly. They should feel like they just walked into a friend’s house. I created Damask Tattoo to be that place. My vision was a tattoo studio that felt like a spa. I created my studio to be the place that I would want to go to get tattooed. - Christy Brooker, Owner of Damask Tattoo

(clockwise from top left) Christy Brooker, Laura Exley, Shiloah Reina and Angela Grace of Damask Tattoo (not pictured: Jude Le Tronik, Bree Giesy and Kendal Tull-Esterbrook)

 The friendly artists at Damask Tattoo are proof that Christy's vision has become reality. All of the artists are committed to providing the best tattoos possible for their clients. They offer a huge variety of styles including bold traditional, illustrative realism, abstract and blackwork to name a few!

We believe that you have a vision for your tattoo and it’s our priority for you to be thrilled every time you see it. It’s a long and important process to choose a tattoo design and your artist. It’s worth it to us to spend the time that we need to make it exactly what you dreamed of or better. - Christy Brooker

Tattoos by Jude Le Tronik (left) and Bree Giesy (right) of Damask Tattoo

Getting tattooed can be very intense. On top of the physical pain and emotions, the uncertainty of the shop atmosphere can weigh heavily on a client's mind - particularly when a tattoo is in an intimate or exceptionally painful area. Damask's simple details like private rooms with the option of closed doors can put a client's mind a ease that the environment will be peaceful and private.

Each tattoo room is private and has a door so if you are not comfortable with the state of dress you will be in we can shut the door.  Sometimes tattoos can be emotional and very personal too.  You can feel good about letting the experience be whatever you need it to be here. - Christy Brooker

The experience at Damask doesn't end when you leave the studio. They care about your healing process and carry Wild Rose Vegan Ink Balm and Ink Spray as a natural, cruelty-free aftercare alternative. Damask even offers an entirely vegan-friendly tattoo process by request, including the use of vegan stencils, inks and our Vegan Ink Balm during the procedure.

Damask is a shining example of what a modern tattoo studio can be. Their consideration, talent and attention to details shows in their work and presentation. Christy's successful model is spreading as they have just added a second studio, Laughing Buddah Tattoo, to the Damask family. We're thrilled to see our aftercare at professional, friendly tattoo studios like Damask Tattoo!

New Site - New Features!

We're please to introduce you to our newly upgraded website at www.wildroseherbs.com! We're always looking for ways to improve our customer's shopping experience and we feel that this recent upgrade is our best yet! The new site is fully responsive, meaning that it will look fabulous and function seamlessly on all of your devices and screen sizes. Plus, finding Wild Rose / Wild Man products near you has never been easier with our fancy retail location map. We've also improved the checkout page for smooth and simple order processing.

Our remolded site still has all of the same products you love, as well as your order history and account info - simply create a new account with the same email address you used with us previously to access all of your information.

We're excited to continue to improve our website - keep an eye out for more new things this Spring!

Valentine's Sale! Save 20% through February 7th!

Save 20% on everything with code DITTO2016 at checkout plus FREE SHIPPING on all US orders over $100!
Coupon valid through February 7th!

From the Garden: Mid-Winter in Southern Oregon

An epic mid-January double rainbow!

One of the things that I love most about Oregon are the four distinct seasons - and especially the transitions between them. Sometime in January-February, we get a little break from the normally long, dark and wet Winters. The storms move to the North or South of us, and we enjoy a few weeks of clear, sunny skies and unseasonably warm weather. We begin to see buds swell, the pasture thickens green and an army of robins return to forage.

Heavy December rains caught in between our sleeping food forest beds.

 This Winter was especially wonderful (and wet!). Our region was pounded with heavy rains from cold storms leaving thick blankets of snow in the mountains. After several years of extreme drought, this 'normal' Winter was a welcome change. We're currently sitting at above-average snowpack and we can only hope that this pattern continues for several years to help replenish our weakened water table.

The ducks enjoying a seasonal pond in the pasture.

 But now that we have received a slight break from the rains, we get to think ahead to the coming growing season. This year, we plan to grow more herbs for Wild Rose formulas including Burdock and (hopefully) Arnica. We had much success with our essential oil still last year and plan to extract more Apple Mint and Catnip oils from our lush herb beds.

Romanesco Broccoli harvested in January

We're excited to see what this Spring and Summer will bring for both Wild Rose and our little homestead!

Thank-You Sale! Save 25% through January 4th!

Happy New Year! Save 25% with code THANKS2015 through January 4th! Plus, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100 within the US - no coupon required!

Happy Winter Solstice from Wild Rose!

 

Wishing you a peaceful Winter Solstice (or Summer Solstice for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere) from all of us at Wild Rose! We'd like to express our gratitude for your support this holiday season - we're honored to be part of your family's celebration. May this Solstice bring you much joy as we look forward to the New Year!

LAST CHANCE SALE! Save 20% through 12/14

Save 20% on everything with code HOLLY2015 at checkout plus FREE SHIPPING on all US orders over $100! Order by December 16th for Holiday delivery within the US*

Coupon not valid on wholesale orders or gift certificate purchases.

*Orders placed by December 16th will ship before USPS's cutoff date for holiday delivery. Delivery is not guaranteed and we are not responsible for delivery delays caused by USPS. We encourage shoppers to order as early as possible.

Find Us Here: Cambridge Naturals in Cambridge, MA

Independently owned and operated natural health stores are invaluable to local communities - especially when they have served those communities for over 40 years! Cambridge Naturals in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a shining example of a community-centric small business with steadfast ethics, service and a passion for natural health.

Founded in 1974 by Michael Kanter and Elizabeth Stagl, Cambridge Naturals is built on a strong ethical foundation that we at Wild Rose admire greatly:

Our mission is to provide the best choices in nutritional supplements for health and wellness, clean body care products and organic foods. We are committed to sourcing products locally, organically, and ethically via fair trade and direct trade channels, and to donating a portion of our profits to social and environmental organizations that impact our community. As part of our vision for a more just, equitable and sustainable world, we strive to partner with businesses owned by women and underserved individuals. We offer a wide assortment of high quality vitamins, herbs, body care, books and yoga supplies, along with a curated selection of organic, fairly traded, local and unique groceries, just for you! - Cambridge Naturals

It is inspiring to see such uncompromising values in a long-standing small business. We are thrilled to be included on the shelves of Cambridge Naturals knowing that we share such a similar vision. Their success proves that alternative business models are not only in demand, but a necessary and viable option for our culture's transition into a more sustainable future.

Cambridge Naturals has been carrying Wild Rose lip balms, salves, aromatherapy sprays and Wild Man beard care since June. Their knowledgeable staff, extensive selection and beautifully organized store provide an ideal environment to pick your new favorite natural body care products. Their staff's love for natural health and wellness shines through in every aspect of their business. Cambridge Naturals even offers curated gift sets available on there website for direct shipment to yourself or a loved one. If you're a Cambridge local, or if you're passing through, be sure to shop at this amazing small business and save on shipping costs, too!

Indigenous Peoples' Day Benefit for The Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue

Image by NACDI

Wild Rose is honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day by donating all of our retail revenue from this day, October 12th, to The Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue (CTLR). As an added bonus, take 10% off your order with code SUPPORTCTLR through midnight tonight!

Wild Rose is operated on a small parcel of land on occupied Lower Takelma Territory, one of the tribes represented by CTLR.

"The Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue (CTLR) encompasses the Chetco, Tututni, Shasta Costa and Takelma Tribes of Indians that became a community after the Rogue River War of 1856 along the southwest coast of Oregon primarily in Curry County. We are in the process of restoring the status of our sovereignty that we previously held with the United States. A political status we long held before being terminated along with 60 other tribes in Oregon by the devastating August 13,1954 Termination Act."  - CTLR

Our local history is scarred by the brutal Rogue River Indian Wars - a calculated plan by the US Military to exterminate or remove all Indigenous Peoples living in the gold-filled valleys of Southern Oregon. Survivors were forcibly marched to the Siletz/Grand Ronde Reservation 200 miles away.

"The US troops performed numerous “sweeps” through our aboriginal lands looking for escapees, many did not survive. Our ancestors either did not go to the reservation or escaped after such a short time they were never counted and returned to our aboriginal homeland to find refuge up the Rogue and Chetco Rivers where they remain today." - CTLR

Despite these attempts to erase their culture, The Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue was established in 1996 by the descendants of these incredible survivors. Now CTLR is working towards restoring their status of federal recognition.

"Federal recognition affords Tribes rights guarantied under Treaties with the United States. Curry County is currently considered a distressed county, with a 13% poverty rate and an 11% unemployment rate and with average population over 50 years old. The Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue plan to pursue a pro-active agenda with strategic partnerships with local, county, and state agencies benefiting our members and the communities with out draining valuable resources from the County and State. Our plans are to create sustainable employment opportunities, without the need of a casino for members and the communities through the building and staffing of our projects. As our history has proven, we will be here for our members and communities for support for generations to come." - CTLR

We are grateful for this opportunity to support this important campaign by donating today's retail revenue to CTLR. Please join us in honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day by sharing this story and enjoy 10% off your purchase with code SUPPORTCTLR through midnight, PST!

Happy Equinox! Save 20% at Wild Rose!

Happy Equinox from Wild Rose! Celebrate with 20% off your entire order using code AUTUMN2015 through September 23rd!

Find Us Here: Foggy Notion in San Francisco, CA

Photo by Foggy Notion

With a focus on handmade, local and ethically crafted goods, Foggy Notion sets an unsurpassed standard of quality and taste. Bursting with recycled handbags, jewelry, art, home goods and an impressive skincare section, Foggy Notion has much to offer the conscious shopper.

Alissa Anderson - owner of Foggy Notion

Carefully curated by veteran indie designer Alissa Anderson, Foggy Notion also serves as a studio for her jewelry and recycled vinyl and leather goods. Alissa's many years in the handmade community have given her a keen eye for exceptional designers and artisans to include in Foggy Notion.

Foggy Notion's impressive collection of natural skincare and home goods. Photo by Foggy Notion.

Foggy Notion has been selling Wild Rose / Wild Man goods at their Richmond Plaza location since 2012. In addition to the store, Alissa frequents the Renegade Craft Fair, West Coast Craft and regularly participates in community events. Appearances are announced through their newsletter. For you long-distance admirers, Foggy Notion also maintains an expansive online store. If you live, work or play in the bay, do not pass up this beautiful store!

Seasonal Beard Conditioners Back In Stock!

Our best-selling Seasonal Beard Conditioner scents are back in stock just in time for beard season! These four festive scents will keep your beard growing thick, soft and clean through the cold months. Seasonal Beard Conditioners include:

Dark Roast Wild Man Beard Conditioner
Rich, fresh-brewed coffee with sweet undertones. We use organic coffee extract and coffee bean essential oil for a well-rounded caffeine kick for your beard.





 

Solstice Wild Man Beard Conditioner
Refreshing and cool with a warm, gentle spice. A calming balance of extremes, this complex oil has a little something for everyone.

Windfall Wild Man Beard Conditioner
Autumn-sweet apple with a deep, warming spice. We use certified organic, true-to-source apple extract for a genuine scent that is not overpowering. Just crisp, spiced apple for your Autumn-bearding enjoyment.

 

Yule Wild Man Beard Conditioner
The festive scent of an ancient conifer forest blended to pine perfection. We took the highest quality organic and wildcrafted evergreen essential oils to bring you the best, most balanced pine tree scent you will ever find. Commence merriment!


These scents are limited edition - so grab a sampler set or full size bottle while supplies last!

Introducing: Refresh - Stimulating Botanical Skin Care

 

Say 'hello' to the newly expanded Refresh - Stimulating Botanical Skin Care line! Refresh is an aromatherapy-based system that supports glowing, nourished skin for all ages and skin types. Refresh combines stimulating Green Tea and Peppermint plus nutrient-dense organic Jasmine and Carrot for naturally radiant skin. All without chemicals or synthetic materials, this system is 100% plant-based. Refresh's aroma is invigorating and slightly sweet with a deep, earthy-floral Jasmine undertone.

Refresh is recommended for tired, dull skin of all types. The powerful botanicals used in Refresh products may be irritating to some. This product is not recommended for those with very sensitive skin.

We're offering our four-pack gift sampler set - enough for about two months of daily use - for just $19.95! This set is the best way to try out the entire Refresh system before investing in a long-lasting full size bottle of your favorite formulas. The sampler set includes:

Refresh Stimulating Facial Cleanser (1oz amber glass bottle with pump)

Refresh Stimulating Facial Toner (1oz amber glass bottle with sprayer)

Refresh Stimulating Facial Serum (1/4oz amber glass vial with reducer)

Refresh Stimulating Facial Mask (1/4oz clear glass vial with cork)

Pick up a sampler set today and get to know Refresh - the newest addition to the Wild Rose family!

Clearance Sale! Clarity and Attunement Skin Care Sets

 We've got some big changes coming to our skin care line - but first, we're offering deep discounts on our remaining stock of Attunement and Clarity cleansers, toners and serums! Stock is very limited so head on over to our site for 50% off while supplies last.

And don't worry - our much-loved Attunement and Clarity formulas are staying practically the same, but they're getting a major packaging upgrade. Plus, we'll be expanding with a brand new skin care line! Check back soon for all the details.

From the Garden: Our Biointensive Brassica Bed

In our annual veggie garden, we incorporate a variety of permaculture methods to increase yields, reduce pests and maintain healthy soil. One such method is biointensive gardening, where a single garden bed is inhabited by a variety of compatible plants for maximum use of space. It has been our experience that plants grow better in a diverse bed rather than a monocrop, so we plant biointensive beds just about everywhere.

Baby broccoli in the early spring greenhouse

One such bed we call our "brassica bed" because the primary crop is range of brassicas - Kale, Cauliflower and Romanesco Broccoli (known as hippy broccoli on the ranch). We planted our brassicas in staggered rows, so that each plant is approximately 18"-24" from one another on a diagonal line.

Hippy Broccoli - Fall 2014

These brassicas grow upward, with most of their food value harvested from the "canopy" of the garden bed (imagine it's a tiny forest). This leaves plantable area below and just above ground. The gaps in between our brassicas were filled with low-growing lettuce and carrots (beets are technically a better companion, but we eat more carrots). So in the end, we will be harvesting food from the flowering tops of our brassicas (2'-3' above ground), the leaves and whole heads of our lettuce (about 1' above ground) and the roots of our carrots (up to 12" below ground). That's a lot of vertical growing area!

Now, we are admittedly very chaotic with our gardening habits. What little space that is left in beds is filled with scrambling peas, aromatic herbs and a ridiculous amount on Calendula (for use in Wild Rose formulas, of course). We combine biointensive gardening with lasagna gardening (no-till) plus whatever else sounds good and organic. Diversity is key!