Gardenton botanist shows what’s growing in our backyards

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This article was published 07/11/2015 (3823 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Gardenton botanist has released a book that will help readers understand what is growing in their own backyards.

Laura Reeves, author of Laura Reeves’ Guide to Useful Plants – From Acorns to Zoom Sticks, teaches readers the various uses of plants that are commonly found in our own backyards—some of which are considered to be weeds by many people.

“There’s so much going on in our own backyards and people want to know what something is,” said Reeves, adding that almost every weed in your garden is either edible or medicinal.

A common plant found in our backyards, Reeves said, is wild bergamot. The plant is native to Manitoba as is referred to as the ‘pizza plant,’ because when you rub the leaves together, they smell like pizza and oregano. Reeves added this plant is medicinal and has similar properties to oil of oregano.

Another example is dandelions—which Reeves said there is a use for every part of it aside from the stem.

Reeves grew up in East St Paul and moved to Gardenton in 1994. She works as a botanist and founded Prairie Shore Botanicals, which offers courses on plants, wilderness skills, and willow basket weaving.

Reeves began her book journey in 2007. The first edition of her book was mostly comprised of notes from courses she teaches.

People wanted to buy the book and then they wanted pictures as well, Reeves said.

The current edition of her book was released in October 2015 and includes more content, recipes, and by popular demand, pictures.

Reeves said she has always had an interest in plants.

“My dad would take me for walks as a little kid. When I was 3 or 4, we’d be snowshoeing and be nibbling on things,” said Reeves.

Reeves said she made a pact with herself to use plants more when she moved out on her own. She added the best way she could do that was to create a use for them.

Reeves cited orange juice as an example. She said there are plants that have Vitamin C in them as an alternative to the juice.

The self-published book is printed on 30 percent recycled paper in a plant that uses bio gas.

Reeves said her book is not a technical read, as she wanted to make it lighter and fun.

The book also includes several of her experiences. Some went well and some didn’t, she said with a laugh.

Reeves held a book launch at McNally Robinson in Winnipeg on Nov. 3. Her book is available at McNally Robinson, Mennonite Heritage Village, and Driven 2 Sew Quilt and Craft Shop.