.Spring was the time when children could be released from the confines of the house, to spread their exuberance out of doors. Mothers breathed a sigh of relief, then began the ritual of spring cleaning. I remember when spring house-cleaning meant starting at the top, and working through every inch of the house to the bottom. Mattresses and rugs were moved outdoors to freshen in the sunshine. Walls, woodwork, floors and windows were washed till they shined. Tub after tub of laundry that included curtains, furniture throws, and bedding hung on the lines. The heavy fabric and dark colors were stored away in cedar chests and closets, and freshly washed white sheers graced the windows. Grandma’s hand-crocheted white doilies replaced the heavy throws on furniture backs and arms, and edged the shelves on the walls.
It was time to collect dandelion greens for salads. I still do this every spring at least once, and more often if I have time. The tastiest, mildest dandelion greens are the first ones of spring. These are the ones that are lightly “wilted” for salad. Later on, when the leaves become more bitter, it is time to cook them with potatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs, bacon and a bit of vinegar. It was usually a child’s task to collect the dandelion greens, with the warning not to get those growing near the barnlot. This was hard to follow, as of course, the dandelions there were huge, with wide green leaves that would quickly fill the designated pan, and free the child for other pleasures. But, mother could always tell, so even though we were tempted, we usually followed instructions. Often, there were dandelions that had already bloomed and formed a “puff ball”. This gave us an opportunity to gain an insight into our futures. We would gather as much air as possible into our lungs, then puff on the flower with one breath. The number of seeds left on the stalk were the number of children we would have!
Children were sent to gather branches of pussy willows for the parlor vases. When they returned they always demanded to hear the story of the willow trees, who bent their branches to save a sackful of drowning kittens, and were rewarded thereafter with the soft, furry catkins.
Spring was time to hunt mushrooms & honey trees. Of course, while in the woods, we had to search for Jack-in-the-pulpits, and try to be the first to make Jack preach. This was done by squeezing the plant at the base of the spathe, which made a squeaky sound.
When the lilacs started to bloom, it was time to make tiny bracelets or necklaces by stringing the flowers on needle and thread. Most lilac flowers have four divisions of the petal. Sometimes, a “lucky lilac”, one with five divisions, would be found. When this happened, the lucky girl would think of her would-be beau, and swallow the flower. If it went down smoothly, it was “He loves me!” But, if she choked or coughed, it was “He loves me not!” Once decked in the bracelets and necklaces, we would look for maple seeds as they whirled down from the trees. By splitting open the fat seed end slightly these became earrings! Boys often stole rhubarb leaves from the garden to use as pirate hats.
When grandma wasn’t looking, we would pick the pretty flowers from the bleeding heart. They made a pretty locket for our dolls. And, if you gently pull the pink outer layer down on each side, look carefully to see a “lady in a boat”. Some people call it “lady in a bath”. Later on, I also heard it called “soldier’s wish”, as some people see a dancing girl and a bottle, but of course, we children were never told that one.
Ahh, those were innocent times. When the worse four-letter we
ever heard was “B-A-T-H”! When childhood days were filled with nature,
pets, chores, and laughter rather than violent TV shows, video games, and
raucous “music”. I must be getting old. I already miss
“The Good Olde Days”.
Many herbs actually have beneficial cleaning properties. Choose
the herb with the characteristics needed for each task from the following
list. Then use them in the recipes given below:
Disinfectant Herbs: basil, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, thymeBasic Kitchen Cleanser:Fungicide: chamomile, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme
Bactericide: bay, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, oregano, patchouli, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme
Antiseptic: all bactericide herbs above, plus basil, clary sage, clove, lemon balm, peppermint, rose geranium, sage, spearmint
Insect Repellants: basil, bay, chamomile, coriander, tansy, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, lavender
Dried herbs may also be used. Substitute 3 - 5 tablespoons dried (for each herb) for the oils. This will not be as potent as essential oils.
You may also use fresh herbs, instead of concentrated oils. Use 9 tablespoons chopped (each herb) to replace oil. Mash thoroughly with mortar and pestle or food processor. This will not be as potent as essential oils. Use as a powdered cleanser, wiping well with clean cloth after cleaning. Or, add a bit of water, strain, then use to make liquid cleanser.
All-purpose Liquid Cleanser:
Use fresh herbs by filling a quart jar of hot water with chosen herbs.
Allow to steep for 2 days in a sunny spot. Strain, then add 2 tablespoons
borax and mix well. Cleans hairbrushes and combs. Also good
for walls, refrigerators, floors, china, crystal, and counters. NOTE:
Do *not* use pine essential oil on painted surfaces as it sometimes removes
paint!
Basic Citrus or Herbal Vinegar:
Fill a quart jar with herb of choice, or citrus peels. Cover
with white vinegar. Allow to age for two weeks. Discard herbs
or peels. Any citrus can be used: grapefruit, orange, lemon,
lime, etc. Choose herb from chart above for desired purpose (antiseptic,
fungicide, etc.).
Excellent for cleaning ovens. Spray or pour vinegar on burned-on areas. Close oven door. After two hours, wipe vinegar with sponge or cloth dipped in warm water. Repeat if necessary.
Also good for eliminating mineral deposits and soap scum in the bathroom. Cover the area with vinegar. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Will also remove mildew, etc. from shower curtains.
Can also be used to remove stains from carpets. Test in an inconspicuous place first to be sure that the vinegar does not lighten carpet color!
Degreaser and Glass Cleaner:
To one quart of warm water, add 4 tablespoons citrus or herbal vinegar
(recipe above).
Carpet Deodorizer:
Mix 2 cups baking soda, 4 teaspoons ground cloves, 4 teaspoons ground
cinnamon, 4 tablespoons ground mint, 4 tablespoons ground rosemary, 4 tablespoons
ground lavender, and 4 tablespoons ground thyme. Dried herbs must
be ground finely in blender or processor. Mix well. Sprinkle
over carpet. Allow to stand 1 hour, then vacuum thoroughly.
It is safe to walk on during the hour-long waiting period.
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