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A Breath of Snow And Ashes Fraser's Ridge Outlander North Carolina Season 5 The Fiery Cross

ONC Admins Choice Awards, Season 5 Finale, “Never My Love”

May 16, 2020

Welcome back to the season five ONC Administrators’ Choice Awards!  It’s difficult to believe that season give is now behind us!  As we’ve been doing all season, some of the ONC administrators and myself will be voting on our “Bests/Mosts/Leasts” from the latest Outlander episode.  We enjoyed this fun way to briefly recap each episode, and hope you have enjoyed it as well! This week’s voting contributors are Dawn Woo, Mitzie Munroe, Nancy Roach, Stephanie Bryant, and Susan Jackson. So, without further ado, the winners for the Outlander season five finale, “Never My Love.”

Dawn: The iconic line from Jamie to Claire – “When the day shall come that we do part, if my last words are not ‘I love you’…you’ll ken it’s that I dinna have time.”

Nancy: I agree with Dawn.

Stephanie: Agree with everyone but add “Kill them all” as a close 2nd.

Mitzie: Agree with my ladies, by far, it’s when we finally got to hear Jamie utter those iconic words of “When the day shall come, that we do part… if my last words are not ‘I love you’ — ye ken it was because I didna have time”. Such a swoon worthy moment.

Susan: I have two–Jamie’s “…because I didna have time,” and when Claire answered Jamie with the single word, “Safe,” at the end. 

Dawn: This was such a ‘visual episode’ and so many great moments that made this episode what it was. I can’t choose just one great moment…it was Roger telling Jamie that he’d stand by his side; the image of Ian shaving his head and putting on the war paint (wasn’t he just stunning?); it was Jamie reaffirming her, ‘there’s just the two of us..you needn’t be cared”; Marsali telling Brown that he’d hurt HER family…..It’s all the moments that show the bonds, faithfulness, and loyalty of family.

Nancy: I loved the moment when Jamie and Claire are intertwined in the nude. Jamie seems to be cradling Claire as she tells him she feels safe. I understand from the script that they edited out a lot of the scene. I would love to see that additional footage.

Stephanie: All of the above, the whole episode actually!! The finale needed to be longer. Did love the show “kept on giving” after it was over,trying to figure out the all Easter Eggs.

Mitzie: I’m with Nancy. Seeing Claire and Jamie nakedly embraced in the end. It was very tastefully done and embodies such a beautiful moment that they were able to share with each after such a traumatic event.

Susan: I wanted to shout when Marsali jabbed that needle into Lionel Brown’s neck–loved it!

Dawn: Hands down….Caitriona Balfe

Nancy: This was Cait’s episode. She deserves an Emmy for her performance.

Stephanie: I can’t disagree.  Cait nailed it! She portrayed Claire in this episode equal parts strong and vulnerable. An Emmy is definitely in her future!

Mitzie: Cait better be penning her acceptance speech because this episode just earned her some serious accolades! Amazing job Caitriona!!!!

Susan: Caitriona was phenomenal in this episode–she deserves awards regardless, but if there was any doubt, there is none now.

Dawn: I think the most surprising moment was the choice for Marsali to be the one to kill Lionel Brown. When she held up that syringe, I was rooting for her to stick it in his neck.

Nancy: The most surprising moment for me was the ‘60’s montage. It was totally unexpected.

Stephanie: Bree/Roger time travel to nowhere was not a big surprise but highly anticipated, as we didn’t know definitely where they turned up. Hoping Roger would be there to help save Claire.

Mitzie: Dawn and I are on the same page with this one. Marsali taking it upon herself to rid themselves of Lionel, with a syringe of water hemlock, into the neck! DANG GIRL! She has just proven without a shadow of a doubt that she will stop at nothing to protect her family and it solidifies how she feels about Claire being very precious to her.

Susan: I’m with Nancy here–when I saw the record player, my first thought was that Bree and Roger really were sent ahead in time, but to the late 60’s/early 70’s. When I realized it was Claire and Jamie’s home, I was blown away.

Dawn: I really liked all of the ‘Easter Eggs’ in this episode….all of the lines and objects used. It was well thought out. I think it goes to show how deep and caring the writers are for DG’s material.

Nancy: I thought the effort the producers and actors made to display the rape scene with sensitivity was great. Reading many positive online comments from actual rape survivors, I think they really achieved their goal.

Stephanie: Marsali killing Lionel Brown. I mean she isn’t even from the future like Claire, where a woman could take a more assertive position to make her own decision, yet she had the courage to kill the old coot! Marsali’s a hero!

Mitzie: I really liked how Claire’s disassociation world was created. So much symbolism that I felt connected to a lot of the major moments from past seasons to the present but was still fully connected to Claire’s current situation. It was a very unique and creative idea and I really liked how it played out.

Susan: Lionel Brown getting his just desserts.

Dawn: I think the whole altered and premature storyline of Roger, Brianna, and Jemmy going back through the stones was just unnecessary. I just felt like it was obvious that they didn’t go anywhere.

Nancy: Like Dawn I found the failed attempt of the MacKenzies to go through the stones irritating. What a waste of time and gemstones!
I hate to admit when I first saw a stiff, creepy, manikin-like Claire in a red dress, staring at the abstract painting of the big house, I wanted to shout at the producers. But after reading posts and comments, listening to the after show producer discussion, and watching it a second time, I changed my mind. I saw that much research was done on the subject of rape to create a sensitive picture of this difficult subject matter. Then I had a good time going back to the scene and hunting for Easter eggs.

Stephanie: I was disappointed that they saved Lionel Brown to bring back in order to try to get information from him. I thought immediately “what information are you talking about Roger”? Then Jamie agreeing, after knowing what transpired. The “kill them all” should’ve included him too. Marsali killing him did make up for it though.

Mitzie: That this was the last episode of the season! BOO!!!! HISS!!!! GRRRR!!!!!

Susan: I feel like the whole Bree/Roger/Jemmy and “going home” was a waste of time that could’ve been devoted to something else.

Well, there you have it–our last ONC Admins Choice Awards for season five of Outlander! *insert Droughtlander tears* So, now that we’ve voted, it’s your turn! Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments who or what gets your votes for the finale episode!

A Breath of Snow And Ashes Fraser's Ridge Outlander North Carolina Season 5 The Fiery Cross

ONC Admins Choice Awards, Season 5, Journeycake

May 9, 2020

Welcome back to the season five ONC Administrators’ Choice Awards!  Now until the end of this season, (we refuse to think about it), some of the ONC administrators and myself will be voting on our “Bests/Mosts/Leasts” from the latest Outlander episode.  We enjoyed this fun way to briefly recap each episode last season, and hope you enjoy it as we do! This week’s voting contributors are Tara Heller, Dawn Woo, Mitzie Munroe, Nancy Roach, and Susan Jackson. So, without further ado, the winners for episode 511, Journeycake.

Dawn: Jamie to Brianna—“You have made my life whole.”

Nancy: For me it had to be when Claire said, “I smell like the White Sow.” That wasn’t in the books, so DG did that as an homage to the White Sow. I tweeted a thank you to her. 

Mitzie: Jamie’s final moment’s with the dying girl at the burnt cabin when he said: “Thou goest home this night to thy home of autumn, of spring, and of summer; Thou goest home this night to thy perpetual home, To thine eternal bed, to thine eternal slumber.” OMG, that had me boo hooing big time.

Susan:  I loved what Jamie said to the dying girl, too.

Dawn:  The scene between Brianna and Lizzie and Brianna trying to explain to her that she can’t come with them. “You are brave..one of the bravest I know.”

Nancy: The intimate window scene between Claire and Jamie. (I’m glad to finally see signs of menopause in Claire.)

Mitzie: Watching Jamie light that cross to call the Clan together for Claire. That was a powerful piece of symbolism when it comes to his priorities. 

Susan:  I got chills watching Jamie running to the cross and lighting it afire–such a dramatic ending. Anything for Claire. *sigh*

Tara:  All of them, each cast member did a wonderful job in this episode!

Dawn:  Brianna/Sophie Skelton

Nancy: I really thought everyone was good in this one. A special shout out to the actress who played the burnt girl and Rik Rankin in that scene.

Mitzie: Cait has this one for me. I enjoyed all her facial expressions in this one, plus she delivered some good lines with concordant feelings.

Susan: John Bell stands out in my mind–Ian’s still heartbroken, and John conveys his feelings so well.

Tara: When Bree Roger and Jemmy actually went to the stones. I like others didn’t think They’d actually do it.

Dawn:  The decision to send Brianna, Jem, And Roger through the stones. I wasn’t expecting it so soon.

Nancy: First, Roger, Bree and Jemmy going through the stones. That wasn’t supposed to happen until Bree has Mandy and Mandy has a . heart defect. Second the attack by the Browns at the end.

Mitzie: Claire’s abduction and Bree and Rogers attempt to travel forward are tied for me because I am not ready for either of these events and they both hint to ideas that I don’t want to entertain during Season 5. I don’t want to think that Outlander could possibly ramping up for a final season next year –  I’m just not ready to think about that! 

Susan: Definitely Brown’s attack on the Ridge–I wasn’t expecting that scene to happen this season. (And is that Donner I see behind the lovely Mr. Brown when they come to visit Jamie and ask for his support?!)

Tara:  There wasn’t any really funny moments in this episode but, Claire and Jamie each describing what the other one’s eau du perfume smelled like. 

Dawn:  Jamie describing what he thought germs would look like…with teeth. Then talking about his handsome sperm…with the tails and how they swam so well. 

Nancy: The peanut butter and jelly sandwich scene with Jamie cutting his sandwich with a knife and fork. It was so wonderful that they brought up Claire’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich that Claire carried with her through the stones to Edinburgh since they left it out in Voyager.

Mitzie: Watching Claire as she describes to Jamie what it is he is seeing in the microscope. She just had the best expression on her face the whole time. She had that cat that ate the canary kind of look. I was grinning right alone with her.

Susan:  Jamie eating PB&J w/ a fork!

Tara: DG for her amazing writing for tv and the cast’s execution of the storyline. All the feels!

Dawn:  The whole episode…how it focused on family and relationships in the day to day activities of life….making peanut butter! I think this is a reason we all like the books….we can relate to the family.

Nancy: That DG wrote this script. It really makes a difference. 

Mitzie: I’m going to say the best overall thing was that Diana wrote this episode and it showed in spades! So much fluidity from one scene/storyline to the next and a lot of key parts were covered in this episode too without the individual scenes seeming too drawn out or too short.

Susan: What they said! ^^^

Tara:  The smushing of all the storyline. It makes me wonder what is going to come in the finale episode and Season 6. 

Dawn: The decision to send Roger and Brianna back through the stones. It is a premature event according to the book storyline. We are missing so much of Roger and Bri’s story in the 18th century..and the real reason they went back through the stones.

Nancy: The burned, scalped woman. That was so hard to watch. I hated that they had to smother her to put her out of her misery.

Mitzie: Watching poor Marsali getting round-house punched! And the way she hit the floor, like dead weight, while pregnant! I really don’t like seeing that, even in make believe.

Susan:  Knowing what’s coming for Claire–if they keep it in the story, anyway. But I’m still not caring for Roger and Bree going through the stones right now–if they did, anyway. Too soon.

So, now that we’ve voted, it’s your turn! Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments who or what gets your votes for Episode 511, Journeycake!

Fraser's Ridge Outlander North Carolina Season 5 The Fiery Cross

ONC Admins Choice Awards for Episode 509, Monsters and Heroes

April 25, 2020

Welcome back to the season five ONC Administrators’ Choice Awards!  Now until the end of this season, (we refuse to think about it), some of the ONC administrators and myself will be voting on our “Bests/Mosts/Leasts” from the latest Outlander episode.  We enjoyed this fun way to briefly recap each episode last season, and hope you enjoy it as we do! This week’s voting contributors are Dawn Woo, Stephanie Bryant, Nancy Roach, and Susan Jackson. So, without further ado, the winners for episode, Monsters and Heroes are…

Dawn: Ian’s speech to Jamie about losing a limb. He spoke of his admiration for Jamie and how courageous he now realized his father was. He scolded Jamie for his foolish thinking.

Stephanie: Agree with Dawn, Ian’s passionate speech to Jamie was incredible!

Nancy: Claire and Jamie entwined as Claire wills him back to life.

Susan:  When Ian tries to convey to Jamie that living life as an amputee doesn’t have anything to do with weakness. As a mother of an amputee, I understand what Ian is feeling.

Dawn: Roger to Jamie when they were discussing the pact to kill Bonnet: “But whosoever offends one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were tied about his neck, and he drowned in the depth of the sea, Matthew chapter 18, verse 3.” Jamie: “Verse 6.”

Stephanie: The foreshadowing from Lizzie “‘Tis a good day for dyeing,” right after we see Jamie bitten by the snake. Then Claire says “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you or Jamie,” more foreshadowing.

Nancy: Jamie “Whether I’m dead or you, whether we’re together or apart, I will always love you.” (🎬Cue Whitney Houston🎼)

Susan: When Jamie finally shows his trust and faith in Roger, “Unfortunately for you, the son must pay the for the sins of the father – for my mistakes, you must do this.”

Dawn: Caitriona Balfe-Her portrayal of Claire just seems effortless…natural.

Stephanie: Definitely Sam. He portrayed the snake scene and the aftermath with such raw emotions. 

Nancy: Sam Heughan stood out in this one. His performance as a sick, dying man was excellent! Caitriona’s performance was also moving.

Susan:  I’m the one on the fence–Caitriona and Sam were both excellent in this episode.

Dawn: the appearance of the buffalo/bison in the yard

Stephanie: How Jamie told Roger to kill Bonnet if he didn’t survive and Roger saying he didn’t know if he could do it. I would think Bonnet raping Bree would’ve made him angry enough for revenge.

Nancy: Even though I knew it was coming —Jamie appearing to die for a moment and Claire bringing him back to life.

Susan:  Marsali giving birth to Felicite in the woods on a family excursion–did that happen in the book? My memory ain’t what it used to be.

Dawn: Jamie to Claire when she talked about doing the autopsy on the cobra bite victim: “You should work on your bedside manner, Sassenach.”

Stephanie: Little Jimmy saying “Shit” repeating what Roger said.

Nancy:  Opening scene where Roger is initiating sex with Brianna, Jemmy interrupts. Roger saying “Shit! Something stung me” and Jemmy repeating, “Shit”. Jamie pounding on the door and calling for them. Jamie asks, “Roger Mac, you there?“ Roger mutters under his breath, “Where else would we be?”

Susan:  Jemmy repeating a bad word after his Da–been there, done that!

Dawn: The discussion between Jamie and Claire at the end where he was talking about his decision to live or die:  “There is a war coming. God has given me a duty.”

Stephanie: I think Roger stepping up saving Jamie and the bonding the two had, due to Jamie getting bitten, was definitely great to see in this episode.

Nancy: The whole episode was wonderful. It just goes to show that the best episodes are the ones that follow the book. I also loved that this episode provided a bonding opportunity between Jamie and Roger.

Susan:  Seeing the connection between Claire and Jamie again–it’s been missing in the show. That’s what I love about them as a couple–their love literally transcends time and space, and it was comforting to see them as they are written.

Dawn: Another great episode. I can’t find anything.

Stephanie: Only thing I didn’t care for was the way the buffalo flung Bree in the air. She definitely wouldn’t have gotten right up after that!

Nancy:  Maggots—not a fan.

Susan:  Marsali having that baby in the woods still doesn’t sit right with me–it just didn’t fit in this episode for me.

So, now that we’ve voted, it’s your turn! Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments who or what gets your votes for Episode 509, Monsters and Heroes.

Fraser's Ridge Hillsborough Outlander North Carolina Pre-Revolutionary War Period Season 5 The Fiery Cross

ONC Admins Choice Awards for Outlander Episode 5, “Perpetual Adoration”

March 20, 2020

Welcome back to the season five ONC Administrators’ Choice Awards!  Now until the end of this season, (we refuse to think about it), some of the ONC administrators will be giving awards for different aspects from the latest Outlander episode.  We enjoyed this fun way to briefly recap each episode last season, and hope you enjoy it as we do! This week’s voting contributors are Dawn Woo, Mitzie Munroe, Stephanie Bryant and Nancy Roach. So, without further ado, the winners for episode 5, Perpetual Adoration are…

Mitzie: The appearance of the long awaited, theatrical debut of ADSO!!!!! That little bit of fluff has certainly stolen my heart since the teaser stills had been leaked last year!

Dawn W.: The scene between Jamie And Claire on the porch at the end where she is telling him about Graham Menzies and how she never would’ve found him if it hadn’t been the sequence of events that resulted from knowing him.

Stephanie: Definitely Graham Menzies, reminding her of so much she pushed away and left in the past. Bonus: Seeing wee Adso!

Nancy:The much anticipated appearance of the adorable Adso.

Mitzie: Cait has this one for me! She wore lots of hats this episode.

Dawn W.: It’s a tie: Roger and Claire. 

Stephanie: Marsali and her expressive face!

Nancy: Both Cait and the actor playing Graham Menzies stood out to me in this episode. I do love when Cait does a voiceover of what Claire is thinking.

Mitzie: “Eureka”! It was so foreign to hear Marsali repeat it after Claire.

Dawn W.: The priest in the church to Claire: “No one’s lost who’s not forgotten.”

Stephanie:  Mr. Menzies “You have Scottish blood running through you somewhere” Like he sensed something about her, awoke her from a dream.

Nancy: I liked Claire’s passage at the end where she talks of standing before God to ask him all her questions about the universe. “But I won’t ask about the nature of time because I’ve already lived it.”

Mitzie: Well, I totally didn’t see Jamie killing Knox so abruptly; with his bare hands. I didn’t expect Knox would live to a ripe old age, but thought the correspondence from Scotland would have been intercepted by Fergus and thus delayed Jamie’s forced hand and Knox’s demise to possibly a battle casualty. DANG! Jamie is going down a dark path!

Dawn W.: The manner in which the tonsillectomy was performed. It didn’t seem well thought out. Kezzie must have no gag reflex whatsoever!

Stephanie: The storyline going back and forth to her Boston days before she went to Scotland, the beginning of her return to Jamie. Bonus surprise to see Dr. Joe Abernathy!!

Nancy: Jamie’s choking Knox was shocking and a little “Mafiaesque”.

Mitzie: The only thing that somewhat chuckled me was Rogers remark to Claire about almost shooting her, but followed that he would have most likely missed. Oh, poor Roger.

Dawn W.: I agree with Mitzie. Claire surprising Roger in the woods. “I probably would’ve missed you, but still….”

Stephanie:The beginning of the episode with Claire and Marsali finally finding the penicillin….”EUREKA”

Nancy: I agree with Stephanie. Claire teaching Marsali to say, “Eureka”.

Mitzie: I thoroughly enjoyed all the flashbacks. From the collage of past season snippets to Claire’s days in Boston. It was neat seeing so many memorable moments from the past 4 ½ seasons threaded together in a handful of seconds. And then the addition of more insights from Claire’s Boston days to help us understand what really led her back to Scotland and then to Jamie was really nice to watch.

Dawn W.: I was really drawn to the whole conversation that Jamie and Knox had once the Ardsmuir papers arrived. I think I was ready for Jamie to take a stand for Murtaugh and be the real Jamie, the protector and leader of his family.

Stephanie: Jamie doing what he needed to do to protect his family. This was the Jamie we all know and love from Scotland.

Nancy: Again I liked Claire’s flashback to her days as a surgeon in the ‘60’s and her interaction with Graham Menzies, Joe Abernathy, and Briana. Something about Claire’s look reminds me of the movie, “Valley of the Dolls”.  I also loved the opening and closing scenes with Claire seeking solace in the church sanctuary. 

Mitzie: Knox’s death face. Wide eyed and gapping? Something about it didn’t seem right or natural.

Dawn W.: Claire using the hypodermic she brought back with her. Isn’t anyone wondering what that is or questioning it?? 

Stephanie: Didn’t care for Bree’s explanation of why she went to see Bonnett. It was lame in my opinion.

Nancy: Jamie’s killing of Knox. I know he’s killed in the past to keep Dougal from divulging his plans before Culloden,  but he displayed more compassion and conflict of conscious shooting the nasty Mr. Beardsley than with choking Knox. It brought to mind the movie, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” where Tom Ripley killed anyone who discovered his secrets.

So, now that we’ve voted, it’s your turn! Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments who or what gets your vote for “Best” Awards for Episode 503, Free Will. Leave it in the comments!

18th c. Culture 18th Century Garden Plants Claire's Garden Fraser's Ridge Outlander North Carolina

Garden Like It’s 1767!

March 19, 2020

We got a glimpse of Claire’s “Big House” garden in episode 505, Perpetual Adoration! Tara Heller has some good advice about gardening as well as how to get a Colonial garden without going back in time to get it!

As we look toward Spring, one of the things we think about is planning a garden. A garden is a great way to limit your dependence on the grocery store during the Summer and early Fall months. In the past year, I have become more and more interested in how gardening was done in Colonial America. Do you have the same interest? Then read on…

Planning Your Garden

One of the first decisions you should make when constructing a garden is where you want it to be in relation to your home. If you are going to be using herbs regularly in cooking or medicinal purposes, your plot should be within close proximity to your back door. Map out how you want your garden to look. Figure out what herbs you want to grow; what will you be able to use in your household? Make sure you know your gardening zone because that will help you know what grows best in your neck of the woods. Don’t forget to plant something for the pollinators! Bees are important to gardening success, and, as we all know, will be a symbol for the upcoming Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Planting native plants helps the pollinators in your region. Here is a great checklist for actions to take to attract pollinators to your yard. Consider adding companion flowers and herbs to your vegetables.

When selecting seeds, definitely check into heirloom seeds and heirloom starters. The reason for this is that they are good for seed-saving, unlike hybrid seeds. The seeds from an heirloom plant are closest to the original, and they tend to produce a better flavor and are more nutritious. Seeds for Generations sells heirloom seeds, and Johnny’s Selected seeds carries heirloom, organic, and open-pollinator seeds. Another great resource is the Seed Savers Exchange. This organization has not only heirloom vegetables but herbs and flowers, as well.

When you start to create your garden beds, keep in mind that the Colonials never used pesticides or chemicals. Their soil was what we’d now call organic. Nothing was wasted in the 18th century, and people used composted kitchen scraps and manure from their horses and cows to fertilize their plants. Many also had chickens that roamed free, and they enjoyed the bugs that they’d find on the garden plants. I started composting last year and while I am still a beginner, I have enjoyed re-purposing and not throwing out a lot of kitchen scraps. 

Just a few of the plants Claire mentioned planting in her garden in A Breath of Snow and Ashes:

  • Catmint
  • Lemon Balm
  • Turnips
  • Cabbage
  • Pole Beans
  • Onions
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Yarrow
  • Rosemary
  • Three Lavender bushes
  • A dozen large peanut bushes

Lavender and rosemary should be cut in the morning, though, when the volatile oils have risen with the sun; it wasn’t as potent if taken later in the day.

Claire in ‘A Breath of Snow and Ashes’

Another plant Colonists grew was hemp. George Washington is documented as growing hemp. Fun Fact: the original US constitution is written on hemp paper!  Hemp was used in making fabrics and other textiles. It was also used to make sails for ships, and the rope that hauled the sails.

Plant uses

A lot of the plants grown in the garden were used to make teas or tinctures, which was the easiest way to get medicine into a patient. This is how a lot of herbs were used to treat different ailments. It was important until the Townshend Taxation Act. Tea would have been shipped to London from China and would sit in the warehouse for years before being shipped to the colonists.

From the website tching.com, the types of tea that were dumped into the Boston Harbor:
“Benjamin Woods Labaree’s The Boston Tea Party says the three tea ships contained 240 chests of Bohea, 15 of Congou, 10 of Souchong (all black teas), 60 of Singlo, and 15 of Hyson (both green teas). It may surprise you to know that green tea accounted for about 22% of the shipment’s total volume and 30% of the value. “

As mentioned in the first part of this series, Bee Balm was grown and used as an antimicrobial (not that they knew what that meant back then but Claire certainly did. However, they knew it had healing properties). Lemon Balm has calming properties and is helpful with insect bites. Echinacea (or coneflower) is anti-inflammatory and bees and butterflies love it. Basil is anti- inflammatory and anti-viral. You can use it in tea and cook with it. Lavender has antiseptic properties and helps with sleep.

Yarrow (often mentioned in the books) stops bleeding and is great for circulation. It is also drought-tolerant. Sadly, I’m sure it can’t relieve Droughtlander! The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads. The leaves can be chewed to relieve a toothache. And get this, soldiers would carry dried yarrow leaves with them into battle to treat wounds! I’m sure Claire, Jamie, and Roger did just that! Made into salve, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve arthritis. Rosehips are anti-inflammatory and can be used in facial moisturizers. Calendula is awesome too, as it can be added to salads and soups, and medicinally, it treats skin ailments, digestive issues, as well as women’s issues. The dried blossoms were also used to make dyes. It’s an easy plant to grow, because as the seed head dries, the plant reseeds itself.

Adding Character to Your Garden

After you have your plan down for plants and how you are constructing your garden beds, you can think about some of the architecture or borders for your garden. How about creating a place in your garden as a sanctuary for your own quiet place to unwind? Claire had a bench that Jamie made for her sitting in a corner of her garden where she could enjoy the shade:

I waved him to the little bench Jamie had made for me in a shady nook beneath a flowering dogwood that overhung the corner of the garden.

Claire from A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Many Colonial gardens had picket fencing or wattle fencing, because a fence was necessary for keeping animals from eating the plants and vegetables. While wattle fencing is probably cheaper, it is time-consuming. It is really cool and artistic-looking, however, and gives a rustic appearance to your garden. You can use the same method to create trellises for your climbing plants.

Garden decor wasn’t necessarily popular during the Colonial period–gardens were necessities, and, unless you were well off, statuary wasn’t a common site among the bee balm and mung beans! Today, we have so many options to add some whimsy to our garden; if you want to add some Outlander to your plot, you can create your own miniature standing stone circle, or add or make homes for garden faeries! Here is a directional sign that I made last year for my garden as a way to add a little Outlander.

Yes, I added the actual miles!

Modern Day Home Apothecary

My herbalist friend has an amazing herb closet and stock. She was nice enough to allow me to share it with you.

For more fun, the Outlander Starz website has an interactive “Outlander Apothecary Cabinet” with herbs that Claire would have used–just scroll through the cabinet and when one of the herbs pops up, click on it to learn more. Check it out!

She Sells She Sheds…

Another fun structure I plan to add to my garden is a little She Shed. Would you consider Claire’s Surgery her She Shed?!? I tend to think so.

from Harmony L. Tersanschi

If you’re looking to create a historically accurate garden, or simply learn about the ways Colonials took care of their plants, Vegetable Gardening the Colonial Williamsburg Way by historic gardener Wesley Greene is a great resource for Colonial gardening and practices. I hope this was helpful and can get you dreaming and brainstorming about starting your own Colonial-style garden like Claire. Come join me on Instagram as I plan to share my garden this year!