Health Naturally Visits Two North Michigan Gardens

Health Naturally staff visited two gardens located in northern Michigan July 22^nd-24^th. Our first visit was to Light of Day Organics. Light of Day Organics, located in the Leelanau Peninsula of Northern Michigan, is the only Certified Organic and Demeter Biodynamic grower of Camellia sinensis (tea) in North America.

Information obtained from Light of Day Organics website:

Biodynamic^® Principles and Practices

Biodynamic® agriculture views the farm as a self-contained, self- sustaining ecosystem responsible for creating and maintaining its individual health and vitality without any external or unnatural additions. It is an integrated farming system that addresses the health of the entire property and maximizes the unique characteristics of each farm.

In practice, soil, plants, animals and humans together create this image of a holistic living organism. On-farm recycling improves the individualizing character of the farm and includes the integration of animals and animal feeds, perennial plants, flowers and trees, water features, and composting. Farms reduce dependence on imported materials for fertility and pest control. Water conservation is emphasized. Specially prepared medicinal plants, minerals, and composted animal manures help increase the vitality of the products grown and further anchor each individual farm in time and place. Biodynamic farms are required to maintain at least 10 percent of total acreage as a biodiversity set-aside. Riparian zones, wetlands, grasslands, and forests: all are considered an integral part of the life of the farm.

Biodynamic farming is holistic land stewardship at its best. It is the highest paradigm of sustainable farming, offering one of the smallest carbon footprints of any agricultural method.

Health Naturally attended a class on Chakra teas and learned:

about the history of tea in America, and learned why Light of Day Organics is the only certified Organic and Demeter Biodynamic grower of Camellia sinensis in N. America.
the difference between, and most importantly taste “cup”, White, Green Oolong, Black, Tisane/Herbal Teas & Matcha Green teas in a wonderful, unique setting on our farm.
about biodiversity, the difference between conventional, organic and Biodynamic farming methods, Fair trade, and learned what certifications really mean to you as a consumer.
about the importance of reducing inflammation so that you can enjoy the very highest quality of life.
about integrative holistic health principles that support a high quality of life. The Chakra Tea Collection was prepared, tasted and explained.
how tea has so much going for it!

The class was led by Angela Macke, R.N., Horticulturist and Founder of Light of Day Organics.

Jan Doerr, ND and Tina Pickvet, ND at Cherry Point Farm.

On day two, our group traveled to Shelby, Michigan to visit Cherry Point Farm and Market where we enjoyed the giant lavender labyrinth and herb gardens located in the center of the labyrinth.

The labyrinth is designed in an ancient spiral pattern which, when walked, is thought to be a spiritual journey, and symbolic of one’s path in life. In recent years, labyrinths have undergone a dramatic revival as a meditation, relaxation, and spiritual tool. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a continuous circuit and you cannot get lost.

An arbor towers above and surrounds the center of the labyrinth and a sacred geometry herbal garden. The herb garden is designed in accordance with the principles of sacred geometry, the 12-point vesica pattern defines 36 beds filled with dozens of herbal varieties. The herb garden includes plants used for culinary, medicinal and aromatic benefits and purposes.

The elements of time are represented in the design: One stone circle, 12 interlocking circles, 52 arbor posts, and seven cross pieces.

– Cherry Point Farm