a day in the life of a latvian mom

Around the summer solstice, when the days are at their longest, it’s time for one of my favorite little traditions – collecting wildflowers for tea.

The exact timing depends on the weather. Some years the flowers bloom a little earlier, and some years a little later. This year, after a few days of hot sunshine followed by hot, overcast weather, many of the herbs were ready to harvest, so I headed out with my basket.

There’s an old belief that herbs gathered around the summer solstice are at their most powerful, filled with the sun’s energy after the longest day of the year. Whether that’s scientifically true or simply a beautiful piece of folklore, I love the idea. It makes the harvest feel even more special.

This year’s first collection included fragrant meadowsweet, calming chamomile, and both red and white clover. They will be gently dried and tucked away for cups of homemade herbal tea during the colder months.

I never gather large amounts. We simply don’t need that much, and I believe nature should always be treated with respect. It’s better to take only what you’ll actually use than to pick armfuls that may end up being thrown away. Leaving plenty behind also means there is food for bees and other pollinators, and enough flowers to produce seeds for next year’s plants.

For me, gathering herbs isn’t just about making tea. It’s a quiet way to slow down, appreciate the changing seasons, and spend time outdoors. Every handful carries the scent of summer, and every cup in winter brings back memories of these long, sun-filled days.

Do you collect herbs for tea? If so, what are your favorite plants to gather each summer?

Ilze