{"title":"Blackbird Rise","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are Daniel MacPhee, Corinne Wesh and our kids, Bennett and Annah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving farmed throughout New England, we arrived, quite serendipitously, in Palermo, Maine in the late winter of 2012 and purchased our farm the following summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a long first winter on our spot of land, laden with all the requisite growing pains of starting a new farm, a flock of red-winged blackbirds, freshly clad in their bright springtime regalia, came up the rise at the back of our field and rested for a time on the trees in our front dooryard. The scene was raucous, bright, alive, and filled with the tumbling clatter of their songs. With the arrival of these harbingers of spring, Blackbird Rise was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blackbirdrise.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eblackbirdrise.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/blackbirdrise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e@blackbirdrise\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"moldavian-balm","title":"Moldavian Balm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a huge personal favorite of grower Daniel MacPhee. He says everyone should grow this plant! It is uncommonly seen but easy to grow, with beautiful showy blue flowers, deep green slightly hairy foliage, and interesting upright\/spreading architecture. It is a favorite of pollinators, particularly large species of bumble bee and hummingbirds. With a highly aromatic lemon balm-like scent, its flavor holds very well dried for teas (unlike lemon balm). Its medicine is to both treat colds and lift the spirit! Also known as Dragon's Head as the flowers are shaped like large-toothed dragons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 93% on 09\/18\/2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and barely cover. Keep moist until germination, usually in 7-14 days. Start indoors, and later transplant in full sun 9-12\" apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3715053584424,"sku":"HERB-017","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/BBR-MoldavianBalm_1.jpg?v=1571609434"},{"product_id":"scarlet-peony-poppy","title":"Scarlet Peony Poppy","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeautiful, vibrant, red peony-like blooms make a splash from mid-summer through early frosts. For a particularly striking effect, grow these large, double flowers together in a mass planting. Elegant, 5\"-wide flowers grow on 2-3' tall plants with light icy-green foliage. While they are annuals, they will self sow if they like the home they have been offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70-100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 44% on 10\/05\/2021 \u003cem\u003e(\u003ca title=\"About Truelove Seeds Germination Testing\" href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/pages\/faq\/#germinationtesting\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebelow standard\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect sow after last danger of frost in full sun. These seeds need some light to germinate, so sprinkle directly on the soil. Consider mixing the seed with sand, sawdust, or old potting mix to make it easier to sow evenly. Thin to at least 9-12\" apart, as the foliage can get dank if planted too close. Like all poppies, they do not like to be transplanted, but if you do, transplant them young and on a cool, damp, overcast day for best chance of success. They are not fussy in terms of soil: they don't need a rich garden soil, but they will not complain about it either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo harvest the seeds, cut the dried, browned seedheads into a paper bag. Dislodge the seeds by breaking apart the seedheads. Use a strainer to sift out the larger chaff. Use your breath, wind, or fans to winnow off lighter weight chaff.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21405413638224,"sku":"FLO-016","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/Scarlet_Peony_Poppy.jpg?v=1571609438"},{"product_id":"stinging-nettle","title":"Stinging Nettle","description":"\u003cp\u003eStinging Nettles are used as food, medicine, tea, and textiles throughout the world. This perennial originates in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Though covered in stinging \"hairs\" that act as needles injecting passersby with formic acid, it loses its sting when dried or cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as nettles, common nettles, nettle leaf, and seven minute itch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 91% on 05\/29\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21871195816016,"sku":"HERB-036","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/Stinging_Nettle.jpg?v=1571609442"},{"product_id":"marshmallow","title":"Marshmallow","description":"\u003cp\u003eMarshmallow is an attractive perennial native to damp soils of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Its grey-tinged, velvety leaves are edible as a potherb or dried for tea, and its mucilaginous roots are used in healing for irritable intestines, throat, or lungs. As slippery elm is endangered, this plant is a good kitchen garden substitute. This is the plant whose early Egyptian confections later inspired the marshmallow treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 74%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (total viability: 95%) on 10\/29\/2025 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e(\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/pages\/faq\/#seedviability\" title=\"What is the difference between germination rate and total viability?\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eread more about viability\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn early spring, scarify with sandpaper and sow on the surface of the soil, just barely covered. Keep moist and warm. Some people recommend first giving your marshmallow seeds 3-4 weeks of cold stratification: place them in moist soil in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. When transplanting, space the plants two feet apart in full or partial sun. Harvest root in the fall of the 3rd year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21871269478480,"sku":"HERB-040","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/marshmallow_root.jpg?v=1571609442"},{"product_id":"bee-balm-purple","title":"Bee Balm (Purple)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis attractive, aromatic, mint-family herb draws in pollinators and is used as herbal medicine. Native to much of North America, its leaves are brewed by many native peoples (including Menomonee, Ojibwe, and Ho-Chunk) as a tea for treating colds and flu. It is also used as an external treatment for skin irritations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wild bergamot, monarda, and beebalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee also: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/products\/bee-balm-magenta\"\u003eBee Balm (Magenta)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers in second year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 95% on 06\/02\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn early spring, start the seeds indoors (6-8 weeks before transplant) or direct sow, covering the seeds only lightly and tamping down. Space seedlings 1 foot apart, full or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28165351309392,"sku":"HERB-042","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/BBR_Monarda-fistulosa_2.jpg?v=1636681925"},{"product_id":"st-johns-wort","title":"St. John's Wort","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelow standard germination: We have included 475 seeds per packet so you can sow extra!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBushy perennial growing about three feet tall with bright yellow flowers in late spring through mid-summer. Native to Europe, its aerial parts are used medicinally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity: \u003c\/strong\u003e90-120\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack: \u003c\/strong\u003e475\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1% (total viability: 31%) on 05\/29\/2025 \u003cem\u003e(\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/pages\/faq\/#seedviability\" title=\"What is the difference between germination rate and total viability?\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eread more about viability\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect seed or transplant in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34158913224839,"sku":"HERB-053","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/st-johnswort_0sqauto.jpg?v=1589307351"},{"product_id":"greek-mullein","title":"Greek Mullein","description":"\u003cp\u003eAdd drama and height to your garden with these bountiful candelabra sprays of yellow blooms, which are great for pollinators and medicine making. Like other mulleins, this plant has a wide, low-growing blue-grey rosette of broad leaves, from which springs a tall flower spike in its second year. This is a short-lived perennial that sometimes acts like a biennial. Native to Greece and the Olympus mountains in Turkey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotos by Daniel MacPhee at Blackbird Rise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers in second year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 71% on 02\/02\/2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant indoors before frost to get a head start by broadcasting over a potting mix and later dividing and potting up. Direct sow in the garden in early spring. Plants can grow 2-3\" wide if given the space. Consider growing this herb in disturbed soils outside your main garden space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWait until the flower stalks dry out and become crispy brown. On a dry day, cut the entire stalk below the lowest seed pods and whack the stalk in a bucket. Sift out the larger plant parts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42188111872238,"sku":"HERB-064","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/GreekMullein_by_DanielMacPhee_BlackBirdRise3.jpg?v=1639764579"},{"product_id":"feverfew","title":"Feverfew","description":"\u003cp\u003eLow, bushy herbaceous perennial in the daisy family. Many grow these cute-as-a-button white and yellow flowers as a garden ornamental, but its pungent, aromatic leaf has also been used medicinally since the first century in Ancient Greece, and perhaps before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Balkan peninsula, Anatolia and the Caucasus, it is now grown throughout the temperate world and has been used medicinally throughout Europe for hundreds of years as pain relief for headache and migraine issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts common name in English, \"feverfew,\" derives from the Latin \"febrifugia,\" meaning \"fever reducer,\" likely citing its historic use as a general anti-inflammatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese low-growing bushy flowers reach between 20-36\" in height, and prefer a sunny spot in the garden. Keep a watchful eye, as they are strong growers and can easily take over in the right conditions. Makes an excellent cut or dried flower, grows well in beds, borders and containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80-90\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 66% on 03\/25\/2022\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight dependent germinator. Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost - press seeds into surface of soil and keep moist until germination, usually within 14 days. For direct sowing, sow seeds in early spring while the ground is still cool, or in autumn to overwinter. Sprinkle seeds on top of the soil and lightly tamp to ensure full contact, do not cover. When seedlings reach 3-5inches, thin to about 2' apart. Tender perennial, hardy in zones 5-9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, allow the plant to develop its brown, puffy seed heads. Wait for the stems and aerial parts of the plant to turn brown and dry. Cut full stalks, with seed heads intact, into brown paper bag. Let dry for several weeks. Then simply tap seed heads and collect the fallen, ripe seeds!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhoto credit: \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Feverfew.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eFeverfew\u003c\/a\u003e\" by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Vsion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eVsion\u003c\/a\u003e is licensed under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCC BY 2.5\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Cropped from original\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43490724184302,"sku":"HERB-044","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/Feverfew.jpg?v=1663019567"},{"product_id":"mountain-mint","title":"Mountain Mint","description":"\u003cp\u003eCommon or Virginia Mountain Mint is a tall, bushy perennial mint native to what is now the Eastern U.S. and Canada and into the Midwestern states. This showy, fragrant mint grows up to three feet in height with dark green, narrow foliage and long, wiry stems. It blooms in late summer in clusters of lovely white flowers flecked with purple speckles. Its foliage is strongly mint- or thyme-scented when brushed past or crushed in your hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA traditional mint for tea and culinary use, it is a longstanding medicinal used by many Indigenous peoples of Eastern North America. As with many mints, it makes a delicious tea which can soothe digestion and support the body against cold and flu. An easily maintained garden or native habitat restoration plant, Mountain Mint is endlessly popular with pollinating insects - attracts honeybees, native bee species, wasps, beetles and butterflies. A perfect addition to your pollinator garden!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85 days to flower\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 83% on 08\/13\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow in autumn or early spring, seed requires cold treatment to germinate. Sow seeds on surface of soil and press in firmly. In cool soils, seed germinates after about 20 days. Prefers part shade to full sun, does well in a variety of soils with occasional watering. Native habitat includes wet prairies, stream edges and moist bluffs - prefers not to get too dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhoto credit: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pycnanthemum-virginianum.JPG\"\u003eHardyplants at English Wikipedia\u003c\/a\u003e, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Rise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43550909202670,"sku":"HERB-043","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/MountainMint_Pycnanthemum-virginianum.jpg?v=1664236931"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/collections\/BlackbirdRise.jpg?v=1517006458","url":"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/blackbird-rise.oembed","provider":"Truelove Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}