Lamb’s- ear from the garden

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee;because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

Lambs- ear belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The plant spreads readily wherever a root touches the soil it grows. It also grows by seed. As you cut the stem you notice it is not round but square. The purple flowers are no longer blooming on the spikes and I have cut them early. The right time is normally late autumn. I have done this early because the rain and wind has made the spikes fall over and start to rot underneath. This “falling over” has given a lovely natural curve to the spikes I have used in the basket.

Lamb’s – ear can be used to sop up blood as in a dressing and in the past it was used to reduce the swelling from wasp and bee stings. It is not toxic.

The basket is a rectangular shape and has been made with grass. It also has a well fitted lid. I know my mother brought it to me from Zimbabwe. I used to love watching people make wonderful objects from grass,wood and beads at their stalls outside the Bulawayo town hall. A well known person Jairos Jiri set up places for physically challenged people to do and learn these crafts. These skills have enabled many to earn a living.

Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory- character of Christ, will be received into the Paradise of God. (DA 331)