When we come across someone who is so overwhelmed by a situation’s details that they can’t see the bigger picture, we tend to quip, “they can’t see the forest for the trees.” Just the opposite is true when it comes to viewing nature. When we look over a lawn, row of shrubs or cluster of threes, most of us see globs of green. We appreciate the beauty and the setting, but lots of us don’t see much distinction among the grasses, shrubs or trees. What are they? Weeds? Junk trees? Why care?

Anne Stobart, Devon, England

It turns out most of us have a wealth of helpful plants in our own backyards! And it’s not just the basil and lemon balm that we planted near the kitchen door or on the patio. That white pine could help for your wet cough. The peppermint that comes up year after year packs more than just flavor. And some of those small shrubs? Well, they may be part of your volunteer medicinal garden.

This Deep Roots Radio interview with Anne Stobart is the first of five planned with her. Anne has a PhD from her extensive research into the history of medicine. She is registered clinical herbalist, permaculture designer, forest keeper, educator, author, and blogger. She joined me from her home and garden in Devon, England.

Her most recent book, Trees and Shrubs that Heal was released in the US January 2024. She is also the author of the Medicinal Garden Handbook, and of Household Medicine in Seventeenth-Century England.  She also posts newsletters to her blog, Medicinal Tree Woman.

Her books, and her manner, are so engaging I asked her to join Deep Roots Radio for a 5-part series. I hope you enjoy this first conversation.

Sylvia