Puzzle Permaculture, Inc.

Instead of hopelessly trying to get rid of the dandelions in your yard, use them as an opportunity to improve your health.  Before collecting any plants, be sure that they have not been sprayed with chemicals or are in an area where pets frequent.  You can eat young dandelion greens in a salad, the roots can be dried, roasted and ground into a coffee substitute, and the blossoms can be made into a great syrup.  With a bit of patience, you can make a tasty syrup to share with friends, families and neighbours.  

Here is the recipe for Dandelion Blossom Syrup, from Wise Woman Herbal by Susun Weed:

1 L. dandelion flowers
1 L. water
1 kg. organic sugar
1/2 organic lemon or orange

Put blossoms and water in a non-aluminum pot.  Bring just to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let sit overnight.  Strain and press liquid out of spent flowers.  Add sugar and sliced citrus (peel and all) and heat slowly, stirring  now and again for several hours or until reduced to a thick, honey-like syrup.  Enjoy with plain yogurt, on pancakes or in tea.

Leave us a comment if you try making the syrup!  Have fun and enjoy !!

We are thrilled to be partnering with UNA - The Ripple Effect in Calgary for this workshop!  It is located at the Central Library, easily accessible by transit, is aimed for youth 14 to 22, and is a free two hour session!  Know anyone whom is interested in Permaculture?  Please share!  There will be lots of great information and several hands on activities - so if your looking to get inspired, hang out with some great people, and have a good time, this might be it!  You can learn more here:

http://unac-rippleeffectcalgary.blogspot.ca/p/projects-events.html 
And check out other Youth Central Youth Week events here:http://youthcentral.com/youthweek/ 
 

Welcome!
After several months of meetings, business planning, accounting fun, and getting incoporated - we are ready to meet the needs of Calgary's youth!  We are SUPER EXCITED to be at the Ecopooloza Fair Saturday April 21 from 10:00-3:00 @ the Saddletowne Library Branch (http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/services/programs-events?p=855) - come join us for some hands on crafts and your chance to turn waste into resource!  Other events this day include:

Green Calgary Rain Barrel and Composter Sale Begins at 10:00 a.m. – until supplies last! More info here.

Eco-Storytime 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Fun stories with an eco-theme for kids aged 2 to 5.

Wildlife Talk with Lyn Hancock 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.The author and conservationist tells stories and shows pictures of her exciting adventures saving orphaned wildlife.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. Educational trailers 310-FIRE and Respect the Land

It is going to be a great day!