Pine Straw: Beyond Landscapes
Pine Straw… what a useful commodity! When most of us think of us think of Pine Straw or Pine Needles we think of using it in gardening and landscaping projects. I am here to tell you there are even more uses and to give new light to this natural resource. Pine Straw is used throughout the United States and is found on the floors of pine forests, in our yards and garden landscapes, and used for decoration during the holidays. I have found several innovative ways to use this product in our everyday lives including crafting beautiful weaving decorations.
Throughout my searches I came across a little known treat using fresh pine needles, pine needle tea! Who would have thought? Using freshly cut and /or newly fallen pine needles you can make, what some say to be, a delicious homemade brew said to help with respiratory benefits. By steeping the pine straw in piping hot water for several minutes, draining, and then sweetening it with either honey or sugar to your liking you can make a tasty treat. Pine Needles/ Pine Straw are very high in Vitamin C and are thought to be beneficial in treating sinus symptoms such as a cough (chronic or acute), sore throats, and even nasal congestion according to the Practical Survivor website.
Who Knew?
Using pine straw and pine needles in making craft projects have also become popular over the years. Basket and other weaving crafts using pine straw date back to the American Civil War. Crafters use them to make such decorations as holiday wreathes baskets and other collectible art. Pine Straw or Pine Needles are a practical way of designing on a dime, a wholesale company like Custom Pine Straw, cleans and bales the straw making it perfect for uses even beyond the garden. Baskets and wreathes can be made in many different shapes and sizes and would be great time filler for children during holiday breaks with nothing to do. Pine Straw weaving uses age-old techniques and yet has been modernized slightly through the years, but still keeps its old world beauty.
So the next time you look at pine straw, take a moment to ponder the possibilities of this great and somewhat underappreciated natural resource. From harvesting the needles for gardening and landscaping, to sweet medically beneficial tea made with fresh needles, to the plethora of possibilities and endless fun for crafting, this natural abundant resource is just perfect to use so many ways!
Comments