Found this great poem by a local poet. Took these pictures earlier this evening. Author credits below: Cherish the fall, trees of orange colors and reds, to the right and the left people turning their heads to view the fall scenes against the blue sky, and birds migrating south, waving good-bye. They travel together without hesitation. They are programmed inside to the right destination. Cherish your walks as the leaves you scatter and where they land it just doesn’t matter ‘cause the wind will take them wherever it will, to the bushes or trails or the foot of a hill. From crushed dusty leaves we love the aroma from north to south - throughout Minnesota. And the scent of cider and pumpkin pie spice this is Minnesota autumn, this is Minnesota nice. Cherish your family and your many close friends cherish them all, let your joy transcend. Enjoy with them this beautiful autumn, all your best friends - that’s why you got’em. The autumn’s fresh air so glad when it comes, taking deep breaths filling our lungs. Because any day now - we just never know when we find ourselves covered with . . . . . . . Sticks and Oak leaves. —Gerry O. Lundell, Robbinsdale

3 Practical Uses for Dried Goldenrod + Simple How-Tos 🌼 Goldenrod (Solidago species) is one of fall’s most recognizable wild plants. Often seen growing along roadsides, fields, and woodland edges, its golden flowers have a long history of use in traditional European and North American herbal practices. But goldenrod is good for more than adding a splash of yellow to the autumn landscape. Once properly harvested and dried, it can be used to make herbal tea, homemade infused oil, and natural fabric dye. Here are three practical ways to put dried goldenrod to use. 1. GOLDENROD TEA FOR TRADITIONAL URINARY SUPPORT 🍵 Goldenrod has traditionally been used to support urinary tract health. Herbal preparations are valued for their mild diuretic effects, meaning they may increase urine production. How to Make Goldenrod Tea • Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried goldenrod flowering tops per cup of water. • Pour freshly boiled water over the herb. • Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes. • Strain before drinking. The flavor can be somewhat bitter. Try adding a little honey, mint, or lemon peel to improve the taste. 2. GOLDENROD INFUSED OIL OR HOMEMADE SALVE 🌿 Dried goldenrod can also be used to make an herbal oil for external application. Traditional herbal preparations have been used on the skin for minor irritation and for massage around tired muscles and joints. An infused oil is simple to prepare at home, and you can turn it into a salve with beeswax. How to Make Goldenrod-Infused Oil You’ll need: • Dried goldenrod flowers and upper leaves • Olive oil or another suitable carrier oil • A clean, completely dry glass jar • Cheesecloth or a fine strainer • A dark glass bottle for storage Instructions: Fill a clean, dry jar approximately halfway with dried goldenrod. Pour in enough carrier oil to cover the plant material completely, leaving about an inch of oil above it. Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark location for 4–6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days. Strain thoroughly and transfer the finished oil into a clean, dry, dark bottle. Want a Faster Method? You can gently warm the herb and oil in a double boiler on low heat for several hours. Avoid overheating the oil. How to Turn It Into a Salve Gently melt 1 cup of goldenrod-infused oil with approximately 2 tablespoons of beeswax. Stir until completely combined. Pour into clean, dry tins or small jars. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify. Apply externally to a small area of intact skin first to check for irritation. 3. NATURAL YELLOW FABRIC DYE 🎨 Goldenrod’s bright flowers can produce beautiful yellow and golden shades, making this plant a favorite among natural dye enthusiasts. If you enjoy gardening, crafting, or working with natural materials, this is a wonderful way to turn a fall harvest into something useful. How to Make Goldenrod Dye You’ll need: • Dried goldenrod flowers • Water • Natural fabric, such as wool, silk, or cotton • A suitable mordant, such as alum, if appropriate for your fiber and dyeing method • A dedicated dye pot and stirring utensil Instructions: Place a generous amount of dried goldenrod flowers in a pot of water. Simmer gently for 30–60 minutes to extract the color. Strain out the flowers, leaving the colored dye liquid. Prepare your fabric using an appropriate mordant and method for the particular fiber. Wet the fabric and place it in the dye bath. Simmer gently for approximately 45–60 minutes, following the temperature requirements of your fabric. Allow the fabric to cool in the dye bath if desired, then rinse and dry. The final shade will depend on the plant material, fabric, mordant, and dyeing conditions. Wool and silk may behave differently from cotton, so test a small piece first. The Result? Depending on your method, you may get anything from a soft, sunny yellow to a deeper golden shade. Good luck! It's everywhere!