THE VIOLET BOX: season of love harmony sweet and sour mossy nettle path of curiosity

Do you remember the Springtime? It is so long awaited in our northern climate, and then seems like a dream that evaporates in the Summer’s heat. Can you remember the last fierce snowstorms, the big rains, the muddy earth awakening, the first grasses sprouting, the brave crocuses, the unexpected heatwaves, the funny daffodils, the electric green fir tips, the sweetness of Lilac, and everything in between?

Thanks to this project, we were able to deeply tune into Spring and all of its wild vagaries. We marked each week with staking out each new plant’s blooming. We scouted the valley for the first violets and the fluffiest cherry blossoms, and we timed our days to the budding of Stinging Nettle and the leafing of Ramps. It was thrilling to chase the rainbow parade of petals.

And the rainbow parade took us for a ride too. This Spring was intense. It was the Eclipse and it was Ceasefire protests. It was crazy storms, and it was beautiful sparkling days. Spring provided the full rainbow of weather and emotions.

What we have learned is that Spring is ferocious. And that Spring is constant change. We are grateful to all the lessons learned in making this box; and the chance to travel back (and then forward) in time. To remember all that we have lived through in just these few months. And to drink deeply of this Spring, and all the Springs that came before. And to dream and work for the many beautiful, peaceful, healing Springs that will come in the future.

Our collaborator for this edition was chef Nina Clemente. Together, we created the book FAMILY MEAL, made as an homage to the beloved book series that her father co-created, Hanuman Books. Nina also crafted two delicious recipes: a special salt blend and a hearty pancake mix. Both are earthy and elegant, just like Nina.

As part of our mission, we donate a portion of our care packages to caregivers. For the Violet Box, which focuses so much on food and land, Nina suggested we gift boxes to local BIPOC farmers, seed-keepers, and mutual aid food projects. We also worked with architect and teacher Stephanie Lee, who beautifully mapped many of these radical and abolitionist BIPOC farms. These folks not only work to nourish our communities and the land, but they also seek to remind us of our place in the web of being. We are super lucky to elevate these inspiring and dedicated farmers, and offer our care as a balm for so much hard work.