julia_lee•25d agoOG Member

Saw a massive patch of wild bergamot on a hike near Lake Tahoe

It was covering a whole hillside and the smell was incredible, like mint mixed with oregano. I've only ever seen it in small clumps in gardens before. Has anyone else found a huge natural stand of a plant they usually see cultivated?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_ivan25d ago

Ever think about collecting some seeds from a spot like that? If it's public land, check the rules first, but often you can take a small amount for personal use. I did that with some native bee balm years ago. Just let the seed heads dry on the plant, pop them in a paper bag, and you can spread that exact local variety in your own yard. It's way tougher than store-bought plants.

ruby_rivera7625d ago

Remember my friend who tried that with some wild columbine? She got the timing all wrong and ended up with a bag of green mush. Had to go back weeks later to find the dried pods, and even then half the seeds were gone because the ants got to them first. She said it was a mess but totally worth it when a few finally grew in her shady backyard.

williammiller17d ago

Let the seed heads dry on the plant" lol is this a botany class or a hike? Sounds like a lot of work for some flowers.