Herbal wisdom for every season of life
Hello, and welcome. I’m Brenda Sullivan, an herbalist, author, and teacher rooted in New England, with more than 27 years of working alongside the plants. The New England Herbary is where practical herbal wisdom, storytelling, and seasonal living come together, following the turning of the Wheel of the Year to help you create a more grounded, nourishing life.
My Mission: Herbal Wisdom for Everyday Life
At its heart, this work is about making herbal wisdom approachable, safe, and enriching for everyday people. Herbs aren’t just remedies in a bottle. They’re part of our food, our gardens, our history, and our rituals. My mission is to:
- Demystify herbs so you feel confident using them in your kitchen, home, and self-care.
- Blend tradition and modern practice, drawing from herbal history, folklore, and astrology to deepen our connection to the natural world.
- Live by the seasons, following the Celtic Wheel of the Year and the cycles of the moon as a gentle rhythm for the year.
- Offer simple, accessible wellness that fits real lives and real budgets.
- Create community where plant lovers, whether beginners or longtime gardeners, can share, learn, and grow together.
What You’ll Find Here
🌿 The Podcast: Weekly episodes on herbal uses, folklore, and astrology-aligned plant wisdom, each one following the season as it unfolds.
đź“ş YouTube: Quiet, seasonal videos from the garden, the kitchen, and the land, made for slowing down.
📬 The Newsletter: A weekly letter with seasonal reflections, herbal tips, a simple ritual for the week, and invitations to what’s coming.
🕯️ Free Monthly Workshops: On the last Sunday of each month, we gather on Zoom to mark the season together. Everyone is welcome, and there’s never a cost to attend.
🍵 Classes in Connecticut: Hands-on herbal classes through local adult education programs, covering tea blending, infused oils, seasonal botanicals, and more. Fall 2026 Classes – West Hartford Senior Community Center and Windsor Adult Education.
đź”® The Plants and the Stars: Exploring the crossroads of herbs and astrology, from zodiac-season plant allies to the old correspondences that tie the garden to the sky.
Rooted in the Land
Much of this work grows from fifteen acres of woodland, hay field, and stream in northern Vermont, where I spend part of each year. The land is not a backdrop to what I share here. It’s where the stories come from.
Why the Plants, Why Now
We live in a time of constant change, and so many of us are searching for ways to feel healthier, calmer, and more rooted. Herbs offer simple, tangible ways to support well-being, without overwhelm and without hype. A soothing cup of tea, a seasonal ritual, or a slow walk through the garden can turn an ordinary day back toward the rhythm of the earth.
Join Me
I’d love to share this journey with you. Here’s where to find me:
- 🎧 Listen to the podcast: weekly episodes following the Wheel of the Year
- đź“ş Watch on YouTube: seasonal videos from the garden and the land
- 📬 Join my newsletter: weekly seasonal letters, plus invitations to my free monthly workshops
Together, we’ll explore the wisdom of the plants, rooted in New England soil but alive with stories and practices that belong to everyone.
With gratitude,
Brenda Sullivan
Founder, The New England Herbary