Seasonal Notes
Seasonal Notes is the Hilltop Botanicals journal — a quiet record of the changing landscape, botanical observations, and the small crafts that shape the studio.
Entries may include notes on seasonal plants, tea releases, honey infusions, and the botanical studies that emerge from the Hilltop garden and surrounding countryside.
These notes follow the rhythm of the seasons and the plants that define them.
Latest Notes
Notes by Season
The Hilltop landscape changes constantly throughout the year.
Some journal entries are grouped by season to follow the plants, blossoms, and botanical observations that define each part of the growing cycle.
Botanical Observations
Many journal entries begin with simple observation.
A tendril curling along a garden trellis.
A bee resting on a blossom.
An herb drying slowly on the kitchen table.
These small moments often become the starting point for tea blends, honey infusions, and botanical studies released through Hilltop Botanicals.
From the Hilltop Studio
Seasonal Notes also shares small glimpses from the Hilltop Botanicals studio.
Blending tea.
Infusing honey.
Preparing botanical studies.
Drying herbs gathered from the garden.
These quiet studio practices connect the landscape to the objects that eventually appear in the Hilltop collections.
The Farmer’s Market
Many visitors first encounter Hilltop Botanicals at the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market.
Seasonal Notes occasionally share small stories from the market — conversations with visitors, seasonal harvests, and the simple joy of sharing tea and honey directly with the community.
The market brings together growers, beekeepers, bakers, and artisans who produce food and handmade goods throughout the region.
Read the Journal
The September Garden: What to Harvest, Preserve & Plant Now in Kentucky
September doesn't ask us to choose between summer and fall. The garden is still producing herbs, flowers and vegetables worth gathering while cooler days invite us to plant again. Here's what's happening in the Hilltop garden as one season begins making room for another.
The Garden Between Seasons: What We're Harvesting, Drying & Planting in Late August
Late August is not quite summer and not quite autumn. In the Hilltop garden, herbs are still being gathered and dried while empty spaces begin making room for cool-season planting. Come along for a quiet look at what this in-between season means in a Kentucky garden—and a few simple ways to preserve a little of it for later.
Inside The Herbal Recipe Book: 6 Garden-Inspired Recipes to Try This Season
Step inside the new Hilltop Botanicals Herbal Recipe Book and discover six seasonal recipes for botanical syrup, infused honey, herbal sugar, finishing salt, and tea.
What Is a Botanical Pantry? A Simple Guide to Stocking Your Kitchen with Tea, Herbs & Honey
Discover how loose leaf tea, infused honey, herbs, and botanical ingredients can transform your kitchen into a seasonal botanical pantry.
Introducing The Hilltop Tea Journal: A Place to Remember Every Cup
The Hilltop Tea Journal was created as a lasting companion for tea tastings, brewing notes, favorite blends, botanical observations, and seasonal reflections. Discover the story behind the journal, look inside the printed edition, and choose between the printable PDF and professionally bound book.
Creating a Tea Ritual at Home: Five Simple Ways to Slow Down with Every Cup
A tea ritual doesn't require special equipment or extra time—it simply asks you to become present. Discover five practical ways to make loose leaf tea part of your everyday rhythm.
Welcome to the Hilltop Tea Guide
Discover the Hilltop Tea Guide, a free introduction to loose leaf tea. Learn how to brew tea, explore our signature blends, subscribe to our newsletter, and continue your tea journey through seasonal journal articles.
A New Kitchen for Local Makers: Celebrating the Owensboro Market Grand Opening
Hilltop Botanicals joined the grand opening of the new commercial kitchen at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market, serving tea and celebrating a new chapter for local food makers and small businesses.
From the Studio: Turning Toward Summer
Spring is gently retiring at Hilltop Botanicals. As Wild Meadow and Lilac Infused Honey near the close of their season, the studio begins turning toward longer light and summer brewing with Sunfield, our new seasonal blend crafted for both hot and iced ritual, alongside fresh Peony and Honeysuckle infused honey.
