Kirby Cove, the site of the second Secret Saturdays event, was the inspiration for a batch of healing balm created for the event. The healing balm was created to celebrate Kirby Cove by reflecting the scents and medicinal properties of the flora of this special location along the San Francisco Bay.
Kirby Cove, originally known as Gravelly Beach, was established in the late-18th century as a battery for nearby Lime Point (later renamed as Fort Baker). Due to its uniquely protective natural terrain, the site provided protection of the entry into the Bay along with Fort Point and a collection of batteries lining the coast. Once an active military site, Kirby Cove is a surprisingly remote and mystical location tucked under the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The cove is only accessible via a steep footpath that curves along the coast to provide access to the small beach with incredible views of the Bridge and San Francisco beyond. Lined by groves of Cypress, Pine and Eucalyptus trees, that were first planted by the military in the late 1800s, the area also features numerous medicinal plants including yarrow, sticky monkey flower, sage and others.
Kirby Cove Healing Balm is made with wildcrafted yarrow, plantain and sage infused in sunflower and almond oils, mixed with beeswax and a blend of essential oils. The healing balm is great for scrapes and bruises and can be used anywhere on the skin that needs a little extra nourishing moisture.
The product was made exclusively for the Secret Saturdays event and is similar to the products that will be featured in the newest Senses of Place project.
Coming in October…Senses of Place Boxes
In celebration of the unique qualities of place, this series of curated herbal medicine and botanical beauty product boxes evoke the sensory experience of a particular theme location. The limited edition boxes will be available every other month and will be created in small batches. Box themes will be announced about a month in advance and will be available for pre-order. Each box will contain 4-5 handcrafted products that evoke the theme location. Wildcrafted and organic ingredients will be used whenever possible. Each box will also feature notes about the history and importance of the theme location and an original artwork inspired by the place.
The first box will be available for pre-order in September and will feature Yosemite National Park. If you have questions about this project or wish to be notified when orders are open, please email gretchen@sensesofplace.net or follow announcements on Instagram: @sensesofplace