Book Review: Nature’s Best Hope
Karen Meyers Nature’s Best Hope is Sarah L. Thomson’s middle grade adaption of Douglas W. Tallamy’s book by the same name. The author introduces the concept of Homegrown National Park that aims…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
In the Bible, mantles symbolize authority, responsibility, and the transfer of spiritual power as illustrated in the story of Elijah and Elisha. During the Middle Ages people, especially the monks…
Plant Profile: Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Also known as bird’s-eye speedwell, and cat’s eyes, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe where it is found in meadows, hedgerows, and open deciduous woodlands. It is a member…
Book Review: Mystical Mushrooms
Aurora Kane’s book, Mystical Mushrooms, explores a vast variety of topics concerning mushrooms from biology, to history, uses, folklore and real or imagined magical properties. A large section is devoted…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
During the Middle Ages people, the people, especially monks, who cultivated monastic gardens, often named plants to connect them to the attributes of the Virgin Mary and to the life…
Book Review: Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees
Lulu Delacre’s book, Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees, is a tribute to the diversity of the world of trees. Written for children 4-8 in grades preschool to three, Cool Green…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Also known as “Candlemas bells” and “Mary’s tapers”, snowdrops are a symbol of hope, new beginnings, and purity. Their early bloom date is usually near February 2, the date of…
Book Review: The Power of Trees
In his book, The Power of Trees, well-known forester Peter Wohlleben, sets out his belief that “The future of forests and future of humanity are in inextricably entwined.” He sees…
Book Review: Forest Walking
Forest Walking, by Perter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst, is a guide to enjoying the unique qualities of forests. Based on their visits to forests in North America from the Pacific…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wine: Turnip Wine
Native to western Asia and Europe, white turnip (Brassaca rapa subsp. rapa) is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and stock. It is grown…