Book Review: Mystical Mushrooms
Karen Meyers 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…
Book Review: Our Little Farm
In his book, Our Little Farm, author Peter Wohlleben shares his decades long experience of sustainable living and the choices and adaptations he and his wife made along the way.…
Weeds and Their Control; Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Reed canary grass is a cool season rhizomatous bunch grass and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes bamboo, corn, and rice. It is native to North…
Plant Profile: Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Also called upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to much of North American where it grows in prairies, plains, and disturbed areas. It is…