Balm, is a herbaceous perennial and member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes basil, rosemary, and ajuga. It is native to the Mediterranean area, North Africa and central…
Rose acacia is a flowering deciduous shrub and a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes mimosa, lupine, and alfalfa. It is native to eastern and central US…
The language of flowers, also called florography, refers to the use of flowers and plants to secretly communicate with others. It is the result of the a blending of traditions…
Also known as Nepalese Bell, Chapeau de Frade (friar’s cap), and orchid pepper, this unique pepper from Brazil is one of a group of peppers known as Aji’s that are…
My paternal grandmother, Helen S Wright, included three recipes for parsnip wine in her book, Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines. Two of the three recipes begin with ample…
The Middle Ages is generally considered to be the time from the fifth century to the fifteen century. During this time feudalism was strong and the power and influence of…
Roses have been grown for seventy million years in Asia and thirty five million years in North America. Today there are over one fifty different species of rose and thousands…
You may not think of a salad as typical New Year’s fare but many Russians around the world do. Russian New Year, Novy God, is celebrated with a tree, Grandfather…
As we entered the foyer of the Lalit Hotel in Khajurho, India, we were welcomed by greeters who placed a necklace of gray beads around our neck. Made from the…
As the Christmas song tells us, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…Help to make the season bright.” To many, however, chestnuts have been a staple food rather than a holiday…
Karen