Labyrinths are beautiful. Their circular, geometric paths allow for walking meditations, and they are rich with symbolism. Some people have made the analogy that walking through a labyrinth is like taking a journey to the center of one’s self and then, eventually, emerging back into the world. Now picture a labyrinth made of paths of lavender plants and earth mounds....
A herb spiral is one of the most clever permaculture techniques for utilizing space and allowing plants to work together in the garden. Usually located just outside the kitchen door, a herb spiral provides a menagerie of culinary and medicinal herbs, while saving space and helping with pest management in the garden. Easy to build and fun to work with, herb spirals...
“If you haven’t heard about the latest trend in the last year of dessert hummus, and think it sounds weird, trust me it is amazing stuff. I mean, you get to enjoy dessert and a protein and fiber-rich snack at the same time! Which is why I love it. I like my desserts to have nutritional benefits sometimes and this is perfect for that.” –...
“National Weather Service meteorologists noticed something puzzling on their radar screens in Southern California on Tuesday evening — a big green blob. “It was very strange because it was a relatively clear day and we weren’t really expecting any rain or thunderstorms,” Casey Oswant, a NWS meteorologist in San Diego, tells NPR. “But...
“Miami city commissioners voted to outlaw the use of all weedkillers containing glyphosate on all city-owned property Thursday. City employees and contractors will have to find more eco-friendly alternatives to use on city streets, sidewalks, and parks, and residents are strongly advised to discontinue use of glyphosate on their lawns and gardens. The ban is...
Hemp is one of the most powerful plants in the world, producing twice as much fiber as cotton, using far less water and pesticides… and fixing the soil while it’s at it! Because of its misunderstood association with marijuana, it’s been illegal to grow in the United States for over 80 years. But luckily, for the people and the planet, Congress finally passed...
“When you have a large garden the DIY project possibilities are almost endless. You can build anything you wish if you have some extra time and some money to invest. So, if you’re looking for a new outdoor project, then this beautiful bean tunnel might be the inspiration you need. The owner of the tunnel is April from Wahsega Valley Farm and made the tunnel...
“Butterflies and moths have been around for millions of years. They used to be a common sight in gardens, but numbers have declined since the 1940s along with our other native wildlife species such as bees and hedgehogs. It will come as no surprise to hear this loss is due to destruction of natural habitats such as wildflower meadows, peat bogs and ancient woodlands...
Here’s an amazing idea that really proves to you that anything is possible with the right approach. A small team based in California, USA that goes by the name of Reduce. Reuse. Grow. has devised an ingenious new type of coffee cup with seeds inside the walls. You can plant the cup when you are done and the seeds grow. Some thought has clearly gone into this project:...
The Environmental Protection Agency is pulling from the market a dozen products containing pesticides known to be toxic to a linchpin of the U.S. food system — the honeybee. The agency announced Monday it has canceled the registrations of 12 pest-killing products with compounds belonging to a class of chemicals known as neonicotinoids, as part of a legal settlement. For...
If dandelion wine captures the essence of summer for adults, then dandelion ice cream sums it up for kids. This flower infused treat is sweetened with honey. All you need is one cup of dandelion petals, which should be available on any respectable pesticide-free lawn. Making dandelions into ice cream isn’t a new idea, but rather than blossoms, most recipes...
Organic gardening is as popular as ever, and the methods we use plays a critical role in our health and the health of the planet. There are many different all-natural fertilizers that you can use in your garden or with potting soil. Some of these fertilizers can be made or collected at home using common items from your pantry or your backyard. Here are 8 of our favorite DIY fertilizers...
Inspired small gardens for houses and apartments Many people have the desire to own a green area in their residence, so the small gardens have taken up space in the area of decorating and landscaping. To make a beautiful garden does not take many expenses, simply organize the essential items in stages and have a good taste in choosing the plants and accessories that...
Scientists have already proven that mosquitoes choose their victims according to their body odor, and they are most fond of pregnant women and people with slightly higher body temperature. In addition, they also attract the smell of sweat, and some people simply have no luck with mosquitoes because they have a smell that draws them more intensely. But some strong...
If you are a parent, you should probably think about one good question: should your children be taught to grow food at school? The modern era is marked by the constant advancements in technology, and the new inventions have provided the comfort and conveniences that we never even imagined to live in. However, we lost a large part of the needed real-world knowledge...
It’s hard not to drive through Florida during the spring and summer months and catch a glimpse of a sunflower farm or two. Especially for those driving along the beautiful country roads. One of Florida’s greatest natural pleasures comes in the form of these towering beauties, and if you’re looking for a way to enjoy them in their fullest, then this Florida...
1. Peppermint Castile Soap, via Rocky Hedge Farm – GET THE RECIPE! “There is a variety of things that can be done in a garden to help control the critters and insects that find the vegetable patch their tasty treat for the day. Companion planting, attracting birds and good insects, and even hand picking some of the bugs and placing them in a bucket of...
Sometimes it’s better to see a pest problem as the normal way nature enters and adapts to a particular niche in the environment created by things like availability of food, cover, and absence of predators. Animals don’t appear magically on the scene for no reason, they simply exploit available food resources and habitat. Once we understand this, we can learn...
China is going to war with a new kind of enemy — industrial air pollution. The People’s Liberation Army has reassigned 60,000 troops to plant 16 million acres of trees to help clean the air. Air pollution is such a serious problem in the country it was responsible for one-third of all deaths there in 2016. By the end of this year, troops will have planted an...
A new study found people who ate mushrooms at least twice a week were half as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia. It can cause problems with memory, language, attention and locating objects. For the study, researchers from...
