Arranging flowers is a creative outlet in more ways than one. Sure, you get to flex your artistic muscle by putting together a bouquet without any help. But you can get creative with what you put into your gatherings, too. Herbs make an unexpected, aromatic addition to any arrangement. Plus, they provide a wealth of […]

People have looked to all-natural plants for healing remedies since the beginning of time. After some experimentation, they discovered things like how mint leaves soothed upset stomachs and how aloe vera eased sunburn pain. Even with all the technology available today, people still want herbal solutions for their health problems. One of the most common […]

Did you come home from the grocers with a bumper crop of herbs? Greens always taste the best when they’re fresh. They add more potent flavor to all your family’s meals and even offer several health benefits. How can you keep your crop from turning to mush before you have a chance to use it? […]

One of the most visually interesting plants in my garden is lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis, in the borage family, Boraginaceae; the flowers are both red and blue and the dark green leaves have white spots, making it an easy plant to recognize. It is low-growing and has spread as a pretty ground cover. Lungwort is native […]

It can be hard to maintain an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle when it comes to pest control. Luckily, you can find a variety of plants that naturally deter unwanted guests. Plus, some double as household herbs and flowers. Read on to discover eight ways to stay pest-free all year long. 1. Citronella In the early 1900s, the […]

Going on a road trip is an exciting experience that enriches the soul and helps expand our horizons. That being said, it’s often accompanied by various nuisances, from digestion problems and sleep disturbances to daunting car issues. In this article, we’re listing travel and herbal basics you should cross off from your travel checklist. Have […]

What’s Chamomile and Where to Find It From the family Asteraceae, there are several plants which look like daisies, of which chamomile is commonly used. A traditional medicinal herb, chamomile is found mostly in places that are well-drained and have enough sun. Location wise, it has been seen abundantly within the west sides of Asia […]

My last post (Houseleek, Jupiter’s Beard, Sempervivum tectorum Part 1) described the characteristics of the houseleek, Sempervivum tectorum. This post talks of its healing history and folklore.  The Ideal Houseplant of the Ancients Sempervivum means “live forever.” The species epithet of the common houseleek, tectorum, means “of roofs.” Its odd common name, houseleek, also means “of […]

One of the most widely-planted succulents is the houseleek Sempervivum tectorum (Crassulaceae, stonecrop family). Grown since Roman times, it has many common names. You might know it as hens-and-chicks, bullocks eye, Jupiter’s beard, Thor’s beard, syngreen, sengren, liveforever, or something else. The name hens-and-chicks or hens-and-chickens (a name also applied to other plants which make little replicates […]

Red berries are especially colorful this time of year and these three; Highbush Cranberry, Rose Hips and Sumac Berries are more than a glowing red face.  Each of these are important as good winter foods, good winter medicines and can be part of your landscape. High Bush Cranberry High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) is a […]