After musician Tom Petty died last year on October 2nd last year, I listened to this hauntingly beautiful rendition of his song ‘Wildflowers’, performed live by Miley Cyrus on the Howard Stern show. Inspired by the listening experience, I took the last window of good weather opportunity offered by nature around that time, to prepare the soil and sow a meadow in his memorial. Pictured above … Read More
There are many reasons beyond the world famous beer festival Oktoberfest to make Munich a stop on your travels. Munich was first mentioned in written records in 1158 , when it was a monastery. Located at the Northern Edge of the Alps, between the rivers Isar and Würm, it grew quickly into a major city, and eventually became capitol of the Kingdom of Bavaria, ruled by emperors over … Read More
Absinthe, also known as ‘the green fairy’, is an anise flavored, distilled, high-proof beverage which peaked in popularity during the Fin de Siècle, particularly in it’s country of origin, France, where it was consumed in large quantities by all levels of society as an aperitif. The spirit drink has been well documented in the fine arts The Peruvian painter Paul Gauguin consumed large quantities of the … Read More
In Southern France, outside of Nice, along the French Riviera, not far from Monte Carlo and it’s famous casino, perched on a hill overlooking the Bay of Villefranche and Bay of Beaulieu, lies the country folly of the baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. The exceptionally wealthy heir of the Baron de Rothschild banker family and wife of banker Maurice de Ephrussi, carefully chose this spot to build … Read More
On my last trip to Austria I was introduced to a lovely, light, refreshing summer drink called ‘Hugo’. Ingredients: 02 ml chilled, dry or semi-dry white wine, such as: Chardonnay, Viogner, Chablis, Chenin blanc, Savignon blanc, Riesling, Gruener Veltliner 1 tablespoon elder flower syrup 1 teaspoon lime juice 01 ml chilled sparkling mineral water, club soda, seltzer or 01 ml chilled sparkling wine, … Read More
Summertime spells heat and sun for most of us in temperate climate zones. To cool off, humans and animals alike trek to water, and seek shade under cool tree canopy. A popular deciduous shade tree is the Plane tree, or Sycamore, of the botanical genus Platanus, and the only member of the plane tree family (Platanaceae). This tree grows quickly, and can live a long time. … Read More
Every year in February, the biggest organic consumer goods fair in the world, called “Biofach Messe and Vivaness“, in Nuremburg, Germany, draws members of the organic business community from all over the world, who flock to the fair to make and break deals, cultivate old relationships, form new ones, look for products, attend lectures, and explore the organic scene. Originally started in 1990, it is now … Read More
The holiday season is here, it’s dark and cold outside, and we spend more time inside, socializing with friends and family. It’s the season to be jolly; and to spread influenza and other cold viruses. Here are some of my favorite flu fighting remedies: Herbal Chicken Broth Homemade Chicken Soup is a must in my flu fighting arsenal. I prepare a simple stock from my own … Read More
Autumn colors, long, dark and cold nights, rain, fog and storms: are you getting ready to retreat indoors, with a cup of tea, and a slow cooking dish on the stove or in the oven? I am, but not so fast. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, and have been spared by the destruction of hurricane Sandy, you have until Thanksgiving to … Read More
Dear BG, I will admit, your charms have left a lasting impression on me. Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria Your natural beauty is stunning, with a towering Stara Planina mountain plateau to the north, and the even more beautiful Rhodope mountains in your south. Nestled between these giants is your fertile valley, home to fields of the queen of flowers, Rosa x damascena, and fragrant lavender plants. … Read More
In Mid September I flew out to Central and Eastern Europe to meet with medicinal plant producers, and to learn more about the botanical wealth of Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria. For 2 and 1/2 weeks it’s been a fantastic, educational, illuminating and inspirational trip, and dear friends in each of these 3 countries rolled out the red carpet for me: Thank you beautiful, noble, grand people, … Read More
Labor day weekend: the last chance to celebrate the joys of summer, and an opportunity to prepare for a busy work season ahead during fall and winter. I am getting ready by making some tincture with fresh plants from the garden, which I will strain and use in 1-2 months. Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a sun loving, climbing, perennial vine and an important ingredient in beer … Read More
Cats are wonderful animal companions, which keep mice at bay. For both reasons I would not do without them. The kitty litter box I do not like. Both of our cats go outside, but at least one prefers to use the box all year; during rainy, cold seasons both resort to it. Since the dogs tend to eat the garden cat feces findings, which makes them … Read More
Herbal tinctures, also called extracts, are made from plant material macerated in alcohol, a process which extracts the active compounds from the botanical. Tinctures are an excellent form of herbal supplements for anybody who can consume alcohol, because they are easily administered, and immediately absorbed into the system. Due to the high alcohol content tinctures are not suitable for animals or small children. Tinctures are easy … Read More
On my evening stroll with the dogs I came upon a white spider, which was dining on a honey bee, inside a Mullein flower.
I truly wish there was a quick answer to that question. But unfortunately it is complicated. Conventional The term ‘conventional’, when used to describe agricultural methods, was invented by the synthetic fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and other agricultural chemical products industry. It emerged as part of the global chemical industry boom experienced after WW2, and is now domineering agricultural practices globally, reaping billions of dollars in profits … Read More
Place one of those onto your work desk to brighten the day. This country nosegay is composed of Yarrow (Achillea nobilis), Echinacea pallida + Echinacea purpurea , Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), Artemisia sp., Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula x Grosso), Catmint (Nepeta cataria), Oregano vulgare hybrids, and Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) flowers, and it is as fragrant as it sounds.
A couple of days ago it was last call for the remaining red currant berries hanging on the bush; they had to be dealt with, or would be spoiled.I had a bottle of brandy in my pantry, so I decided to preserve this fruit crop by making an Aufgesetzter, which is basically the same thing as Rumtopf, but made with brandy instead of rum. ‘Aufgesetzt’ simply … Read More
Summer is here, and the harvest season begins. In the Pacific Northwest we are blessed with a climate suitable for a large variety of fruit crops, which are offered at farm stands. My own garden currently produces strawberries, red and black currants, blueberries, red and black raspberries and gooseberries. It is time to start preserving some of this bounty for the winter. Canning is too labor … Read More
Matricaria recutita is known by the common name of German or True Chamomile, a late spring/early summer flowering Annual plant. This is the Chamomile which is used as a tea herb in form of tea bags, loose tea, and tea mixtures. Most commercial sources come from cultivation in Egypt, or are wild harvested in Eastern Europe; both are offered with organic certification. This cool season … Read More