Gardening

There is a curious alchemy in valerian—a secret that lies in its very name. Derived from the Latin “valere,” meaning “to be strong” or “to be healthy,” valerian has long been revered as a plant of respite and fortitude. It is a reminder that true strength often comes from quiet …

Mullein has been a constant, gentle companion throughout my life—a wild and resilient herb whose soft, velvety leaves conjure memories of childhood wonder and tactile delight. I remember the first time I encountered mullein as a little girl, running through fields where its leaves brushed against my skin like a …

Thyme is a small herb with a huge heart—a true ambassador of resilience and healing that has silently accompanied humanity through the ages. When I walk through my garden and gently brush my fingers over its tiny leaves, I feel as though I am touching a piece of history; its …

Dandelions have long captured my imagination as symbols of resilience, creativity, and the quiet power of nature to renew and inspire. There is something undeniably poetic about these bright yellow flowers that push through cracks in the asphalt or spread wildly across untended fields. Each tiny seed, carried effortlessly on …

Oregano has always held a special place in my heart and kitchen—a herb whose bold, earthy fragrance and complex flavor encapsulate both nourishment and emotional release. I remember the first time I encountered oregano not simply as a seasoning for pizza or a garnish on pasta but as a vibrant, …

Rosemary is a herb that has enchanted me since I first discovered its myriad qualities, both as a healing agent and as a muse for my most contemplative moments. There is something timeless and alluring about rosemary—a green, woody shrub with needle-like leaves and delicate blue flowers that carries with …

The mighty comfrey is a plant that has woven itself into my life much like a gentle teacher—a symbol of resilience, regeneration, and the labor of love it takes to create a true sanctuary. I have come to see that creating a sanctuary is akin to the way comfrey regenerates …

The mighty oat! For most of us, it was the childhood hero of our breakfast tables—from hearty oatmeal to comforting porridge, from oat cookies to muesli. I remember how oats filled us up and helped us start our day with a sense of warmth and nourishment. Oatmeal, derived from the …

As a young woman tending to my first little garden, I was filled with an earnest determination to create a flourishing outdoor space free from weeds. I had read that a clean slate was essential for any successful garden—absolutely devoid of invasive plants that would choke out the good stuff. …

As a child, walking on a back road, I saw a plant I had never seen before. It was tall. It had big, prickly leaves and big purple flowers. I reached out to touch it and as soon as I touched a leaf, I felt a sharp pain and pulled …