In the picturesque valleys where the divine scent of lavender graces the air, the enchanting tale of lavender’s healing power unfolds. Lavender is no ordinary plant; it is a testament to the collaborative efforts of nature’s tiniest architects and boasts an alluring fragrance that soothes and heals. Within the earth, …
Gardening
Chamomile, Gentle Peace
Chamomile, the flower that could rightfully have the nickname “nature’s lullaby,” has been a cherished source of tranquility and comfort for centuries. Known for its soothing qualities, this modest bloom works a kind of magic on both mind and body. It’s the herbal world’s version of a warm, fuzzy blanket …
Aerobes, Anaerobes & Faculative
The microbial world is an unimaginably diverse landscape, teeming with organisms that play a fascinating array of roles in both agriculture and human health. Contrary to traditional beliefs, not all microbes are harmful; in fact, many are critical allies in maintaining the health of our crops and our bodies. To …
Rethinking Water and Soil: Natural Solutions for Climate Change and Fire Prevention
Understanding transpiration and the concept of a “soil sponge” is key to preventing fires and maintaining climate balance. Transpiration, where plants release water vapor into the air, acts like a natural air conditioner. This added moisture helps keep the area cooler and plants more hydrated, lowering the chance of fires …
The Sisters Marigold & Calendula
My journey with calendula and marigold started as a practical endeavour, initially driven by their renowned pest-repelling abilities, which complemented my vegetable garden’s needs. As I planted them among my vegetables, these vibrant blooms not only deterred pests but also turned my garden into a lively tapestry. The constant hum …
Koji Full Spectrum Enzyme (for humans and compost making)
Koji, scientifically known as Aspergillus oryzae, is a type of filamentous fungus used extensively in Asian cuisines and fermentation processes. It’s regarded as a culinary powerhouse due to its ability to produce enzymes that break down complex substances into simpler ones. What fascinates me is the comprehensive range of enzymes …
Synergy, Herbs, Minerals & Soil
I’ve been wrestling with how to articulate my thoughts on the desire to analyze herbs for specific nutrients especially minerals. To break down these complex plants into neat little lists of vitamins and minerals, to quantify their goodness in milligrams and percentages is not always best (extractive in nature). I …
Expanding Our Perception of Life’s Rich Tapestry
Why We Need Umwelt: Ecological Storytelling Imagine, for a moment, that you’re not just you. You’re a bee, a wolf, a tree, or even a bacterium. How would the world appear? What would you sense? How would you interact with your environment? These questions aren’t just flights of fancy; they’re …
Nature’s Perfect Story
except from the Human Microbiome Course Manual This is one of my favorite stories because you know the story. You already know what I’m going to tell you… I’m just going to bring it to your attention. Some of the words you might not understand yet, but you will understand …
Trust Your Gut
The concept of “trusting one’s gut” is often used metaphorically to describe bravery, intuition, and decision-making. But what does it really mean to “trust your gut”? The answer lies in the complex relationship between our physical and emotional selves. When we speak of “having guts,” we’re referring to the courage …