Cooking With Elderflower
The American elder, common elder, elderflower or sambucus canadensis is a flowering shrub commonly found growing in most US states along road-sides, ditches or hedges. It is characterized by ivory or cream-colored blossoms commonly known as elderflowers which come out in spring and early summer. The flowers occur in umbels featuring an umbrella-shaped cluster. Continue reading [...]
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Lilac Flowers
Syringa vulgaris or lilac is a flowering, deciduous shrub in the olive family. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula and was commonly propagated by European immigrants wherever they settled in order to preserve memories of home. In the US, lilacs were brought by pioneers in the 1800s. These flowers are commonly cultivated for their beautiful purple-blue or yellow petals and fragrance. In addition, the flowers are popular for their essential oils which are commonly used in aromatherapy. Continue reading [...]
Fragrant Lilacs Symbolize Remembrance
The flowering lilac is a bush that seems to be everywhere in the spring in North America. The lilac's early bloom time makes it a welcome sight after a long winter. Its clusters of small blooms and sweet fragrance make it easily recognizable as a symbol of the season of renewal. Continue reading [...]
Culinary Uses Of Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is grown for its aroma and culinary taste. Unlike most herbs with culinary value, lemon verbena can be used fresh or dry without losing most of its aroma. To dry the flowers and leaves of the herb, tie the stems at the bottom and hang to dry. Alternatively, strip off the leaves and place them in a dehydrator. Continue reading [...]
Purslane: A Weed That Heals
Portulaca oleracea or purslane is a succulent annual herb growing 10-30 cm tall. It thrives in warm, sandy soils and is considered a weed in most regions due to its invasive growth patterns. The plant has red-brown stems and wedge-shaped leaves. It blooms in summer featuring yellow flowers containing 4-6 petals which give way to black, rough seeds. Though purslane is also known as little hogweed, it should never be mistaken with the giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Continue reading [...]
The Magnolia’s Long History of Symbolizing Grace and Beauty
The stately magnolia has been admired as a symbol of beauty and nobility for countless centuries. In fact, fossils indicate that the magnolia tree and its blooms have remained nearly unchanged for the last 100 million years! Continue reading [...]