Ila Bonczek
Ila has a Bachelor's degree from from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Science. She lives in the Garden State, where she has been growing produce and perennials for 25 years.
Join Ila in the exploration of exciting topics like sustainable living, holistic health, and the cultivation of not just plants, but mind and body as well.
Mycoculture Made Easy – How to Grow Delicious Mushrooms in a Bucket!
Ever since my sunny CSA was replaced by our shady backyard nearly 10 years ago, I’ve been dabbling in mushrooms. A gardener at heart, no dearth of direct sun could dampen my propensity to produce;...
Born to Be Shorn: Preserving the Tradition of Wool Crafting at Fosterfields Historical Farm, NJ
Born to be Shorn is an annual event where one learns to appreciate first-hand all the work that goes into woolen and wool-related commodities. In traditional style, sheep are sheared, wool is washed, and wool...
Mind Over Matter: Train Your Brain and Transform Your Life
We have all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” in reference to overcoming trying situations. Similar to “where there’s a will there’s a way,” it suggests that when we maintain the right frame of mind,...
New York’s Hidden Treasure – Beautiful, Ethical and Economical Herkimer Diamonds
Nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks in New York State, the Mohawk Valley area boasts a rare gemstone. Herkimer diamonds can be found within exposed outcrops of dolomite formed some 500 million years...
Baoding Balls – They Do Much Better Than Bounce
Baoding balls may have been invented in China’s city of the same name, located in Hebei Province, but the Chinese characters reveal another layer of meaning. Bao (保) carries the meaning “to protect, defend, or...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (G) Geranium
Geraniums are among the long list of baffling botanical nomenclature. While the beautiful showy flowers that are purchased each summer to dress up the garden (and may or may not be brought in over the...
The Sweet Satisfaction of Making Peace With Dessert
While people have been enjoying sweets for thousands of years, the concept of dessert has gradually evolved from simple and refreshing, to the complex explosion of decadence we are tempted with today. In many areas,...
East Coast Earthquakes – What to Know
In response to a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by multiple, smaller aftershocks, many East Coast natives are grappling with earthquake awareness for the first time. Epicentered near Gladstone, New Jersey, slight tremors were felt...
A Holistic Approach to Histamine Intolerance
Do you suffer chronic symptoms that can’t be pinned down to any specific cause? Gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hives, congestion, and itchy eyes can all be caused by histamine intolerance. Like gluten intolerance a couple decades...
Beneath the Sea – An International Expo on Everything Aqua
Who doesn’t love the water? Beautiful, mysterious, powerful and vital — it soothes and nourishes both body and soul. It also hides an incredible, vibrant world beneath the sea, that most of us never see...
Unlocking the Penetrative Power of Incense
For thousands of years, humans have been burning botanicals for sacred ceremonies and other spiritual purposes. Collectively known as incense, this time-worn tradition continues not only within religious settings, it has also gained popularity among...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (F) Feverfew
Sprightly and tenacious, feverfew is a member of the world’s largest and most diverse plant family — Asteraceae. Native to Asia and Europe, feverfew was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century....