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.
When the Temperature Plunges, Break out the Bubbles! How To Make Frozen Soap Bubbles
Come winter, animals hunker down, plants go dormant, and nature enjoys a stillness much like meditation. A frigid outing can be invigorating, and also offer breathtaking scenery; but don’t have to go far to enjoy...
Cargo Containers: A Closer Look at the Box that Blocks Our Supply Chain
Cargo containers can be seen in practically every cargo ship across the seas and oceans, as today’s worldwide shipping network is dependent on these huge metal boxes to deliver goods from one country to the...
Repurpose Your Christmas Tree to Grow Food, and More!
With the Christmas season officially over, many of us will be disposing of our living Christmas trees. While most municipalities will repurpose your Christmas tree for you by chipping them into mulch; you may like...
Indoor Gardening: How to Care for Your Houseplants Through the Winter
Just because there’s snow covering your garden doesn’t mean you have to forgo the quiet company of plants. Whether you’ve brought some potted plants in from the garden, or have a number of regular house...
The Spiritual Benefits of Physical Labor
Spirituality may mean many things to many people, but generally, one who is on a spiritual path is seeking a more noble or meaningful existence; wishing to be a better person and have a closer...
The Legend of Tomten, and a Craft to Make Him Yours
The Christmas season is a time for faith and magic; a time for showing kindness and gratitude. In Sweden, there is a special type of magic unique to Scandinavia. Already famous for its trolls, Sweden...
The Lizard Guys: Educating NJ With Rescued Reptilian Pets
The Lizard Guys, located in New Jersey, have been educating and entertaining children and adults across the state for decades; taking their rescued reptiles to schools, daycares, libraries, and private parties. In an exclusive interview...
Nut Cookies: An Original Recipe for a Low-Carb, Low-Sugar, Full-Flavor Treat
Whether or not you have dietary restrictions yourself, you are bound to have friends who need to avoid certain foods. Refusing foods because of your diet can be embarrassing, painful, and difficult. When someone prepares...
Winterize Your Garden in 6 Simple Steps
With winter just around the corner, for many of us it’s time to put gardening on hold. But before you do, it is important to take measures to protect and prepare, or “winterize your garden,”...
The Tibetan Singing Bowl: A Spiritual Tradition Nearly Lost
A Tibetan singing bowl has the ability to calm the heart, empty the mind, and teach the Dharma, according to a tradition that was all but lost when Communism arrived to destroy culture and spirituality....
Jolly Calle, A Swedish Tale of Being Happy Within and Without
Adapted from the Swedish Folktale written by Helena Nyblom. There was once a young man called Jolly Calle, who really couldn't help being happy. Although he was poor and orphaned, he did not want pity....
2 Native American Legends Remind Us: Be Thankful for Nature’s Gifts
Thanksgiving is an official holiday in seven countries around the world, but there are still other nations that have similar, unofficial, harvest celebrations that remind one to be thankful for a bountiful harvest, family, and...