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.
5 Chinese Foods Traditionally Eaten in Winter, and Why
The darkest day of the year (winter solstice) is celebrated in multiple cultures as a new beginning — bringing hope and renewal to the earth and to individuals. It is marked by the Dōng Zhì...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (Q) Queen Anne’s Lace
Nodding umbels of tiny white flowers seem to float atop a tangle of feathery foliage; a delicate, spicy-sweet scent fills the air, while a rugged rendition of a familiar-flavored root penetrates deep into the soil....
Beijing’s Coercion Backfires, Boosting Japan’s Takaichi
By Yang Tianzi, Vision Times The People's Republic of China’s latest attempt to pressure Japan has produced an unexpected political effect: the more Beijing escalates, the more it benefits Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's domestic and...
Why Meditation Matters – 6 Reasons You Should Start Meditating Today
Meditation may be the most underrated tool for promoting health and well-being. With no need for special equipment or expensive training, this ancient practice, widely adopted among spiritual circles, is readily accessible to everyone. Almost...
Innovative Waste-reduction: Avocado Pits and Peels Upcycled Into Profitable Products
The delicious and nutritious avocado is adored around the world. In 2023, global production exceeded 10 million metric tons; and with health-consciousness on the rise, avocado consumption shows no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, conventional...
You Can Kintsugi – But What Exactly Does This Traditional Japanese Craft Entail?
How do you feel when a cherished piece of china slips out of your hands? If your sense of loss is intense, it is not as irrational as you might imagine. Many cultures, especially in...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (P) Pine
Whether it’s from the potent cleaning products made with pine oil, or the annual Christmas tradition of bringing a tree indoors, most of us are familiar with the fresh scent of pine. Alpha-pinene, a terpene...
Best Practice for Overwintering Plants
As winter approaches, gardeners who’ve grown fond of their little green friends search for ways to help them survive the harsh weather to come. Although many plants will go dormant to protect themselves, others are...
Four Avocado Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Before
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly-ripe avocado. This irresistibly rich, yet delicate; firm, yet creamy fruit can make any ordinary dish luxurious. Yet extracting the cheery green flesh from its dark coat is always a...
Learn to Lean on Lunar Cycles for Spiritual Growth
In seeking spiritual perfection, all great sages suggest that we let go of worldly concerns and align with heavenly principles. It is commonly believed that the moon tugs on our emotions just as it pulls...
Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs (Part 3) He Shou Wu, or “Fo-ti root”
Why is it that Asians seem to age more gracefully than others, often keeping a youthful appearance well-past middle age? While lifestyle choices obviously play a leading role in health and longevity, one secret to...
Fungus Fest 2025: a Mush-Anticipated Learning Event at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum
October 12 was an exciting Sunday for mushroom lovers across New Jersey and the Tristate area. The Fungus Fest, hosted by the New Jersey Mycological Association at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris County, New Jersey,...