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.
Better Bargain Hunting – How to Keep Your Cents and Sensibility in Finding Good Deals
Do you find yourself collecting more stuff than you need because you feel compelled to take advantage of a bargain? Ironically, bargain hunting can be an expensive habit — one that consumes time, energy, and...
Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: (Part 2) Chinese Yam
Part of the allure with Chinese herbal remedies is the fascinating names allotted to the material. Take Chinese yams (shan yao 山药), for instance. This translates literally to the much-more-intriguing “mountain medicine.” It might conjure...
If You Think Matcha Is Expensive, Consider This…
When the cost for a small amount of anything seems outlandish, it may be time to consider what all went into it. As we mentioned in our latest article about Japanese green tea, ounce per...
The Pitfalls of Black and White Thinking, and How to Break the Habit
Black and white thinking is the tendency to look at things in extreme ways. It can show up in your perception of others: “He is a terrible neighbor;” “That guy is a saint;” “She never...
Unraveling the Mystery of Medicinal Chinese Herbs (Part 1) Goji Berries
If you’re familiar with goji berries, you probably have them mentally filed under the category of ‘superfoods,’ but did you know they are actually an ancient Asian medicine? Some of the oldest remedies in the...
Seasonal Eating for February, and Traditional Chinese Hot Pot
While February’s main highlight in the Western world is Valentine’s day (hardly a highlight for those without a sweetheart), this month holds some of the most celebrated dates in Chinese tradition. The Lunar New Year...
Michelangelo, the Medicis, and a Mysterious Hidden Chamber
Fifty years ago, a hidden chamber was discovered below an obscured trap door in the floor of the Medici basilica in Florence, Italy. The room had been used to store coal up until 1955, when...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (M) Marjoram
To know marjoram is to love it. This tender perennial from the mint family is a joy to behold in the garden, a reliable friend in the kitchen, and a must-have among medicinal herbs. But...
Sencha, Shincha, Matcha, Bancha? Your Go-To Guide to Japanese Green Tea
As the benefits of green tea gain recognition, interest is rising around the world, and consumption has been on a continual rise for the past decade. It’s nothing new for Japan, however, where green tea...
The Fascinating Phenomenon of Fungal Bioluminescence, and How We Can Use It
There’s nothing like an eerie glow to kindle curiosity and ignite the imagination, especially when its source is a mystery. Fungal bioluminescence has fascinated nature-lovers since around 350 BC, when Greek philosopher Aristotle documented a...
Indoor Plant Problems and Solutions – Controlling Mold in Potting Soil
Winter poses many challenges for gardeners. We take great measures to protect our precious plants through harsh weather; wrapping them up, moving them to sheltered areas, or even bringing them indoors. When you bring outdoor...
How the Ancient Chinese Secret of Preserving Jing 精 (Vital Essence) Slows Aging and Prolongs Life
The common perception that Asians age slowly may not actually be a factor of ethnicity, but rather the preservation of vital essence, or Jing. The concept of jing is integral to traditional Chinese medicine. Along...