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.
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...
Christmas Miracles – 3 Modern Incidents of Divine Intervention
Astonishing events that transcend the ordinary laws of nature are understood to be miracles. Many grand miracles revolve around ancient prophets and teach us lessons in faith, but modern-day miracles happen too, reminding us that...
Open Your Heart and Heal Your Life
Most of us go through life with a heart that is closed to a greater or lesser degree. Do you find it difficult to connect with others? Are you critical and quick to judge? Do...
Keep Appliances at Peak Performance With This Essential Maintenance (Part I) Air Filters
“Out of sight out of mind” seems to be the rule when it comes to appliance filters. Over 80 percent of Americans polled fail to clean or replace their air filters — and there are...
Cultivating Gratitude for a Happy Thanksgiving and a Rewarding Life
Another year has gone by in the blink of an eye, and the holidays are upon us once again. How apt it is for Thanksgiving to fall first in line, as it puts us in...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs: (L) Lavender
Of the many medicinal herbs that begin with L, none has greater utility and lower maintenance than lovely lavender. Treasured for millennia, this hardy aromatic herb is not only remarkably therapeutic, it is absolutely beautiful...
Riding the Election With Grace: 5 Ways to Keep Your Cool, Even if Your Candidate Doesn’t Win
Facing a constant barrage of political messages can put our emotions to the test. The stakes are high and tension is in the air, but you can remain calm, cool and collected no matter who...