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.
13 Things You Need to Know About Chili Peppers
Indigenous to South and Central America, chili peppers were first cultivated in Mexico some 6,000 years ago. As they made their way around the world, these spicy fruits (technically berries) grew to encompass an exciting...
Embrace 6 Aspects of Grace to Become More Graceful in Body and Spirit
Who doesn't want to become more graceful? In many ways, grace is the picture of virtue. It encompasses not only the spiritual characteristics of kindness, tolerance, and integrity, but is also physically apparent in one’s...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (K): Kumquat
Behold the kumquat: sweet, tart, adorable and growable. While it’s not exactly an herb, this little gem of a citrus fruit features many of the qualities you would look for in a quality medicinal plant. ...
40+ Foods Aren’t What We Think They Are
When you enjoy a healthy snack of fresh fruit, nuts and/or whole grains, you're probably pretty confident in their integrity; but surprise, surprise — botanically speaking, many of our favorite foods aren't what we think...
Cultivating Joy, and Finding Serenity
Whether you want to call it true happiness or joy, there is a deep and fulfilling state of mind that everyone wishes to achieve, but many miss the mark through the pursuit of pleasure. While...
Shrimp of the Woods – a Mysterious Mushroom With Untapped Utility
Oftentimes, if we are patient and receptive, the perfect solution to our problems comes naturally. This can manifest as a blessing in disguise, a lesson learned from a tough trial, or predators appearing to take...
Happy Wellness Expo Presents Many Avenues Towards Whole Health
With a new location at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Ferguson Hall, the Happy Wellness Expo was bursting with positive energy on Sunday, September 8. This spacious, indoor event hosted scores of vendors offering an amazing array...
September is National Mushroom Month – Celebrate With a Fungal Adventure!
For over 30 years, Americans have acknowledged September as National Mushroom Month, celebrating the magnificent diversity and versatility of this mysterious member of the kingdom Fungi. Technically speaking, mushrooms are the fruiting body of certain...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (J) Jewelweed
While it is not exactly ornamental, jewelweed has many attractive qualities and applications that can earn it a place in your garden. This North American native is suited to soggy, shaded areas that many other...
NJ State Fair Weathers a Week of Extreme Weather With Flying Colors
AUGUSTA, New Jersey — Located at the northern tip of New Jersey, the historic town of Augusta boasts the largest agricultural fair in the Garden State. Over the course of seven and a half days...
Compost Accelerator: Transform Waste Into Soil Sooner With This Surprisingly Simple Formula
Compost is great for the garden — there’s no question about that. What is questionable, is spending heaps of money for a small bag of it when you could, instead, be getting heaps of compost...
Flip Phones on the Rise as People Reclaim Their Lives
The resurgence of an iconic electronic from the turn of this century may be puzzling to some, but the flip phone has a solid fan base. Flip phone users find that what their devices lack...