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.
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (I) Indigos
Indigo is not only a color, but also a subject of much botanical interest. Best known as a source of rich, blue dye, true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is grown in tropical and subtropical areas around...
Splashy Fun Without a Pool – 6 Freshwater Alternatives
At the height of summer, many of us are drawn towards the water — for relief, fun, and relaxation. While a dip in the pool is a popular pastime, swimming pools are not always an...
Wow Your Friends and Family With These Fascinating Facts About the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is a patriotic national holiday where Americans of all sorts unite in the name of freedom. Across the US, we commemorate our country’s independence from England with events ironically inspired by...
Japanese Knotweed – An Incredibly Invasive Plant With a Remarkable Range of Utility
As a natural pioneer of the inhospitable slopes of volcanoes, Japanese Knotweed is almost impossible to kill. Casually introduced as an ornamental for its feathery summer flowers, this large herbaceous perennial has achieved invasive status...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (H) Horsetail
Horsetail is a prehistoric plant traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. It is especially valued for strengthening hair, bones, nails and teeth, due to its high silica content. Modern studies suggest that this...
Salted Duck Eggs – A Chinese Tradition in Preservation
Long before the advent of electricity and modern refrigeration, our ancestors discovered natural methods for food preservation. People relied on the sun to dry, microorganisms to ferment, acids to pickle, and honey to preserve. Another...
Mycoculture Made Easy – How to Grow Delicious Mushrooms in a Bucket!
Ever since my sunny CSA was replaced by our shady backyard nearly 10 years ago, I’ve been dabbling in mushrooms. A gardener at heart, no dearth of direct sun could dampen my propensity to produce;...
Born to Be Shorn: Preserving the Tradition of Wool Crafting at Fosterfields Historical Farm, NJ
Born to be Shorn is an annual event where one learns to appreciate first-hand all the work that goes into woolen and wool-related commodities. In traditional style, sheep are sheared, wool is washed, and wool...
Mind Over Matter: Train Your Brain and Transform Your Life
We have all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” in reference to overcoming trying situations. Similar to “where there’s a will there’s a way,” it suggests that when we maintain the right frame of mind,...
New York’s Hidden Treasure – Beautiful, Ethical and Economical Herkimer Diamonds
Nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks in New York State, the Mohawk Valley area boasts a rare gemstone. Herkimer diamonds can be found within exposed outcrops of dolomite formed some 500 million years...
Baoding Balls – They Do Much Better Than Bounce
Baoding balls may have been invented in China’s city of the same name, located in Hebei Province, but the Chinese characters reveal another layer of meaning. Bao (保) carries the meaning “to protect, defend, or...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (G) Geranium
Geraniums are among the long list of baffling botanical nomenclature. While the beautiful showy flowers that are purchased each summer to dress up the garden (and may or may not be brought in over the...