Gardening note 1

Gardening is far more than just having a lovely space or growing your own edible landscape. A children's gardening program has highlighted the following benefits:

• Increased self-esteem,
• Helped students develop a sense of ownership and responsibility,
• Helped foster relationships with family members, and
• Increased parental involvement at school.

Read more at: http://www.aces.edu/junior-master-gardener/jmg-evaluation.pdf

Gardening note 2

Become healthier with home grown, organic beetroot. It is easy to grow and packed with goodness. A great source of carbohydrates without any fat, high in fiber, antioxidants which help to fight various diseases and folic acid. Even the young leaves are edible, a great source of iron, foliate and beta-carotene.

To make sure you get even more out of your crop, use marjoram and basil as companion plants.

Gardening note 3 

Gather some skin healing herbs from your garden such as Rose Geranium, Lavender and Chamomile and follow our step by step method for a soothing herbal cream.

Do remember to make some space in you herb garden for Calendula, the winter herb that heals from within.

Gardening note 4

Three ways to use Oregano:

1. Add oregano to omelets, frittatas and quiches for a peppery flavor. Use in dishes in combination with garlic, thyme, parsley and olive oil to spice them up.
2. Pick a bunch of Oregano flowers and Basil leaves, place in a vase on the kitchen windowsill to act as a natural fly repellent. Crash the leaves often to release the fragrance.
3. Plant oregano alongside beans in your kitchen garden to enhance their growth. Oregano's potent smell deters insects which commonly infest bean plants.