Black Gold? What's That?

Now that the cooler autumn weather is upon us, I find that working in my garden at La Piccola Villa is more enjoyable and less exhausting than during the past hot summer months. With lower temperatures, the need for watering is reduced, plus the weeds are slower to grow and easier to control. The landscape is showing a beautiful display of colors, textures, and shapes as the foliage changes with the season. It is an ideal time to spread a layer of compost over my planting beds and containers to provide nutrients and insulate the soil in preparation for winter.

Composting is Nature's way of recycling and helps to protect the environment. It is a process of breaking down organic matter such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to improve soil quality and fertility. As a matter of fact, compost is thought to be the black gold that makes the garden thrive because it feeds the soil with nutrients and microorganisms. When plants grow, they take up all the resources from inside the soil. Soil high in organic matter releases a reservoir of nutrients that are slowly released over time. Composting is the process by which organic materials are allowed to decay and break down, creating the nutrient-rich black gold for our gardens. You'll know it's ready when it has a rich, crumbly texture, and is all the same deep brown color. It will have a pleasant smell of damp earth and no longer contain any large pieces of material.

If you ask me the question, "Should I start a compost pile now?" — Your answer is YES! Autumn is an optimal time because it’s the end of the growing season and there’s an abundance of yard debris to clean up, which means plenty of organic ingredients to add to the compost bin like fallen leaves, twigs, and dead plants. Plus, it allows a long period of time for them to decompose and break down over the winter months. It's so simple to do that when you find out how to make compost, you'll wonder why you've never done it before. Making compost at home is the cheapest and easiest way to improve your soil because it involves minimal effort, equipment, expense, and expertise. It will feel good too when you know you're feeding your garden with homemade goodness, and everything starts blooming so abundantly during the next growing season.

Over the past decade, I’ve built a small compost factory using this enclosed wooden bin with a lid and ventilation slats to hold the organic materials to produce plenty of homemade compost. The advantages of this method are that it is neat, tidy, and pest resistant.

You can buy ready-made bins or make your own from a plastic or metal container. Or pile the mixture in an out-of-the-way location where it can decompose on its own. If you're intimidated, don't be! It's a simple process that only requires minimal intervention on your part; you just add the ingredients and let nature do most of the work for you.

Here's how you do it:

Collect your materials. You will need a mix of brown and green materials for your compost. Brown materials are dry and carbon-rich, such as leaves straw, paper, or wood chips. Green materials are moist and nitrogen-rich, such as grass clippings, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, or manure. A good ratio is about 2 parts brown to 1-part green.

Layer your materials. Start by creating a 4-8-inch layer of bulky brown materials at the bottom of your bin or pile to provide aeration and drainage. Then, alternate layers of green and brown materials until your bin or pile is full. Be sure to add a bit of water to each layer to keep it moist.

Turn your materials. To speed up the decomposition process and prevent odors, you will need to turn your compost regularly with a fork or shovel. This will help mix the materials and introduce oxygen into the pile or bin. You can turn your compost once a week or whenever you add new materials.

By following these steps, you can start a composting bin now and enjoy the benefits of rich and fertile soil by springtime, just in time for planting season. Compost is better than synthetic fertilizers because it is made up of organic materials that break down over time, providing a natural source of plant nutrients. Plus, it doesn't have fertilizer’s artificial additives and is better for the environment because it is more natural.

Your home composting is a simple and effective way to reduce the amount of your household food waste and yard trimmings that ends up in landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In fact, about 28% of the average household waste stream in America is compostable!

If you’re ready to start turning your own organic waste into black gold for your garden, I recommend checking out Compost Magazine | Composting Guides, News & Reviews as a great resource from which I've learned so much about the science and benefits of making compost.

Want to get in on the action but need a more convenient way to compost your food scraps? To make composting easy and accessible for everyone, regardless of space or time constraints, Services For Your Home - CompostNow offers a variety of composting services for Atlanta residences. One of their most popular services is the pick-up service, which provides you with a container to throw your food scraps in. They will then pick up the container, swap it out with a clean one, and give you compost or share it with garden partners.

Let’s replenish the Earth together. Happy Composting!

Cute elegant text break. Flourish decorative border

My Forest Bathing

When I think back to my childhood, I associate time in nature with the deepest sense of peace. Those seemingly magical moments have provided the foundation for one of the most positive and healing relationships of my life: my passion for the natural world. A favorite memory that has stayed with me for years is climbing trees. I would stay up in them for hours on end relaxing and communing with nature. Their smooth branches, rough bark, and aromatic leaves provided such a rich sensory experience. I had no knowledge or awareness that what I was doing was good for my health—I did it because I loved it. Surely, many of us reflect on our early experiences and memories of outdoor play that brought us freedom, joy, and wonder.

My fondness for trees and their soul-soothing presence continues today at my Nature Spa Sanctuary located at La Piccola Villa. The property is nestled among a ten-acre forest in Gwinnett County and serves as a restful and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To recapture my childhood love of nature, I decided to bring back these feelings by trying out a technique known as “forest bathing” in my own surroundings. Shinrin-yoku, or “bathing in the forest atmosphere” is the mindful practice of connecting to nature for relaxation that originated and was named in Japan in the early 1980’s as a process for disconnecting from technology to unwind and relax. It’s about bathing your senses in the beauty of nature. Numerous studies suggest that being immersed in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses with mindful intention has enormous health and wellness benefits. This is not exercise, hiking, or jogging. It is simply being under a canopy of trees, being silent and connecting with the surrounding nature through our five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. By opening up these senses, this practice bridges the gap between us and the natural world. While the term might evoke images of deep wilderness, it’s heartening to know that a woodland area, local park or even among the greenspace in a backyard is a beneficial place to “bathe."

I appreciate that forest bathing is a simple and effective form of self-care that I can practice on my own time and in my own way. It is an easy way to “switch off” and regroup, being mindful of myself and the forest that surrounds me while soaking up all the rewards that come with being in nature. Some benefits that I experience afterwards include reduced stress, increased concentration, better sleep, and a renewed sense of inner peace.

When I’m in the forest, I experience the feeling of timelessness. I don’t have a planned route or distance to cover. Rather, I focus on becoming aware of the surroundings with a greater sense of perception and the way I am feeling in the moment. Bringing the principles of forest bathing into my personal routine means understanding that being fully present in the here and now is a powerful way to enhance my well-being.

Forest bathing really is as simple as it seems. Nature nurtures us! When we keep our senses open, we discover all sorts of things. I encourage you to create your own forest bathing experience by spending time in nature, especially if you live in an urban environment. Our minds are often saturated with information overload that can lead to creating an addiction to busyness. We need to disconnect from work and technology by taking timely breaks in nature to help our body and mind feel valued. Enlivening our senses with childlike wonderment makes us feel alive!

Let's explore how you can create your own mindful wellness experience to increase knowledge of yourself and the world around you. Start by dressing appropriately for the weather to ensure comfort during your outdoor experience. Remember to turn off your phone to minimize distractions. Begin your journey in any safe, quiet woodland area where you can spend undisturbed time. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths as you inhale deeply and exhale slowly to experience nature’s healing powers. Be fully present in the moment. Wait to feel grounded as you tune into your environment by focusing on one sense at a time. Wander through the forest at a snail’s pace as you continue to focus your attention on your breath. As you discover the beauty of your surroundings, pause along the way to appreciate the small wonders of Mother Nature with heartfelt gratitude.

Let your imagination roam free! Tune into your senses to help you experience and benefit from the bounty that nature offers.

Sight: As you explore the woodlands, you will find that it is home for mammals, birds, insects and many other animals. Look closely to appreciate the complex living system made up of growing trees, bushes, vines, fungi, and other plants. Take a moment to observe the interdependence that all living things have with their environment allowing them to survive. It is fascinating that various creatures, all being different, are living together.

Sound: What symphony of forest sounds do you hear? Eavesdropping on the environmental music that surrounds you will surely calm your mind and slow down your heart rate. These sounds of the great outdoors—from chirping birds, rustling leaves and trickling water—will be a remarkable source of restoration and rejuvenation.

Smell: Breathe in deeply. Try to distinguish the different scents of the forest. Nature's perfume is a captivating array of smells that enchants our senses. Take in the oxygen-rich air, fragranced by the combination of earthy, woody, and herbal aromas, with different layers of scent intermingling to create a rich and immersive sensory experience for you to enjoy. These simple aromatic pleasures, it turns out, have profound impacts on your health. Japanese scientists discovered that inhaling phytoncides (tree-derived compounds) may be one of the greatest treasures of the forests. These bioactive molecules are not only beneficial for trees. Evidence shows that phytoncide inhalation also supports physical and psychological well-being for us humans as well.

Taste: Allow your mouth to open and notice what tastes nature brings in. Or why not take along a thermos of wild-foraged White Pine Needle Tea? It is best to buy it from a specialty tea company to assure that you steer clear of Yew or Cypress that can sometimes be mistaken for pine and are toxic. Pine needles from this native East Coast conifer are brewed into a lovely, light piney, somewhat citrus-flavored hot beverage. You may like to add a bit of maple syrup. Bring a little of the forest inside yourself by experiencing a communion with this tree by taking time to smell, sip, and savor this delightfully tasty tea.

Touch: The forest is a tactile wonderland—a collage of textures waiting to be explored. Pay attention to the way things feel by listening with your hands. The sense of touch becomes a dialogue with nature. Your hands become explorers, mapping the natural world through your fingertips. Engaging with nature's textures fosters a deeper connection to the natural world, allowing you to appreciate its intricacies and beauty on a tactile level. Touching soft, smooth surfaces promotes relaxation and reduces stress, while in contrast, exploring rough or textured elements provides sensory stimulation.

Japanese "forest bathing" is scientifically proven to improve your health. It is simply the art of connecting with nature through our senses.
All we have to do is accept the invitation.

My Mini Fig Orchard

Years ago, as a hobby, I started a boutique nursery business called "CityScapes Kitchen Gardens" offering unique fruit and veggie plants for small spaces that I sold at the Serenbe Wellness Community’s Farmers Market on weekends. I'd like to say that I continued to grow this array of nature's nutraceuticals and other edible delights that also made others happy because that's what I did for several seasons. At the end of this venture, I had several plants that needed to be put in the ground--including one of my favorite dwarf trees, a Celeste fig. It was during this same time that I moved to my current residence at La Piccola Villa. It was indeed a wonderful coincidence that the front yard offered the perfect location to plant three dozen fig trees!

Fig trees have beautiful, large leaves that provide shade and create a lush, green ambiance, bringing a touch of Mediterranean charm to my garden. These little minis provide a full-sized delicious treat despite their short stature. There’s something magical about being able to walk out my front door and pluck ripe juicy figs right off trees that are not much taller than myself. These figs are simply scrumptious and have a luscious, honey-like flavor. When I bite into a ripe fig, I taste a unique combination of sweetness with subtle hints of berry. The texture is soft and chewy, with tender flesh and delicate seeds that add a pleasant crunch. You might assume that I would reap abundant harvests from so many trees. However, I gladly support the local wildlife by sharing with deer, possums, racoons, squirrels, bats, birds, and various types of insects that also appreciate the flavorful bounty that nature provides to us. Celeste figs are self-pollinating. Surprisingly, fig trees have no visible blossoms on their branches and are not considered true fruits, but rather flowers turned inside out that are enclosed within the fleshy structure of the fig. This means the crunchy little edible seeds that we are eating are seeds of many tiny flowers. I enjoy fresh figs as a delicious snack and as an addition to salads, yogurt, and as a dessert topping. They also pair well with cheese, particularly goat cheese or other types of strong cheese. Sometimes called the “food of gods,” they are very high in calcium, and have more potassium than bananas and, ounce for ounce, they have more fiber than prunes. In ancient times, figs were highly valued for their nutritional properties as it was believed that they helped to increase strength and stamina. In fact, early Olympic athletes recognized the nutritional value of figs and consumed them as a primary training food to boost energy. As a symbol of victory and honor, laurel wreaths made from fig leaves adorned the heads of triumphant athletes, marking their achievements.

Indeed, fig trees hold a remarkable place in human history. They are among the first planted and cultivated intentionally, one thousand years before the next crops of wheat and rye were domesticated. As a nature enthusiast, I feel especially inspired as the caretaker of my mini Celeste fig orchard. The word "Celeste" derives from the Latin word “heavenly.” I can only assume that means the Celeste fig is divine. With its charming coloring and delicious flavor, some of us might even consider it a sacred fruit. Growing Celeste figs is a delightful experience. I invite you to discover the sweetness of doing so for yourself.

Each sun-dried tomato is carefully arranged to ensure clarity and visibility. without shadows or reflections obscuring its natural appearance

The Taste of Summer

Hands down, tomatoes are my summertime favorite in my kitchen garden each year. Not only are they extraordinarily tasty, but they are also easy to grow and thrive in Georgia's hot, humid climate. But I'm not alone—93% of American gardening households grow tomatoes. In fact, they are one of the most widely cultivated and consumed fruits globally due to their versatility. They are used in a variety of dishes from sauces and salads to juices and pastes, making them a staple in many cuisines around the world.

I've grown various types of unique tomatoes over the years. Spurred by my interest in biology, I researched tomatoes’ origins to find that the wild tomato is indigenous to Peru and Ecuador, but the Aztecs and other Central American Indian nations were first to cultivate it. When Spanish conquistadors first encountered tomatoes in the beginning of the 16th century, they found both the taste and textural characteristics of tomato intriguing enough to take the seeds back to Spain. Over time, the entire Mediterranean took to the tomato. Surprisingly, although the tomato is indigenous to South America, it reached North America via Europe and was brought here by the pilgrims.

Wild tomatoes continued to spread from South America to Central America and Mexico. After learning the interesting history of tomatoes, I set out to find a seed source for wild tomato plants that are the ancestors of all the tomatoes that are eaten today. I was delighted that the germination was successful. The seeds grew into new plants that produced lots of delicious, small bright orange-red cherry tomatoes that had a huge sweet and tangy flavor for such small fruits.

It turns out that Americans obtain more vitamins from tomatoes than from any other produce source. But that’s not all! Tomatoes are the richest dietary source of lycopene (the pigment that is responsible for tomatoes’ deep red pigment) providing about 80% of this powerful antioxidant in the typical diet. Cooked tomatoes are actually a better way to get lycopene than raw tomatoes, because heat breaks down the cell walls and releases the lycopene. Recent scientific research on lycopene has indicated potential benefits related to inflammatory markers, UV resistance, and potentially protective effects against chronic disease.

During my previous pursuit of growing nutraceutical plants as a business, I contacted Dr. Jay Scott, at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, who at that time was in the early stages of developing “Tasti-Lee” tomatoes for their exceptional lycopene-rich, deep red flesh. Because of my enthusiasm for his research, he was kind enough to send me a packet of seeds to grow. Needless to say, these tomato plants sold out quickly!

It looks like I’m having another bumper crop of cherry tomatoes this summer. With such a large harvest on hand, I use a food dehydrator to draw out the water from extra tomatoes as that’s the most effective way of drying foods to retain the health benefits and nutrient value over time. However, tomatoes may be dried in the sun or oven as well. Because lycopene is fat soluble, I combine the dried tomatoes with a little olive oil for best absorption. Adding them to my meals makes for such a delicious, savory flavor. Yum!