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I always learn something new when I write these posts! This time, I was amazed to find that the GINKO tree once flourished in the western hemisphere. They do still grow here, but until now I've associated its legends and lore strictly with Asian cultures and countries where it prefers to abundantly thrive these days. Actually, this tree does more than just thrive--it is one of the longest living trees on the planet today. Ginko trees (also called maidenhair trees among ot

The chocolates and flowers of Valentine's Day will be a memory by the time you read this post, but the entire month of February is considered to be "heart month." This is a time to remember the importance of loving and supporting your cardio vascular system. Like many herbalists, when I think of heart health, the plant medicine that come to mind includes the flowers (spring blossoms), leaves and berries (fall harvest) of the HAWTHORN tree ( Crataegus spp) . Most prefer the

Cypress trees are so often associated with serious thoughts that I decided to illustrate this post with the above vibrant painting by one of my favorite artists, Vincent van Gogh entitled "Landscape With Cypress." Despite the artist's own notorious darker side, Van Gogh's animated style presents a brighter, even optimistic view of the natural setting. The tall Cypress trees looming on the far right of the painting share the space with the blues of the sky and mountains and t