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Articles written by Starline Platt


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  • The History of Dahlias

    Starline Platt, The Urban Gardener|Oct 27, 2022

    Every flower has its story and place in history. The dahlia is no exception. Today it is commonly known as the national flower of Mexico. But how did it become so popular that it is now available all over the world? When in season, these flowers can be found at just about every florist. They are popular to grow, as well as to gift when you need to send flowers for somebody’s birthday or any other occasion. They are great garden flowers, due to their long blooming season, and they last really l...

  • The History of Zucchini

    Starline Platt, The Urban Gardener|Oct 20, 2022

    At any summertime, at a farmers’ market, you’ll be sure to come across the long, green (or sometimes yellow and orange) vegetable that looks strikingly similar to a cucumber. However, unlike a cucumber, it’s usually served cooked, but can also be enjoyed raw. Ancestors of zucchini come from Americas. They were native to today's Mexico and the northern parts of South America, since more than 7,000 years ago. When the European colonization of Americas started, they were brought to Europe where the...

  • The History of Vanilla

    Starline Platt, The Urban Gardener|Oct 6, 2022

    This week we’re going to look at the history of vanilla. Vanilla has a remarkable story filled with history intrigue, passion and piracy. Vanilla flavors food, beverages and even our favorite chocolate bar. It’s a secret ingredient that makes a lot of medicine go down more easily and it is in most bottles of perfume. Last, but most certainly not least, vanilla helps to lift spirits, soothe jangled nerves, calms you down, makes you feel good and can even help you lose weight. Vanilla is the fla...

  • The History of Garlic

    Starline Platt, The Urban Gardener|Sep 29, 2022

    Common Name: Garlic Species: Bulbous Family of: Allium Garlic is believed to be a native of central Asia, South Asia or Southwest Siberia. All told, worldwide there are over 2.5 million acres of garlic cultivations with China cultivating 75 percent of all garlic. For more than 5,000 years, garlic has been used as a food, medicine, an aphrodisiac, money and magic potions. Garlic has been known to ward off evil eyes, was hung over doors to protect medieval occupants from the evil, give strength...

  • For The Love of Thyme

    Starline Platt, The Urban Gardener|Sep 22, 2022

    We all love our fresh herbs; herbs are so versatile in terms of what they can contribute to your life. Adding fresh herbs into your daily routine is a wonderful, healthy lifestyle choice in that they benefit the upkeep of your mind, body and home. This week we will talking about thyme. Thyme Common name: Thyme Scientific name: Thymus Vulagaris Family: Labiatae The Uses: The use of thyme is aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative and is said to have some medicinal properties. The dried flowers a...