Most of us have it. None of us want it. And it’s almost impossible to get rid of. Cellulite. There – I’ve said it! It’s possibly the only word in the English language that has the capacity to send a room full of confident, successful businesswomen into a cowering pack of wimps. Are we genetically predisposed to feeling guilty about it? If we were that would explain our seeming desire to support the largely fraudulent infomercial-based cellulite lotion and potion industry. If you’ve seen the ads – and most of us have – you’re probably aware of how, with the assistance of a few pills and a tube of extraordinarily expensive cream, you can remove any trace of cellulite from your body within 14 days. Although I’m too old...

A good selection of perennials provides an ongoing framework for the organic flower garden. Perennials are plants which flourish, then die back before re-establishing themselves in a seasonal cycle which should continue for at least several years. They can almost be considered permanent in cooler climates which provide favourable growing conditions. On account of this longevity, it is worthwhile preparing their ground thoroughly prior to planting. Most perennials benefit from well aerated soils which contain substantial quantities of thoroughly broken down organic materials such as compost, manure, and leaf mould. Healthy juveniles are generally available as potted plants from organic nurseries and plant wholesalers. In temperate climates these...

Whenever possible, organically grown herbs should be eaten fresh from the garden, with minimum processing. This helps to ensure that beneficial nutrients get delivered to the body without degradation or unnecessary contamination. The basic rule for storing and preserving herbs is to start with the finest quality seasonal produce available. By establishing healthy soils and promoting a natural diversity of species, the experienced organic gardener has a significant capacity to influence the quality of their herbal produce. When purchasing herbs for storage, try to obtain them directly from certified organic growers or local wholesalers who support the organic food industry. Preference vendors who replenish their stocks regularly, and avoid those...

Until recently, there were limited interactions between the cut flower industry and the organics movement. With the exception of dedicated plant breeders, the mainstream and popular flowers were largely grown in chemically treated soils with the assistance of toxic insecticides and spreading agents. In the flower plantations of developing nations, many of these materials are applied so indiscriminately that there is an adverse impact upon the local environment. There are international health surveys which detail neurological and respiratory problems caused by elevated levels of chemical exposure. With the knowledge that some overseas flower plantations utilise child labour, the ethical consumer is obliged to consider purchasing an alternative...

Growing in containers provides a great deal of flexibility and solves problems that might otherwise limit the creativity and enjoyment of organic gardening. Containers provide the essential platform in garden locations without soil such as patios, paved courtyards, and roof areas. They may offer the only means of gardening for individuals living in flats or apartments with limited space. Many urban dwellers have enriched their lives by growing collections of herbs in pots and containers on a windowsill. Most importantly, containers can sustain a range of plants that will struggle or fail in local soil and conditions. For example, in climates where the winter would normally kill a lime or tangelo, these can be grown successfully in containers,...