By Abby Lapides
Stand By Me Clematis – Thousands of open bell flowers bloom nonstop until frost!
Stand By Me Bush Clematis paints the garden with gorgeous bell-shaped flowers for months. In late May masses of the clear blue, adorable flowers adorn its 1-2′ tall stems, looking like perfect little hats for garden fairies. This strong bloom continues […]
By Ann Lapides
One of the hardest to find and most desirable Missouri Native trees, the Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia, has long panicles of bright red blooms in spring that attract ruby throated hummingbirds. Large glossy green palmate leaves with distinct veining form into an excellent multi-branched tree. This versatile tree can be used as a […]
By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
When intestinal flora is healthy, it favorably impacts your overall health and vice versa. Understanding how to rebuild your flora is key to improving your digestion, ability to fight infections and a healthy weight for starters.
The flora (trillions of microbes that inhabit your intestines) is important for many reasons.
DigestionVitamin production – […]
Calm the triggers and grow a healthier mind
By Christina Staff, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
The onset of a powerful season is quickly approaching as we turn the corner into June. The summer solstice will occur on Wednesday the 21st, bringing with it longer hours of sunlight, warmth, and steady growth. What better time to nurture and […]
By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
Summer is officially here! The heat is setting in with the sun shining its beaming rays onto our skin. This time of year is filled with endless opportunities as we reach half way through the year wondering what else the future has for us to unfold.
When the heat is […]
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Happy Father’s Day to those great dads!
Instead of a necktie this year, try these ARTful suggestions to make the holiday unique:
On June 8, the National Museum of Transportation, 2933 Barrett Station Road, begins its 2023 Speaker Series (who knew?!) with The Mystique of Route 66 in Missouri, by […]
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Caption for image: Senior Solo dancers in COCA’s TRIumphant
May is packed with ARTful experiences.
Through May 18, Art Saint Louis, 1223 Pine, hosts Maturity & Its Muse: Celebrating Artistic Experience 2023. The juried exhibition showcases 63 works by 51 Missouri and Illinois artists aged 70+. www.artstlouis.org
Crossroads Arts Council, 310 […]
By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
No one could have ever expected the life trauma that they would live through, and the reality of those experiences becoming more alive when we reflect on those memories that impacted the person that we were. Not only were those traumas upsetting in their present, but we continue having […]
By Porscha Hayes, Missouri Green Schools AmeriCorps VISTA
Designed for educators from all roles and environments, the Sustainability Institute for Educators challenges participants to help learners build awareness, recognize responsibility, and take action as global citizens working to build a healthier, more sustainable world. This year, Institute participants will explore the multidisciplinary nature of climate change. […]
We live in a world where we THINK we are invincible. We can just Google EVERYTHING for a resolution. Right?! We will just ‘be fine’… somehow. Wake up, eat, work, take care of many demands, then lie in bed scrolling for a tiny, temporary hit of dopamine. Repeat.
But we don’t feel like ourselves. Monkey Mind. […]
Photo Captions: Chris Shepherd and Harp WorkshopThe Soulard B3 Fest is on May 21st from 11:30AM to 7:30PM at the Soulard Market park, and features the 3 B’s – Blues, Brews and Bites – and some of the best blues acts in St. Louis, as well as an art village & art activities, a beer […]
By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
Photo caption: The common buckeye butterfly perches on a blade of grass, ready to stare down a predator! Photo by Dan Zarlenga
Eyeing the Buckeye
Did you ever wish you had eyes in the back of your head? That would be nature’s ultimate backup camera! While we humans only have one […]
and a Forked Tongue that Speaks True
By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
Photo Caption: No, it’s not a copperhead . . . it’s a nonvenomous northern watersnake! Photo by Jim Rathert, Missouri Department of Conservation.
The term “speaking with a forked tongue” usually refers to someone who tells lies. Yet for a reptile like the […]
By Simon Yu MD
Have you ever had periodontal surgery for gum disease? To see what Canadian dentist Murray Vimy calls it, see the full version of this article on my website. The initial oral surgery results appear favorable, but the benefits usually do not last very long unless you can correct the underlying problems. Dentists […]
I Do, But I Don’t!
By Donna Linn, Healthy Planet Columnist
It occurs to me that many of us are guilty of saying yes when we really mean no. Being gracious and thoughtful human beings, we’d rather hurt ourselves than those whom we love. I remember a friend popping by who cheerfully announced she was no longer […]
By Donna Linn, Healthy Planet Columnist
Just One More Question, Ma’am
I’ve always been fascinated with the process of asking questions. As a child, I was known for gathering information. When other kids were playing with toys, I was “interviewing” our neighbors. One of my favorite questions was why; simple, yet effective. That’s when I realized when […]
By Jean Ponzi
Ode to Leaves
Every morning in spring, through my waking-up eyes and east windows, I watch leaves filling the spaces I’ve been appreciating through Earth’s dormant season.
In winter I love seeing the bodies of trees, their stalwart trunks and arching, curving, angular branches. They are my strong companions through the still, deep restful season. […]
By Jean Ponzi
Webster Groves Goes NO MOW
It started in the UK in 2019, blew like dandelions across Wisconsin towns, and sprouted this spring on traditionally trim suburban lawns of Webster Groves.
The No Mow movement aims to nourish emerging pollinators in a practical, generous, grounded way.
Up north, this means No Mow May. Prime time here is […]
By J.B. Lester
I have learned so much from my mother. She was a nurturer and a best friend. She taught me to follow my dreams and encouraged my creativity and individualism. She loved to cook and taught me the basics of preparing comfort foods. In fact, she embodied the word comfort. Mothers give comfort like […]
By J.B. Lester
As an independent, I used to think what we need to break this political logjam in Washington is a third party. But I came to my senses. As tempting as it sounds, the reality is it would only add to the chaos, as members of both main parties would try to coerce and […]
By Sarah WilsonWhat if every homeowner in St Louis County (440,000+) planted one native plant? What a help that would be to our struggling Missouri wildlife! One native plant could supply food, shelter, nurseries, and needed rest stops. To further that dream, here are a few of the tough native ground covers to consider for […]
By Amy Williams, Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician at Vitality Unlimited Spa
Summer is back and so is the Mimosa Facial at Vitality Unlimited Spa! This specialty facial is packed with Vitamin C to brighten your skin. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits. This nutrient plays an […]
By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Healthy Planet Publisher
Lisa Pitt, is a baker, and owner of Lisa Lou’s. I’ve tasted her desserts at a couple of expos and they are delicious, the best tasting cake I’ve ever had. Lisa is not only special because of her baking abilities but she is one of the most positive and upbeat […]
By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Healthy Planet Publisher
Betsy Reznicek is the executive director and founder of Home Sweet Home in St. Louis.
Home Sweet Home mission statement: The mission of Home Sweet Home is to give under-served families a sense of pride and to improve the quality of their lives by providing basic household furnishings.
SHB: What is your […]
By Kare of Kare Reiki a Metaphysical Center
Growing up, I had many psychic experiences. They varied in type. I dreamt, I knew things, and I saw things. There were many times it would be something that seemed insignificant to me. I knew who would win the World Series in 1984; the Detroit Tigers took the […]
By Tom & Carol Braford
Say thank you and make lemonade!
It is the nature of mice and men to want and expect things to go our way and to get frightened when they do not.
Some psychologists refer to this as an ‘amygdala hijack’. The lizard part of our brain, which is designed to have us survive when […]
by Tom & Carol Braford
We invite you to join us in creating a demonstration project of hi-tech year-round urban agriculture by participating in our regular Saturday morning gardening workdays at the Ecovillage.
We are creating a place where more and more people can learn how to grow their own food in the city. Our project is […]
Monthly pop-up events planned at five cultural institutions
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s 22nd annual Green Living Festival is back again as a series of pop-up events at institutions throughout the heart of St. Louis.
The “Summer of Sustainability” series invites visitors to engage with experts at five events throughout the summer in a day of learning and […]
By Natalie R. Toney M.F.A., C.H.
April Showers bring mangoes, mangoes, and more mangoes! Of course, they are sublime in smoothies and fruit salads, though shine in so many other dishes. Dice small chunks, with cilantro (for those that don’t have the gene) red onion, corn, red bell pepper, jalapeño, sea salt and lime juice for […]
By Melissa Vatterott
2023 is a big year for policy work. On the federal level, it is a Farm Bill year. This means we are working to pass a new Farm Bill by September 30th that better supports farmers of color and beginning farmers, incentivizes practices that reduce our impacts on climate change and build resilience […]
Ambitious 2023 Exhibition and “Chihuly Nights” Experience
The work of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly is coming to the Missouri Botanical Garden in a stunning exhibition uniting art and nature. With thousands of pieces of blown glass forms in 20 dramatic installations throughout the Garden’s grounds, Chihuly in the Garden 2023 presents these artworks on a grand scale. The […]
By Deb Powell, Healthy Planet Columnist
Signs of spring and summer besides flower gardens, convertibles, and farmers’ markets, are yard sales, backyard BBQ’s, and vacations! These last three years were pretty stressful for many and void of our usual communal needs, so let’s get some of that community spirit back!
Make up for those lost times by […]
By Deb Powell, Healthy Planet Columnist
Getting organized now for the summer leaves you more time to enjoy it.
Want to be organized and get more done? Make a list! Set a timer for 30 -60 minutes! Then stop and do the next task or get up and move/stretch if you’ve been sitting…
OR: Write on a time […]
By Porscha Hayes, Show-Me Green Schools AmeriCorps VISTA
Photo: Mayor Tishaura Jones and St. Louis Public Schools interim superintendent Dr. Nicole Williams join Patrick Henry Downtown Academy students and staff for a celebration of their award on May 3, 2023.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Congratulations are in order for Patrick Henry Downtown Academy and their awe-inspiring recognition […]
Susan Hunt-Bradford
It’s been quite the year!
In June 2022, I took over as publisher of The Healthy Planet Magazine. It has been an incredible experience, not without its challenges, but I’m always up for a good challenge.
I’ve learned so much about the publishing business in the past year. I’ve met our readers at events like Earth […]
Rescuing St. Louis Animals
We all know people who are animal lovers, dogs, cats, ferrets, bunnies, you name it, plenty of people call their pets family. I’m one of those people. Being a proud dog mom to Kiba and Jazzy, I love those two with all my heart.
I know we have a huge problem in our […]
By Steve Davies, Healthy Planet Columnist
When I was young and back when recycling was in its infancy, I remember seeing these huge bins, one for aluminum cans and then one each for green, brown, and clear glass along with recycling bins for cardboard and newspapers. These days however, add a range of plastics along with […]
By Steve Davies, Healthy Planet Columnist
So now that I’ve introduced myself and my passion for recycling, I then started to ask myself, what’s next? My first thought was to wait and see if someone asks me a question. Unfortunately, as time was of the essence and the fact that there were none, I headed in […]
The St. Louis Water Garden Society (SLWGS) is celebrating 33 years as a society sharing information about fish, ponds and gardens.
This year is the Society’s 23rd annual water garden and pond tour, the 2023 Pond-O-Rama, and will be held Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It […]
By Christen Commuso
The STL Toxic Waste Alliance recently rounded out our first year of work. As a reminder, the Alliance was created as a partnership between MCE and the grassroots community organization, Just Moms STL. Together, we believe it is every person’s right to know the communities in which they live, work, worship, or play […]
By Natalie Toney M.F.A., C.H.
Summer’s here, the days have grown longer, kids are home from school having playdates, swim parties, and sleepovers! A breakfast skillet is a quick and easy way to get veggies and protein into a meal while in the midst of a staycation, camping trip, weekend at a cabin, or having a […]
By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Healthy Planet Green & Growing Editor
This summer be sure to include sunflowers in your garden. Sunflowers (helianthus) are the flowers of sunshine and happiness. They brighten any garden, are easy to grow and are essential for the well-being of insects and birds. Their importance in our garden isn’t just for beauty, […]
By Dr. Gail Cloud, DC
It can be a choice to feel happyAnd can be a choice to be healthyEven when we are dealt cards that seem to stealthily undermine usLike a genetic condition that hits us without our volitionOr an accident or a sudden strokeThat on the surface acts to provoke us
It is how we […]
By Dr. Gail Cloud
As I sit here gazing obliquely into the sunFeeling its rays illuminate my hairLightening my whole being who before just now didn’t know it needed to be It is a time I need to be led; to be taken by the handTo move to the next dimension of my beingAnd show me from […]
Have you ever wondered why the removed trees in your neighborhood couldn’t be used for some higher purpose? Most urban trees get chipped up, sent to a landfill to rot, or a select few may become firewood. Couldn’t they be used for some of the lumber and wood products we need and use everyday so […]
By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Healthy Planet Green & Growing Editor
In my work as a garden designer I am asked to create a unity of flowers, foliage and plants so that the whole of the garden has a rhythm, beauty, grace and joy when viewed up close as well as from afar. Because I spend so […]
Imagine. A beautiful landscape that works with you, thriving in its setting. Native plant communities can help you create a landscape that works with you. These plant groupings evolved within natural communities to survive and be compatible within an environment.
In Missouri, forest, glade, prairie, savanna, and wetland are our five natural communities. Native plants and […]
By Sarah Wilson, MA, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
Seeing sprinklers watering lawns is so common that most of us don’t give it a thought. Of course, plants need water during hot spells, right? No. Native plants, once established, don’t need our help. They can help themselves. Why the difference?
Because most lawn grasses have puny little root systems […]