Letter from an Editor

TBy Carol Reid

This has been a rather fraught year for me and not just for the obvious Covid-related reasons. I’ve also learned that I have two different physical disorders, one fairly common for people my age and the other one far less common. I made the first discovery right at the beginning of the pandemic and the other one just after getting my second vaccine dose. On top of the anxiety and isolation and fears of leaving the house in general (just like everybody else), attempting to simultaneously deal with all the uncertain- he Coop Scoop team is excited to bring you this issue focusing on flowers. Because, when you think about it, the idea that flowers are a luxury item is all wrong. Flowers are a necessity! Maybe you don’t sprinkle your salad with lavender or nasturtium blossoms, or eat dandelions, daylilies, or squash blossoms. But consider for a moment: how much of the food you eat started out as a flower? Or even still is, such as broccoli or artichoke?

Although evolutionary biologists are still learning about the emergence of flowers, fossil evidence dates back about 136 million years.

But obviously, I’m not the only one who’s been struggling with such issues—whether for oneself or one’s family members, friends, or colleagues; whether Covid-related or not; whether serious or routine. It’s enough to make you downright sick, and often quite desperate and depressed to boot. People have been afraid to make or keep their medical appointments, to go in for testing, or to even be around other afflicted people. Mental and emotional illnesses have been exacerbated and are sadly on the rise. But there are also a lot of resources available online right now, and there’s hope that we can finally beat the Virus and deal with whatever else might be currently ailing us.

As we become increasingly aware of the existential plight of birds and other wildlife, and the crashing insect population, many of us are seeking ways we might help. We’re wondering about participating in campaigns such as No Mow May, or Mow Less May (see https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/ ) or curious about how to go even further, with local campaigns such as Unlawnfu l ( https://northeastpermaculture.org/unlawnful-spring-news/). Even if you don’t have land or a green thumb, there are ways to get involved.

Cultivating a more conscious relationship with flowers can be a great first step. Whether that is through appreciating their role in recipes, therapies, or as natural dyes; supporting the work of local cut flower farmers; or converting lawns to flowering plants; the articles in this issue offer you information and inspiration.

Fresh News!

Mathew Bradley is our Layout Editor. He has been the Lead Designer at Honest Weight since the new store. Outside he enjoys writing band, tending to his garden, and training his English Cocker Spaniel, Cricket, for field work.

By Patricia Ellis

anuka honey is a dark, rich and creamy honey that is produced by bees who gather nectar from the flowers of the Manuka tea tree found in New Zealand. Its special value comes from the pairing of the nectar itself with the way the bees turn it into honey. This combination produces a honey containing unique antioxidants, probiotics, and an anti-bac terial comp ound called methylglyoxal (MGO).

In this issue of the Coop Scoop, entitled “Heal,” Rebecca Angel writes about her own experience with healing heartburn; Melanie Pores makes what’s good for you also taste good with her delicious Date-Sweetened Smoothie recipe; Ruth Ann Smalley gets to the root of things with an article on Regenerative Agriculture; and [etc.]. We’re hoping that all of the articles and information contained herein will contribute to helping all of us on our personal journeys toward renewed health and healing.

Read on to learn about how local small farms are diversifying their plantings, how HWFC’s pollinator garden came to be, and how you can bring clover, wildflowers, and native plants into your environment for everyone’s benefit.

May you eat, drink, and grow flowers!

BEE-unifying: Bio honey Skin Products from New Zealand

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M“What exactly IS an “edible garden?” Whenever I try to explainI’m explain this to someone, I inevitably hear Gene Wilder in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory saying, “Everything inside is eatable, I mean edible, I mean you can eat everything.”

1. Bee Venom Mask: Contains proteins that help in blood circulation and cell renewal. Manuka honey's antimicrobial, antibacterial properties are combined with organic oils for smoothing and replenishing the skin. This formula includes NZ Tree fern, a natural skin lifter.

We’ve started with a modest plan that includes some of the “easier” plants to grow (including: lettuces, tomatoes, zucchini squash, pole beans, peppers, and various herbs) and hope to expand our planting based on what works (or doesn’t) this

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Manuka honey has been used as wound treatment and skin care as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

2. Hydrating Mist Toner

Nutrient rich and mild enough for sensitive skin. Wild plum extract contains superfruit ingredients for hydrating and nourishing mature skin. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, while Rose flower water's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and puffiness.

3. Natural Acne Cream Formulated with high levels of Manuka honey and oil, which helps break down the acne causing sebum. Apricot Oil helps sooth and replenish the skin.

Manuka Honey Skincare for Face by Biohoney is available now in HWFC’S Wellness Department. Biohoney® essential skincare products are suitable for all skin types. These skincare products contain natural ingredients that are rich in age-defying antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. 1