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The Garden
Contemplative notes


Broccoli - Brassica oleracea
Broccoli belongs to the Brassicaceae family, just like cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi. Its wild ancestor is related to varieties that have been cultivated since ancient times, particularly in the Mediterranean and in the mountainous regions of Italy. Broccoli began to spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and gained momentum during the Renaissance, when gardeners and master chefs began to favor plants with firm heads and floral structures cultivated for their yo
ellenrenneboog
17 hours ago2 min read


The Quetsche - Prunus domestica
Origin and History of the Plum Tree The quetsche is a type of plum—more specifically, a subcultivar of the Damascus plum (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia)—that originated in Asia Minor or near Damascus in Syria. It was brought to Europe by the Romans or the Crusaders, becoming particularly established in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and Switzerland as early as the Middle Ages. Already known in France before the 19th century, its name derives from the Middle High German “Zwetsc
ellenrenneboog
1 day ago2 min read


Garlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolata
Garlic mustard belongs to the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), alongside mustard, cabbage, and horseradish. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has been used both as a food and a medicinal herb for over 2,000 years. Herbalists recommended garlic mustard for: chronic coughs bronchitis asthma hoarseness excess mucus It was considered an expectorant, helping to loosen and expel phlegm. Before citrus fruits became widely available, garlic mustard was also valued as a ri
ellenrenneboog
2 days ago2 min read
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