English Lavender. After my father died, I was very sad and depressed. I had three husky lavender plants, and someone told me that both the aroma of lavender and, lavender tea were very calming. I started making up little pouches of lavender flowers and put them in my pillow case. It really did help lessen the stress and depression. The lavender tea was wonderful! It tastes exactly like lavender smells and both my husband and myself enjoy it to this day. Another friend sent her receipe for lavender chicken. It has a wonderful flavor and has also become a favorite. The aroma of fresh basil really lifts my spirits. I always keep a few plants growing on the windowsill. Last but not least is the very act of gardening. I missed an entire year when I was having chemotherapy. My husband kept the gardens growing, (and is now a dedicated gardener), and would bring in fresh flowers and herbs which really lifted my spirits. I've been cancer free for three years, and have expanded into growing a few houseplants, trying my hand at hybridizing and propagation and am always learning. Tending for these beautiful plants, indoors and out is a healing experience in itself, and I know it has had a beneficial effect on my health, both physically and emotionally. The fact that it is always evolving and adapting, makes it joyfully challenging. Your idea of a healing garden makes so much sense. Good Luck! SAM

In this economy I think many folks will be staying home more and will look to ways to save on food. Vegetable plantings is a great way to go. I learned many of my techniques simply watching shows like Gardening Naturally (thanks for helping me recall the name of that show Marg). In that show I learned more about proper composting, the use of manure, seaweed of all things, and other stuff. Sure it certainly may not appeal to all audience, but it was very imformative. Too bad we no longer have such shows. The new Victory Garden - well it's simply rehashed segments with a new host - Jamie Durie, a well known garden designer/landscaper from Australia. The show focuses mainly on designing on a grand scale - although it does emphasis green techniques, water conservation, etc.. It does have a small segment with Kip as the actual gardener and Chef Michel cooking the organic way. However it just doesn't have that 'Organic feel' to it. It seemed too Hollywood or too New Age. In my opinion -- good eye candy, not much on substance. There is good show on PBS - called Cultivating Life. While it is short, it does have everything, from building trellis, to planting, to cooking. It's good enough - although not close enough to the shows of the past. I've pretty much given up on watching shows on TV. There's hope however, and it exist online. Look at such places such as Youtube and someone is most certainly going to upload a specific gardening technique. Ianna

Karen, the other day you wrote such an uplifting and motivational comment for another GW member who is currently facing life difficulties that I actually bookmarked it as a reminder if I ever face the similar situation (we all do). I had no idea that you had the strength to write it in this terrible time of your own personal loss. My heartfelt condolences. Your approach to your garden as a healing place and to gardening as a healing process is touching and inspirational. There is the tranquility in your beautiful place that I am sure your beloved kitties and your mom feel both from near in this lovely garden and from afar in heaven.

Looking for stories/characters around refurbishing Victory Gardens for a cable television network episode. We would like to follow the process from start to finish. Anyone have a suggestion of who we should talk with?