Spring is Here!
Angelica, Basil, Catnip, Basil
Spring is here and the time is now for getting in the dirt to plant. Choosing what to grow is a fun and easy task with some background work. A suggestion is to know what the plant is used for. So if you suffer from circulatory problems, fluid retention, memory issues or have a cold, you may want to sow the seeds I talk about. I love gardening, it is a great memory from childhood. It was one of my ‘Leave it to Beaver’ moments with my family. I have written about many and will speak about a few. Get your gardening gloves on and have a great time reading.
Angelica, large genus of aromatic herbs of the family Apiaceae, (Umbelliferae). The roots and fruit of the Eurasian species, Angelica archangelica, yield angelica oil used to flavor liqueurs and in perfumery. The tender shoots are used in making certain kinds of aromatic sweetmeats; tea is made from the toots and leaves is a traditional medicine for respiratory ailments. In the Faroe Islands in Iceland, where the plant grows abundantly, it is considered a vegetable. The British species, a sylvestris, is a tall perennial herb with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or purple flowers. Also is used to treat loss of appetite, arthritis, dementia and circulatory problems, nervousness, sleeping issues and anxiety.
Basil, Ocimum basilicum also called sweet basil is annual herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to India is widely grown. Basil leaves are glossy and oval shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cups slightly. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in color from whit to magenta. Basil is extremely frost sensitive and grows best in warm climates. The dried large leaf varieties have a fragrant aroma faintly reminiscent of anise and a warm sweet, aromatic, mildly pungent flavor. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds and worm infections. It is also used by women for blood circulation promotion during pregnancy and after birth.
Catnip, Nepeta cataria, also called catmint is an herb of the mint family. It is noted for its aromatic leaves which are particularly liked by cats. The herb is native to Eurasia and is used as seasoning and as a medicinal tea for colds and fever in some places. Catnip is a short lived perennial herb. The stems are typically square and bear oppositely arranged toothed leaves. The plant produces spikes of small white purple dotted flowers and readily reseeds itself. The leaves and stems contain an oil known as nepetalactone which stimulates sensory neurons in most cats, attracting them to the plant. The effect generally lasts 10 minutes and triggers a wide range of behaviors, including purring, drooling, vocalizations, rubbing, drooling, and jumping. A little goes a long way for kitty so use sparingly.
Ginkgo biloba also known as maidenhair tree is a species of tree native to China. It is the only living species in the order Ginkgoales, which first appeared over 290 million years ago. Derived from a Japanese word gin for silver and kyo meaning apricot. Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat many conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. Also, it is used to improve memory and to prevent dementia and other brain disorders. Gingko can in addition fight anxiety and depression. This deciduous tree can reach 40 to 80 feet high. Ginkgo has a come like shape at first then becomes rounded as it grows. The bark is smooth and grey when growing at when full grown the bark is ridged and brown. The Ginkgo tree can grow to thousands of years and the oldest one is in China said to be 3500 years old. A sure sight to see!
After much though you will choose what is best for your backyard, have a great time with the journey.
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About the Creator
Lady Sherry-Anne Dow Podolchuk
Grew up in Canada with a very loving family and studied in business and science and I have always loved writing. I hope you enjoy my stories.
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A Garden Tour
Gardening is very beneficial for your health, being outside, moving around and performing a skill are all good for well-being. Picking your breeds of plant is most fun and educational. Have an ailment? Grow a medicinal herb. Have a favorite color? Choose the flowering plants that please you. I am fond of purple and pink, perennials are great for returning every year. Let’s go for our garden tour!
By Lady Sherry-Anne Dow Podolchuk3 years ago in Earth
From Sanctions to Sunsets: Russians Find Refuge on China’s Southern Shores
As fireworks lit up the South China Sea on New Year’s Eve, an unusual group of revelers gathered along the palm-lined beaches of Sanya, a tropical resort city on China’s Hainan Island. Champagne glasses clinked, Russian pop music played softly from beachfront cafés, and families posed for photos under lantern-lit skies. Just beyond the horizon, however, lay one of China’s most sensitive military assets — a nuclear submarine base. For thousands of Russians, Sanya has become more than a holiday destination. It is a refuge from sanctions, political tension, and the unspoken judgment they say follows them across much of the world. A Tropical Escape From a Cold Political Climate Since the imposition of sweeping Western sanctions following Russia’s war in Ukraine, international travel has become increasingly complicated for Russian citizens. Visa restrictions, flight bans, frozen bank cards, and social stigma have reshaped how — and where — Russians can travel. Many say they have grown tired of what they describe as “sideways looks” in Europe and parts of Southeast Asia — subtle signals that they are no longer welcome, regardless of personal political views. China, by contrast, has maintained diplomatic ties with Moscow and imposed no sanctions on Russian citizens. Sanya, often called “China’s Hawaii,” has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations. With direct flights from Russia, visa-friendly policies, warm weather, and luxury resorts priced far below European equivalents, the city offers something many Russians feel they have lost elsewhere: normalcy. Why Sanya? Sun, Safety, and Silent Acceptance For decades, Sanya has marketed itself as a paradise of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and high-end resorts. What sets it apart today is not just its climate, but its political positioning. China’s stance of neutrality — or strategic ambiguity — on the Ukraine conflict has made destinations like Sanya appealing to Russians seeking to escape geopolitics altogether. Visitors report feeling largely invisible as Russians, treated simply as tourists rather than symbols of a global conflict. Local businesses have adapted quickly. Russian-language menus are common, hotel staff speak basic Russian phrases, and travel agencies cater specifically to long-stay visitors from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Siberia. For many, Sanya represents a rare space where politics recede into the background. New Year’s Celebrations Beside Strategic Silence The symbolism of celebrating the New Year next to a Chinese nuclear submarine base is not lost on observers. Hainan Island hosts one of China’s most important naval facilities, home to submarines that form a key pillar of Beijing’s nuclear deterrence. The base is heavily guarded and officially invisible to tourists, yet its presence looms quietly over the region. That Russians are toasting champagne nearby highlights the strange intersections of modern geopolitics. While Western capitals isolate Moscow, China offers both strategic partnership at the state level and personal refuge at the civilian level. For Russian visitors, the proximity to military infrastructure feels incidental rather than alarming. Many say they feel safer in China than in destinations where political tensions are openly discussed. Economic Migration Disguised as Tourism Although many Russians arrive as tourists, a growing number stay for months at a time. Some work remotely, paid in roubles or cryptocurrency. Others have relocated small businesses, IT services, or online consulting operations to Asia-friendly time zones. Sanctions have restricted access to international banking, but China’s alternative financial systems — and the acceptance of cash and regional payment platforms — make daily life easier. Sanya’s relatively low cost of living compared to Moscow or European cities further sweetens the deal. For middle-class Russians, beachfront apartments and resort amenities are suddenly attainable. What looks like leisure tourism increasingly resembles soft economic migration. A City Caught Between Tourism and Strategy Sanya’s transformation into a haven for Russians also raises questions for China. On one hand, Russian tourists bring much-needed revenue to a region hit hard by pandemic-era travel restrictions. On the other, the city’s proximity to sensitive military installations means authorities monitor foreign presence carefully. So far, Beijing appears comfortable with the arrangement. Russian visitors are seen as politically aligned, economically beneficial, and unlikely to raise security concerns. This quiet acceptance reflects the broader China–Russia relationship: pragmatic, mutually beneficial, and grounded in shared opposition to Western dominance rather than deep cultural integration. Mixed Reactions From Locals and the World Local residents in Sanya largely view Russian tourists positively, seeing them as polite, family-oriented, and generous spenders. Unlike mass tourism from some regions, Russians tend to stay longer and integrate more smoothly into daily life. Internationally, reactions are more complex. Critics argue that destinations like Sanya enable Russians to sidestep the social consequences of their country’s actions. Supporters counter that punishing individuals for state policy only deepens global divisions. For the Russians on the beach, such debates feel distant. Many insist they did not choose the war, nor do they control their government’s decisions. A Glimpse Into a Fragmenting World The sight of Russians celebrating the New Year beside a Chinese nuclear submarine base captures a defining reality of the 21st century: the world is fragmenting into parallel systems. As Western sanctions reshape travel, finance, and social acceptance, alternative hubs are emerging — places where geopolitics bend rather than break everyday life. Sanya is one such place, where palm trees and military submarines coexist, and where global fault lines are felt more subtly than elsewhere. Final Thoughts For Russians seeking warmth — both literal and social — Sanya offers a temporary sanctuary. It is a place where sanctions fade into sunsets, and judgment gives way to quiet coexistence. Yet the beaches of Hainan also remind us that no escape is entirely apolitical. Even paradise sits in the shadow of power. As champagne corks pop and waves lap the shore, the New Year in Sanya reflects a world where refuge, strategy, and survival are increasingly intertwined.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
Storm Goretti Brings Warning of Heavy Snow in Wales: What Residents Need to Know
As winter grips the United Kingdom, Wales is bracing for the impact of Storm Goretti, a severe weather system that has prompted urgent warnings of heavy snowfall across multiple regions. Meteorologists have indicated that the storm could bring significant disruption to transport, energy supplies, and daily life, urging residents to take precautions and plan ahead. Understanding Storm Goretti Storm Goretti is the latest in a series of extreme weather events affecting the UK this season. According to the UK Met Office, the storm is characterized by intense low-pressure systems, heavy precipitation, and strong winds. Snowfall is expected to be heaviest in elevated areas such as the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, and the Cambrian Mountains, with some locations potentially seeing up to 12 inches (30 cm) of snow over a 24-hour period. Forecasters have highlighted that the storm could combine heavy snow with freezing temperatures, increasing the risk of hazardous conditions on roads and public transport systems. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated through official channels. Regional Impact and Travel Disruptions Wales is particularly vulnerable due to its mountainous terrain and rural transport networks. Local councils have already activated their winter emergency plans, deploying snowplows, gritters, and other snow-clearing machinery to keep key roads operational. However, forecasters warn that secondary roads may become impassable, and rural communities could experience temporary isolation. Air and rail travel may also face interruptions. Cardiff Airport and regional train services have issued advisories to passengers, highlighting the potential for delays and cancellations. Commuters are encouraged to check schedules before traveling and to allow extra time for journeys. Safety Measures for Residents With temperatures expected to plummet, safety precautions are vital. Authorities recommend: Avoiding non-essential travel and staying indoors during peak snowfall. Stocking essential supplies including food, water, and medicines. Preparing homes for freezing temperatures, ensuring heating systems are operational and pipes are insulated to prevent bursting. Checking on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility. Local emergency services have been placed on high alert, ready to respond to incidents caused by snow, ice, and flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the Met Office and local councils to remain informed of evolving conditions. Environmental and Social Implications Beyond immediate disruption, Storm Goretti highlights broader concerns about climate variability and its increasing effect on winter weather in the UK. Experts note that while heavy snowfall is a seasonal expectation, the intensity and unpredictability of storms have increased in recent years. These conditions pose challenges for infrastructure resilience, energy security, and community preparedness, particularly in regions already prone to isolation during harsh winters. The storm is also expected to impact daily life, including school closures, delayed deliveries, and potential interruptions to medical services. Authorities emphasize that community cooperation is crucial to ensuring safety and minimizing disruption. Historical Context Wales has a long history of dealing with winter storms, from the severe blizzards of the 1980s to more recent events such as Storm Arwen in 2021. Lessons from past storms have informed modern emergency planning, including better snow-clearing strategies, early warning systems, and public advisories. Despite these measures, extreme weather like Storm Goretti can still challenge even the most prepared communities, demonstrating the ongoing need for vigilance and adaptive planning. Conclusion Storm Goretti serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. Residents of Wales are urged to take official warnings seriously, stay safe, and check in on neighbors during this period of harsh winter weather. While storms like Goretti disrupt daily life, they also highlight the resilience and solidarity of communities in Wales. By following guidance from the Met Office, local councils, and emergency services, the public can mitigate risks and navigate the storm with safety and awareness. As the storm progresses, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, updating forecasts and advisories. For residents, staying informed and prepared is the best defense against the challenges posed by Storm Goretti.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 7 days ago in Earth
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