Sharon Falsetto's Blog
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Plant explorations of the eighteenth century resulted in the 'discovery' of many new plants in the 'new' world, which in turn resulted in many exotic and unusual plant species being brought back to Europe. Perhaps one of the most well known plant explorers of the eighteenth century was Joseph Banks.
Plant explorers and botanists, such as Joseph Banks, were often accompanied by botany artists who recorded the discovery of the plant species with botanical drawings. Many of these paintings were displayed at Kew Gardens in London, England. However, even those artists who didn't take the great plant exploration trips became fascinated with the exotic array of new plants and flowers now available to draw and paint.
Claude Monet was famous for his artwork depicting the Gardens of Giverny, which were his home in the later part of his life. The Japanese bridge and water lilies are recorded in many of Monet's most famous paintings. Monet's neighbors were apparently a little apprehensive about some of the exotic plant species Monet started growing in his garden, which were not familiar to France! Monet was also said to have taken a keen interest in the study of botany.
The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw a number of artists which depicted botany in art; some of the most famous of these, in addition to Claude Monet, were Redoute, Manet and Van Gogh. Each had their own particular way to interpret botany in art.
Botanical art is an easy way to learn more about botany; you don't have to be a great artist. You can make simple collages from pressed flowers: to learn more read How to Create Botanical Art.
And enjoy a new way of discovering botany!
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
The American South Western states offer more than just desert! In research for my most recent articles, I have learned a lot about the area in which I live and discovered that the desert really is more than just desert and hot sun!
For example, California and Arizona have many national and state parks to visit which will put you in touch with many unique plant species such as those like the Joshua tree in Joshua Tree National Park and plants in Yosemite National Park. Arizona also has many arboretums and botanic gardens which can be visited at any time of year and if you are taking a vacation to California, you may also see the many native plants of California.
The south west can also put on a spectacular display of Fall color and you may consider the south western states for an alternative display of Fall foliage. If visiting the Grand Canyon, pay a visit to the historic El Tovar hotel, visit the North Rim as a alternative to the South Rim and consider getting out of your car and hiking, rafting or riding in the Grand Canyon area. You may just see a few different plants too!
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
It is well documented and discussed that the ancient Egyptians used many plants and herbs for medicinal puropses; one of the most famous ancient writings on medicinal plants and herbs from this time period is the Ebers Papyrus. The Ebers Papyrus contains approximately 700 prescriptions for medicinal plant use.
However, the history of medicinal herbs contains some other important documents and people who have shaped the use of medicinal herbs and plants throughout the centuries. One of the oldest medicinal records of plant use is the ancient Indian book, Vedas, which dates back over 5000 years.
Perhaps one of the most well known Greek healers and physicians was Hippocrates (460 B.C. - 377 B.C.), commonly referred to as the Father of Medicine. Hippocrates' teachings are recorded in Corpus Hippocraticum, although it is widely believed that Hippocrates himself was not responsible for the actual writing of this text but that it was written by his students.
The Arab physician, Avicenna, (980 A.D. - 1037 A.D.) contributed the ancient medicinal texts of The Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine on herb and plant use but perhaps Avicenna's greatest invention was the use of a refrigerated coil in the distillation process of plants.
Other important people who have contributed to the medicinal use of herbs and plants include Dioscorides, author of the book De Materia Medica; his ancient text was heavily referenced in medieval Europe. Medieval Europe produced two of the greatest herbalists of all, John Gerard (1545- 1612) and Nicholas Culpeper (1616 - 1654). John Gerard produced the Herball and Nicholas Culpeper wrote The English Physician.
The use of medicinal Medieval herbs was common, despite the Witchcraft Acts (often misunderstood herb and plant use was seen as a 'witch act') and it wasn't until the industrialization of the 17th and 18th centuries and scientific advancements that the use of herbs and plants for medicinal purposes was impacted.
Today, these ancient medicinal texts, writings and herbals provide valuable resources and insights into the historic use of medicinal herbs and plants...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Most people know that botany has something to do with plants; however, many people may be surprised to discover what the study of botany actually includes. Botany can be be described simply as 'the study of plants' - but it really is a lot more complex than that. The vast areas of study in botany include plant ecology, ethnobotany,plant species,medicinal plants, paleobotany, molecular biolgy, plant anatomy - and the list goes on..... There are many areas to train and study in if you are thinking of becoming a botanist or working in a botany related field.
Plants have a long history of use in the practice of plant medicine; understanding botany, even just the basics, can go a long way in helping to understand many plant related fields such as aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and homeopathy. Ancient civilizations have been using plants in many ways for centuries and, in today's modern world, we are once again discovering the value of plants in medicinal practice.
However, as with everything, the system is always open to abuse from those looking to make a quick and easy profit. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy, for example, is often open to adulteration. Many pure essential oils are not, in fact, what they claim to be; in herbal medicine, it is also important to be able to correctly identfy a large number of herbs, in order to not cause harm. Herbs which look similar, or are often confused, include fennel, dill, marjoram and oregano.
Native Americans, the Maori and the Aborigines have, and still use, plants for medicine, food, clothing and for instruments and rope. Ethnobotanists collect together this information and study some of these ancient medicinal practices which may be lost, if not preserved.
The study of botany and plants is important to the survival of the world in general; scientific study of plants sometimes leads to medicinal discoveries in combating some of the world's illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Some modern drugs, such as valium, are derived from plants such as valerian.
Plants are very unique structures; some plant species, we still have yet to discover and identify. Many of the great plant explorers, such as Joseph Banks, contributed greatly to the study of botany; today, this study continues and choosing to study botany, or a related field, is a decision which will open up a whole new world - of plants....
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Trees are all around us but we often taken them for granted. Many trees have been around for thousands of years and some trees live for thousands of years including the baobab tree of Africa and the European oak tree. New Zealand is home to many unique trees found only in New Zealand but perhaps the most well known of the trees of New Zealand is the kauri, a gentle giant who dominates the forests of North New Zealand.
Many trees provide us with valuable resources of food and medicine in various forms. The citrus trees are known for their healing properties both in their fruit and in essential oils produced such as lemon, mandarin, petitgrain, orange blossom and grapefruit essential oils. The pine trees too have healing properties, including the scotch pine.
More 'exotic' trees, such as the eucalyptus trees and the cananga trees, are native to the warmer climates of Australia and Asia but also have healing properties of essential oils, including ylang ylang. In addition, trees often associated with colder climates, such as cedarwood, juniper and cypress are known for producing essential oils.
When visiting places such as the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it is possible to see trees found only growing at higher elevations. In the Mediterranean, common trees include pine and oak forests. Perhaps one of the most favorite trees has to be the chocolate tree! Botanically, the chocolate tree is known as the cacao tree but is well known for its use in the production of chocolate, hence its nickname.
So, next time you take a walk in the forest, or just your own backyard, give some thought to the trees to be found there; many of them have been around a lot longer than you think...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Visiting new places in the world when travelling or on vacation brings us into contact with all sorts of new experiences and people. However, have you ever stopped to consider the vast array of plants you can discover on trips too - whether it is a holiday of a lifetime to Australia or simply in your own back yard?
In Australia, you can discover the Eucalyptus trees , discover the trees of New Zealand (including the Kauri tree)and if you are visiting the Far East, you'll probably encounter the exotic scent of the Canaga trees. Both the rainforests of Borneo and the plant ecology of Costa Rica offer some of the most diverse plant species to be found on Earth.
In Europe, you can discover the many plants of Spain and the Citrus trees. If visiting Italy by train, or camping in Italy, you are likely to see the many plants of Italy from the train window or closer up! You may be surprised to discover that Pine trees grow not just in the traditional cooler climes of the Northern hemisphere but in some of the more warmer climates of Turkey and Spain.
In the USA, there are many, many plants to discover in a whole range of ecological systems. In Florida, trees survive in a number of plant ecosystems of the Everglades national park. In California, and other ocean front states, you can discover the many beach and sand dune plants found on the shore line.
In the state of Arizona, traditionally thought of as 'desert' country, many people are surprised to discover the many wildflowers of the American Southwest and the plant species found in the arboretums and botanic gardens of Arizona, including Tucson Botanical Gardens. In fact, if you are camping in Sedona, Arizona or even choosing a wedding location in Sedona, Arizona, you will find not only traditional cacti but forests of cypress and pine too.
Lavender is celebrated throughout the world and although traditionally associated with Provence, France, the state of Washington celebrates and brings together the many lavender growers in Washington state at the annual Sequim Lavender Festival. Even if you know little about the botanical world of lavender, the festival offers a fun day out with shows and tours too.
So, whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime this year, or are going no further than your local back yard, make sure you take time to 'smell the roses' and learn about the world of plants which surround us every day!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
The history of medicinal herbs is long, although in the early years, knowledge of herbs was past on verbally rather than through the written word. In sixteenth century England, herbals became common and this interest grew throughout the seventeenth century with the appearance of The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper, a well known English herbalist.
Many herbs are used medicinally, aromatically and for culinary purposes, resulting in different types of herb gardens. The medieval 'cloister' gardens were attributed with starting the trend of growing herbs in different gardens. Many herbs could be found in the different herb gardens including dill, marjoram, rosemary, chamomile and lavender, although the latter are not commonly associated with the term 'herb' today but are used in aromatherapy.
Many native tribes have used various 'herbs', often native plants; the Maori tribes of New Zealand have used many native plants, such as the manuka and pepper tree for medicinal purposes. The Native American Indians have studied and used healing herbs for many years too. Native American healing herbs include black birch, hops, sundew, horsemint, witch hazel, black haw and many others.
Today, many herb gardens are found in botanical gardens and arboretums; here in Arizona there are a number of arboretums and botanical gardens including Tuscon Botanical Gardens in southern Arizona, Flagstaff Arboretum in northern Arizona and Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens in southern Arizona.
Today, many herbs and plants are also used in the practice of aromatherapy, with the extraction of the essential oil from the relevant part of the plant. Herbs such as valerian, marjoram, rosemary and sage are used in cooking, aromatherapy and in other medicinal purposes. Herbs have many, many uses and are one of the most versatile of the plant species! However, all herbs should be used with caution, if you are unfamiliar with the powerful properties which they possess.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Being an aromatherapist, my life is heavily influenced by scent! I have already mentioned the scent of flowers and plants in a couple of blog postings but thought it was worth highlighting again. Scent is more than just a nice smell found in a perfume bottle of bubble bath; in fact, many of today's manufactured perfumes are filled with sythethetic perfumes and chemicals and not the ingredients of perfumes of the past, when true essences and essential oils of plants were used.
The ancient perfumes of Pompeii were not only pleasant smells but were also healing; Pompeian ladies also used beauty masks of lupines, honey, melon roots, turnips and various other plants and flowers; perfumes were fragrant blends of rose, jasmine, lily and marjoram, amongst others. Other Roman centers of perfumery making in Campania (where Pompeii was located) included Naples, Capua and Paestum.
Marie Antoinette of France did much to influence ladies' fashions of the time, but the perfumes of Marie Antoinette were nearly as flamboyant as her dresses. Marie Antoinette had her own personal perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon, to make her scents of many flowers including violet, jonquil, rose and tuberose. Marie Antoinette also fragranced the royal apartments with healing scents of lavender and orange blossom; throughout her pregnancy she requested scents to relax her and soothe her and even a perfume remedy for her sudden loss of hair after her first pregnancy!
Walking through a garden on a summer's day, you can often smell many fragrant plants; some popular fragrant climbing plants are honeysuckle and clematis. There are others too, including sweet pea and, of course, the ever popular rose. Without always realising it, we are often calmed, healed and uplifted by the essences of many flowers in gardens.
As spring approaches, there are many places to visit to experience the power of plants and to understand the native plants of the places in which we live. Here in Arizona, there are many arboretums and botanic gardens to visit and learn more. One of the most famous botanic gardens is probably Kew gardens in London, where many plants can be viewed; Kew is having a historical celebration of 250 years in 2009.
So, this spring and summer, as you walk through a garden, remember that not only do many plants and flowers smell nice, they are capable of healing, both in their natural environment and in natural perfumes....
 |
 |
 |
Posted by Sharon Falsetto
Flowers and plants have a long history of use in weddings, including use in ancient Native American Indian marriage traditions; there are many ways in flowers can be used in a wedding. Traditionally, flowers have been used for many bridal bouquets; today, there are many different flowers to choose from depending on the season. Seasonal ideas for wedding bouquets include:
Fragrant flowers are often a popular choice for wedding bouquets and can provide a sensual stimulant for the flower theme of a wedding too! Many flowers are aphrodisiac, such as rose, hyacinth and lily-of-the-valley making them a perfect choice for weddings!
A flower which is growing in popularity for weddings amongst today's brides, especially for Spring weddings, is the daisy; it is now possible to have a daisy-themed wedding, a good choice for a young bride. The sunflower is also another growing trend for young brides. However, the traditional rose will never lose it popularity for rose scented weddings...
There are many wedding bouquet styles too, some of which have been influenced by celebrity brides over the years. Bridesmaid bouquets have traditionally followed the lead of the bridal bouquet but today there are many alternative flower bouquets for bridesmaids to choose from; ideas include flower balls, flower baskets and flower wrist corsages.
Today's bride may choose from many different flower design ideas for bridal hair; Queen Victoria of England apparently wore orange blossom in her hair on her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Flowers have many meanings, depending on tradition, culture and color; Asian brides believe that red roses will bring them luck on their wedding day. Victorian brides paid great attention to the interpretation of flowers in the 'language of love' and many books were written as a guide to various flower meanings.
Flowers have been included in weddings for centuries and today they have never been more popular; flowers feature in the bridal bouquet, the church, the reception, invitiations, thank you cards, wedding favors and wedding gifts. Today's interest in natural products indicates that one of nature's beauties, the flower, whatever the species, will be a part of weddings for a long time to come...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |