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17th century gardeners often used its scent in aromatherapy and its natural citrus odor doubles as an insect repellent. With its ability to deter garden pests, however, bawme can quickly become invasive if left unnoticed.
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This vibrant yellow flower is often overlooked. It is native to Illinois and found in quite particular places, such as ditches and marshes. It is commonly used for medical purposes like pain relief and swollen airways. Would you ever try this as a remedy.
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This useful plant is a surprising ingredient in tonic water and also has multiple medical properties including but not limited to treatment for burns. A wonderful bright and healing addition to any garden.
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Resilient, fruit bearing, and native to Illinois, the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus gives a look of variety to any garden. The fruit it produces is delicious and can also be made into a candy. Would you like to try this?
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Native to the Chicago area, this flower is not only beautiful but also attracts butterflies. During their twice a year stop in Chicago, butterflies like to snack on the swamp milkweed and will attract them to your gardens.
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Included in the Mayapple display is a botanical illustration from Koechler’s Medicinal-Pflanzen (1887). Mayapple can be used for medical purposes, but if not used correctly has the ability to be poisonous. It is quite noticeable due to its unique looking roots that are sure to make anyone take a second glance.
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Mistaken for a brighter lavender, the Purple Prairie Clover captures attention through its vibrant pinkish purple color. Located in the central United States this flower is popular with pollinators of all kinds and its flower is considered a tasty treat by many. Does this flower remind you of lavender?
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Similar to the Prairie Coneflower, the Purple Coneflower is located in the same area and got popular around a similar time. This flower has a resemblance to a daisy and can be easily mistaken for one. Can you see the similarities?
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From the 20th century onward, this unique flower with a hat-like shape has become increasingly popular. It is also native to the central and eastern United States and provides a colorful addition to any garden. Have you ever seen this flower before, perhaps in your local park? Why not visit and find one!
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Once harvested in ancient Egypt for bread and beer, barley is now a major global grain. It can be planted at various times during the year, allowing it to become a year-round staple in many diets. Barley was so historically valuable that it was considered to be the very first form of currency. What would you trade for barley?
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Common Wheat is one of the most widely grown crops and is often considered one of the most versatile in function. Besides human consumption, wheat is commonly used for kitchen cabinets, medical swabs, and even stamp adhesives. Is this your first time seeing wheat in its unprocessed form?
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The second most common species of cultivated wheat, durum is often called pasta or macaroni wheat as it is seldom used in bread. Rome and ancient Egypt commonly used this type of wheat, leading to it becoming the latter’s main export. Does this remind you of the pastas we know and love?
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Sieving originated in Ancient Egypt for straining grains from wheat and other cultivated harvests. Many Egyptologists have noted the similarities between the sieve and the hieroglyphic symbol for placenta, suggesting that sieves may have represented the beginning of life. Do you have something similar looking in your kitchen?
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This example of ancient Egyptian wheat was found contained in a jar in Cairo, Egypt. The jar was found near the pyramid temple of King Ne-user-re, who was known to have died around 2422 BCE. Would you like to try something made out of this wheat?
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Olive bread was one of the most beloved types of sustenance in Ancient Rome, with the city of Pompeii in particular. Bread was produced in high batches daily, and those who controlled bakeries were often seen as powerful figures. Who wouldn’t want this for dinner?
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These hand mills were essential for the production of bread, with the hole in the upper compartment serving as an entrance for grains. Commercial bakeries often housed tens of these laborious tools at a time. Could you imagine using this tool while making bread today?
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Although frequently used for cutting through forage and harvesting grain crops, these sickles sometimes doubled as battle weapons. In earlier accounts of Roman mythology, Hercules slayed the legendary Hydra with a golden sickle-like weapon. They are also commonly used as a symbol for the agricultural working class. Have you ever seen it used in this way?
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Even though its specific use is unknown, this agricultural blade is speculated to have been used for cutting and harvesting crops. The indentations at the edge act as a socket for connecting a long handle. Do you think it would be useful to bring back this tool into modern farming?
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Indigenous to Asiatic Turkey and other surrounding areas, the fruit of the fig tree is actually a syconium, or an inverted flower. This plant has always been favored in ancient history and evidence even suggests that its domestication was one of the first instances of agriculture. When was the last time you ate a fig?
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Native to the eastern United States, this plant is commonly used for domestic medicine.
Packed with antioxidants and vitamins this unique plant is wonderful to introduce into the modern garden. You have most likely seen elderberries in your local grocery store, probably in the supplement section, and wondered what on earth it was. Well, now you know!
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Most likely originating from the Fertile Crescent, dates quickly spread around Northern Africa and the Middle East, and are one of the sweetest fruits in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. According to fossil records, dates have been around for about 50 million years. They are also an excellent natural sweetener that is often used to replace other types of sugar today! Have you ever tried date sugar?
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Gray, black, and white tabby cat standing on hind legs holds an upraised stick above a mewing kitten lying across its knee, as if in the act of spanking.
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This is my cat.
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