COMMON MULLEIN

The Common Mullein, or verbascum thapsus, was introduced to my front yard by a friend who referred to it as the "Grand Wizard of the Ontario Roadside".  His attempts at cultivation were unsuccessful, however, many years later this spectacular example of the species sprouted.  

Turns out the tiny seeds can remain in the soil for up to a hundred years, often sprouting after a forest fire or a clearing of other vegetation.  The plant is biennial, producing a rosette of soft and hairy leaves the first year, followed by the tall stalk of yellow flowers the subsequent summer. The plant usually dies after this display, scattering almost a quarter million seeds.

Mullein has been used for medicinal reasons for over 2000 years.  It is most effective against afflictions of the lungs such as consumption, croup and coughs. The yellow flowers can be used to create a yellow or green dye and the stalk can be soaked in wax to create a torch.  

Imported to North America in the early 1800's, Mullein quickly spread to all states and southern Canada.  In some regions it carries the vernacular name "Cowboy's toilet paper".  Driving north, you can see Common Mullein along the road and the further you drive, the shorter the stalks. None of these northern brothers can rival the 9' monster dominating my yard, impressive enough to entice a woodpecker:

PEONY

The peony in my backyard refused to bloomed.  Last year I finally moved it to full sun and my labour has been rewarded with 3 flowers.  I've been enjoying watching the ants collecting the sweet nectar that the buds produce; although not necessary for the pollination of the flower, the busy ants are a great reminder to stop smelling the flowers and get back to work.

Peony was named for Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Paeon discovered that the peony could be used to alleviate the suffering of childbirth.  Zeus eventually turned Paeon into the flower that bears his name to save him from Asclepius' jealous rage.  

Peony root is still used medicinally as a sedative, diuretic, and astringent.  The root contains the antioxidant paeoniflorin that may boost the immune system and reduce the effects of stress.  It has been shown to ease menstrual cramps, reduce PMS and the effects of menopause.  Peony should not be used for a prolonged period and never by a pregnant woman.  The plant need to be dug up and separated every 10 years or so.  This is a great time to harvest the beneficial roots.

CHRISTMAS FOLIAGE

I hate taking the tree down.  The cold months ahead could perhaps benefit from "winter foliage"to tide us over till the tulips of spring.  Here are some inspiring arrangements from the streets of Copenhagen.

DECEMBER ROSE

TORVEHALLERNE KBH

Allow me to play culinary cupid for a moment and imagine the love child of Toronto's St. Lawrence Market and the famous food halls of Harrods. The offspring of these two taste titans would surely be a site to behold, let alone devour. It's literally a feast for the senses. 

Upon entry the nose is immediately filled with the smell of exotic spices from far away lands. The ears detect the noisy chatter of patrons happily eating up fresh made pasta, steak sandwiches, and a wonderful offering of bite sized pieces of fresh baguette laced with house made prosciutto and the most tender of pickled asparagus. The eyes can gaze upon the offerings from multiple fish mongers, their local fresh and smoked specimens playfully displayed. The hands may want to inspect the local produce to find just the right potato to go with tonight's dinner. Taste....anything...actually taste everything. 

I'm serious, there's nothing out of place here. Just individual stalls with friendly, knowledgeable vendors. Taste tacticians, specializing in almost everything one could need : oils, nuts, cheese, meat, fish, wine, spices, coffee, chocolate, bread, sweets...did I mention everything is the best quality I've ever tasted?  

You probably think I'm teasing you with this impossibly savoury seductress but I tell you it's here in Copenhagen. 

It's called Torvehallerne Kbh, and take it from a guy who likes eating and takes it very, very seriously....this place might be the reason I move here, for good. 

Guest contributor Afie Jurvanen