'Tis the season for mistletoe! It's a plant with a rich history and was once said to have sacred powers to enhance fertility, peace and extend your life. Today scientists are testing mistletoe as a treatment for diseases such as cancer.
Historically the stems, leaves and berries of mistletoe have been gathered during the winter solstice and decorated with ribbons and bows and hung in doorways of houses.
As the stories go, if a woman is standing under this plant she must be kissed and if the couple is in love, this kiss is interpreted as a promise to marry as well as a prediction of happiness and long life.
Mistletoe is actually semi-parasitic plant that commonly attaches itself to apple, hawthorne and oak trees.
There are male and female mistletoe plants with the females producing the white berries and seeds that are spread by wildlife and birds. Ironically, for a plant that symbolizes long life, happiness and love, the berries and seeds are poisonous to humans and pets.
For this week's tip: interested in learning more about gardening this winter? Consider signing up for the University of Vermont's Master Gardener Program. It's an online 13-week course starting in February that covers topics such as soil care, vegetable and flower gardening, pest control and lawn care.
