Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect


Herb Gardening harvesting & making Herb gift bundles to share! Aloha Spring!

Come visit my garden and see all the wonderful herbs and flowers in bloom! Growing herbs like lavender, thyme, basil, oregano, chamomile, and calendula in your garden offers a wealth of benefits for both your health and your outdoor space. These herbs attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and improving the productivity of your garden. Lavender and chamomile add soothing fragrances and calming properties, while also repelling certain pests. Culinary herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano not only elevate your cooking with fresh flavors but also provide vitamins, minerals, and natural remedies for common ailments. Calendula and chamomile are valued for their gentle medicinal uses and their ability to draw beneficial insects and protect garden soil from erosion and weed growth. Together, these herbs create a vibrant, low-maintenance, and multi-functional garden space that enhances your well-being and the environment.

After harvesting my herbs and flowers, this second part video shows you how I make herb bundles, and arrangements as gifts for friends and family. Easy way to bundle and keep your herbs for later use or gift giving. I also like to use jars and containters and upcycle them as vases to present the flowers beautifully! It smells wonderful, and feels great to make and give gifts from mother nature to brighten someone’s day! Feel free to come visit my garden and harvest some herbs and flowers for you! follow me on instagram @wenchia and facebook on Wenchia Parker and kids can compost!

#Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #rooftopgarden, #passionfruit, #solarenergy, #reducecarbonfootprint, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers, #eatlocal, #eatgreen #herbs #flowers


Trip to Isla Mujeres Spring 2025, How to take the Bus, Ferry & Chill at Playa Norte!

We took a wonderful day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  We took a public bus to the ferry terminal and bought a round trip ticket on the Ultramar Catamaran ferry.  The ride was very easy and picturesque.  We would definitely do it again. We decided to walk to Playa Norte and the snorkel area on the North East side of the island.  Many people rented golf carts, but we enjoyed the walk and wanted to be kinder to the environment.

We had rented two lounge chairs and an umbrella for  the day to relax and have a leisurely lunch of fish tacos, shrimp tacos and margaritas. We took the ferry back at sunset and really enjoyed our day on this beautiful island.Isla Mujeres, meaning “Island of Women,” is a picturesque island located about 13 kilometers off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea25. The island stretches roughly 7 kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide, offering a blend of vibrant local culture, stunning white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters25. Historically, Isla Mujeres was sacred to the Maya, who dedicated it to the goddess Ixchel, revered for her associations with fertility and medicine; remnants of this heritage can still be seen in the ruins at the island’s southern tip126. The island’s name originates from the Spanish explorers who, upon arrival in the 16th century, found numerous statues of goddesses and named it accordingly26. Over the centuries, Isla Mujeres has evolved from a Mayan sanctuary and pirate hideout to a tranquil fishing village and, more recently, a beloved tourist destination known for its laid-back charm, colorful streets, and lively culinary scene125. Visitors flock to Playa Norte, considered one of the best beaches in the region, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs, exploring the underwater sculpture museum (MUSA), and swimming with whale sharks during their seasonal migration25. Despite its popularity, Isla Mujeres retains a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for both day-trippers from Cancún and those seeking a slower-paced Caribbean escape.


Spring time Loquat Fruit picked ripe from the Tree

I have many loquat trees in my yard. I grew up eating them as a child in Taiwan. They are delicious and they’re good for you! If I got  sick with a cough,. My mom used to give me this delicious syrup made out of local juice. All of my loquats are trees grown from an original fruiting tree at Beethoven elementary school. I’m so grateful to the wonderful plant manager there Pedro who used to help me in the school garden! We picked many fruits from that tree and brought the seeds home and planted them into new trees. My trees are between 10 to 15 years old and give our family and neighbors tons of fruit every year! Here’s a little description about loquats:

The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a medium-sized, evergreen tree native to central eastern China and widely cultivated in subtropical regions for its attractive foliage and edible fruit145. It typically grows 3–10 meters tall, with large, dark green, leathery leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in autumn or early winter124. The fruit, known as loquat or Japanese plum, ripens from early spring to early summer and is oval, round, or pear-shaped, measuring 3–5 cm in length126. Loquats have a smooth or slightly fuzzy yellow to orange skin and juicy, sweet-tart flesh that ranges from white to orange, depending on the variety16. Each fruit contains several large brown seeds. Loquats are enjoyed fresh or used in jams, pies, and juices, and are valued for their high fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidant content, offering various health benefits such as supporting eye health, digestion, and immunity345.