Prince Charles, who once admitted to talking to his plants, is now encouraging everyone to grow an organic garden; even a tiny garden can yield fruits and vegetables, reduce carbon and feed local birds and insects.

In 1980, Prince Charles purchased his country home, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, with the intention of turning it into an organic farm and garden. Today, its acres grow fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, leeks, carrots and Brussels sprouts. Also grown are native and endangered plants like jasmine, crane's bill, yellow rattle, lilies and honeysuckle.

In England, consumers are turning to—what else?—tea for a health boost in 2007.

Last January, UK sales of green teas rose by about 40%, with fruit and herbal tea sales increasing by almost 15%, according to Tetley, the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of tea.

“At this time of year, people are thinking about their health and wanting to choose a resolution which is easy to stick to and packed full of health benefits,” says Ray Duffin, the company’s marketing controller. “Consumers in the UK are beginning to recognize the important health benefits of green tea.”

Green tea is “as hydrating as water, naturally rich in antioxidants and a natural source of Theanine,” Duffin adds. “Early research suggests that antioxidants may help maintain the body’s defense systems and suggests that Theanine may create a feeling of relaxation and alertness at the same time.”

You can find Tetley green teas, made from premium organic leaves, at natural and organic food stores in the United States.

And be sure to check out the OrganicAuthority Boutique for two wonderful Rishi green teas.

Suggested Reading

• Trends in Organic Tea
• Organic Tea: A Brewer’s Paradise
• Antioxidants and Organic Foods
• Man of Many Leaves
• Mug Shots

Book Pick of the Day: Green Tea: 50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers, and Sweet and Savory Treats

Organic Authority’s 100% organic Tangerine Ginger tea

Organic Authority sells a versatile variety of organic teas that are perfect for holiday gift-giving—from spicy Masala Chai and fruity Tangerine Ginger to rare white Snow Buds and best-selling Jasmine Pearl. We’ve also discovered a unique new device that will help you enjoy your favorite organic teas even more: the Health Tea Wand from Miami-based Wisdom Wands, which was inspired by an ancient South American tradition.

The wand is a handcrafted, heatproof glass straw that boosts flavor by filtering and brewing loose tea right in your cup through specially designed strainer holes. Simply add hot water to the tea leaves in your mug, allow the tea to steep, stir with the wand, and sip to the last drop.

The designers of the Health Tea Wand are tea connoisseurs with strong opinions about the quality of today’s teas.

“The optimal health benefits and superior taste of brewing whole, loose tea leaves has been sacrificed in recent years to the relative convenience of prepackaged tea bags,” they note. “High-priced, supermarket-grade tea bags generally contain poorer-quality leaves that have been chopped up to infuse more quickly and strain through the bag, which can cause a bitter brew. Brewing loose tea provides greater contact between the leaf surface and hot water, allowing for the release of more subtle flavors. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, high-quality, fresh, whole-leaf tea is up to 300% healthier than low-grade teabags and significantly more economical, with superior taste.”

The Health Tea Wand comes with a convenient carry case, with a compartment to transport loose tea. It is dishwasher-safe, and the company offers a money-back guarantee. Wisdom Wands will donate 10% of profits to Oprah’s Angel Network.