HERBAL THEME GARDENS

HERBAL THEME GARDENS

Some of the information contained in this catalog is from the vast body of already published herbal folklore, and is not intended as medicinal advice or guarantees of any nature.

BEE GARDEN

These plants are especially attractive to bees:

basil, bay, beebalm, borage, catnip, chamomile, fennel, germander, horehound, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, and thyme.

INDOOR HERB GARDEN

Plan an indoor herb garden for year-round flavor and fragrance: try basil, chervil, chives, dill, fennel, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Be sure to provide adequate light!

SHAKESPEARE GARDEN

The following are nonpoisonous plants mentioned in the writings of Shakespeare. All were popular in Elizabethan England: bay, burnet, calendula, carnation, chamomile, hyssop, johnny-jump-up, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, mustard, myrtle, parsley, pinks, rose, rosemary, savory, strawberry, and thyme.

MEDIEVAL GARDEN

These are among the plants that were protected within the walled monastery gardens during the Middle Ages: angelica, caraway, chives, iris, johnny-jump-ups, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, pinks, rose, rosemary, sage, santolina, and southernwood.

FRAGRANCE GARDEN

A garden designed for fragrances is a delight to all senses, Use angelica, basil, beebalm, catnip, chamomile, scented geraniums, heliotrope, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savory, southernwood, tansy, thyme, valerian, sweet woodruff.

GRAY AND SILVER GARDEN

Gray and silver gardens are an old tradition in English Gardening. Some plants to use are: apple mint, sage, gray lavender cotton, horehound, lamb’s ear, lavender, silver thyme, and yarrow.

SEASONED FLOUR

2 tsp. mixed dried herbs and spices, 2 cups flour, salt and pepper to taste. Use for gravies, breads, sauces, biscuits, and pizza crust.

HERB TEAS

Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 ounce fresh leaves. Steep several minutes. Use angelica, comfrey, borage, catnip, germander, horehound, lemon verbena, marjoram, mints, rosemary, sage, scented geraniums, thyme, or yerba buena.

CHAMOMILE HAIR RINSE

Boil 1/2 ounce dried chamomile flowers in 1 pint water for 20 minutes. Use as final rinse after shampooing.

TRADITIONAL PESTO SAUCE

4 tbs. finely chopped basil, 2 tbs. chopped walnuts, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 3 tbs. Parmesan cheese, 5 tbs. olive oil, 2 tbs. melted butter. Grind basil, nuts and garlic with pestle. Add cheese and grind until puree. Slowly add oil and butter. Blend all together. Gently heat sauce before pouring over pasta.

HERB SALTS

Use less salt and get more flavor by grinding dry herbs with sea salt: fresh herbs can also be used. Bake at 200 degrees F. for 40 - 60 minutes, stirring frequently.

HOREHOUND CANDY

Boil 1/4 cup dried horehound leaves with 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Steep 5 minutes and strain. Place 2 cups sugar in a small, deep sauce pan, stir in 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar. Add horehound and cook to a hard ball stage. Pour on buttered dish.

INSECT REPELLENT BREW

Chop up roots, stems, and leaves of onion, garlic, horseradish, red pepper, mustard, and mints in blender. Add water to make one quart of repellent. Spray on infested plants.