Beautiful words from days gone by… The opening summer, the sky,The shining moorland, to hear,The drowsy bee, as of old,Hum o’er the thyme. — Matthew Arnold, Haworth Churchyard, 1855 I cannot tarry; I knew a wench married in the afternoon as she went to the garden,for parsley to stuff a rabbit; and so [ ...click to read more ]
Many herbs are antibacterial, making them natural disinfectants. This all-purpose, environmentally friendly, non-toxic spray is excellent to have on hand for wiping, cleaning and deodorizing almost every surface [ except marble or wood ]. You may use fresh or dried herbs such as peppermint, thyme, rosemary, [ ...click to read more ]
Fresh turmeric has a pleasant, ginger-like aroma, with a ginger-and-carrot taste. It is loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Turmeric is a tropical plant — it needs warmth to [ ...click to read more ]
If you live in a drought-prone area, or you don’t have the time or resources to water your garden much, consider these beneficial yet drought-resistant herb plants. In addition, you may also want to lay down a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture in the soil (while also providing nutrients to the plants as [ ...click to read more ]
Here are 16 plants to use strategically for a healthier garden this summer. Basil: repels aphids, flies, mosquitoes, and mites; also has fungicidal properties. Plant basil next to tomato plants to repel hornworms. Borage: repels tomato hornworms and flea beetles. Catnip: repels ants, fleas and mosquitoes. Chamomile: [ ...click to read more ]
Today is April 22nd — Earth Day ! Here is their “official” site: http://www.earthday.org/ Container gardening is a great way to grow your own food. Save money by using recycled containers. Check out this video for ideas: — Azul Image courtesy of: [ ...click to read more ]
Most herbs and vegetables prefer sunny, well-drained soil, although some will do well in partial shade. Some herbs and salad greens are considered semi-perennial and will continue growing for a few years. For example: Swiss Chard and French Sorrel will produce for at least three years if trimmed to soil level each [ ...click to read more ]
To the ancients, including the Arabians, sage was associated with immortality, or at least longevity, and it was credited with increasing mental capacity. Sage [ Salvia officinalis ] is a hardy, perennial shrub-like herb with woody stems. The leaves have a “pebbly” texture, with veins that appear puckered. [ ...click to read more ]
Lavender Cotton – Santolina chamaecyparissus – Asteraceae (Compositae) family Although lavender cotton is a member of the daisy family, it is more reminiscent of lavender with its grayish green foliage and strong aromatic scent. It is used in potpourris, insect repellent sachets and dried flower [ ...click to read more ]
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), Anthriscus cerefolium Hoffm. Chervil has been used since ancient Roman times. The flavor is somewhere between tarragon and parsley. Its delicate fern-like leaves have a mild and delicious flavor. It is added raw to salads, or tossed in at the last minute with cooked foods. How to grow: [ ...click to read more ]