In Love With Lavender

July 2, 2012 // 0 Comments

Lavender can be a beautiful addition to any herb garden, not only does it smell wonderful, it also has many uses. Lavandula angustifolia is the proper name for this perennial herb that is noted for its gray foliage and purple flower heads. Most varieties of lavender will grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Lavender plants love [ ...click to read more ]

How To Prepare An Infused Oil

June 28, 2012 // 0 Comments

You will need a clean quart glass jar that is completely dry inside. Place 1/2 cup of dried herb of choice inside the jar and add 2 cups of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Cut out a circle of waxed paper a little larger than the top of the jar. Place the waxed paper over the top of the jar and secure with a [ ...click to read more ]

Growing Basil

June 23, 2012 // 0 Comments

One of the easiest and most popular culinary herbs to grow is the common or sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum. Native to southern Asia and islands of the South Pacific, this tender annual is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves which are used fresh or dried. Basil requires a sunny location which receives at least 6-8 [ ...click to read more ]

Herbal Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

June 15, 2012 // 0 Comments

Giving an herbal gift is a healthy way to celebrate Father’s Day ! Here are some gift ideas, including some you can make yourself: If he likes to cook with fresh herbs, consider herb scissors, with parallel blades for cutting chives and other herbs, to avoid smashing them. Herb keeper – keeps fresh cut [ ...click to read more ]

Growing Mosquito-Repellent Herb Plants

May 27, 2012 // 0 Comments

Lantana – [Lantana camara] an ornamental plant that has a strong oily smell. Lantana emits large amounts of volatile organic compounds from the leaves. Lantana leaves need not be crushed to release its mosquito repelling power. Grow Lantana in areas where you spend time outdoors. Group the plants together on [ ...click to read more ]

How to Make an Herbal Compress

May 22, 2012 // 0 Comments

A compress is basically a cloth or a small towel that has been soaked in an herbal decoction or infusion and then applied to a painful area. Use Comfrey for sports type injuries. St.John’s Wort and Rosemary for painful joints and low back pain. Chamomile is good for cramps and stomach pains. Peppermint is [ ...click to read more ]

Herbs That Boost Your Immune System

May 18, 2012 // 0 Comments

Echinacea- A beautiful perennial herb grown easily from seed. Commercial echinacea is extracted from the roots and sold in health food stores. You can make an immune boosting tea from the flowering tops of the echinacea flower. Tea made from the leaves is a remedy for sore throat and bleeding gums. Native Americans [ ...click to read more ]

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

May 3, 2012 // 0 Comments

Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 13, 2012 Herb plants are at their peak during the month of May. Garden centers are bursting with basil, dill, rosemary and many other plants. Check local farmers markets for really good deals on herb plants and gifts. You can always make your gifts and surprize Mom on her special [ ...click to read more ]

Herbs ~ Garden and Cooking

April 29, 2012 // 0 Comments

Ten Best Herbs for Cooking Basil, dill,rosemary, chives, mint, sage, cilantro, oregano, parsley,thyme. Five Best Herbs to Grow in Containers and Pots Basil ~ Full sun, moist soil Mint ~ Partial shade, moist soil Parsley ~ Full sun, moist soil, high in organic matter Rosemary ~ Partial to full sun, dry to moderately [ ...click to read more ]