I have lots of herbs in my herb patch. They include the regulars; sage, parsley, coriander, rosemary and thyme plus several more interesting herbs but which arn’t so common.
But what I really want is a small Bay tree. I use bay leaves a lot especially in stews and casseroles. I also want some Bergomot or Bee Balm as it really does attract bees and looks so beautiful. I need some Sweet Cicely because I have a recipe for Wine cup which needs some Sweet Cicely to give it zing! I would like some Myrtle just because it is beautiful. And I’d really like Elderflower growing somewhere in my garden but I can’t see this happening as it isn’t a small plant. Valerian would be useful. It can be made into a tea which acts as a sleeping draught! And last but not least I would like to grow Yarrow which is good for treating colds and fevers.
I would like to have the simple herbal garden of medieval times plus some of the more modern herbs of today which have been introduced from abroad. If one did nothing but make herbal teas the 
I think herbs are great, however I have little experience of using them and would be lost trying to make the teas- Is it purely a case of boiling water an putting the leaves/flowers in??
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of herbs, I hate the smell of most of them - rosemary, sage and so on. But I can completely understand their uses and why so many people have them as not only are they good for us, but also great for wildlife :)
Cammomile is something I aim to get, as well as some bergomot. We do already have rosemary, sage and elder (we also have thymes and some other herbs but they were killed by the snow)
Liz it is just a case of picking leaves or flowers of herbs and pouring water that has just boiled over them. Allow them to steep and then strain into a cup or mug. If wished a teaspoon of Agave Nectar will sweeten the taste as some such as nettle can be a bit sharp. They are really refreshing though and herbs like lemon balm are good for depression! Val
ReplyDeleteThanks Val - that's very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI have cone flower, and assume I can do the same with them?? (well, I see echinacea tea around...)
Hi Val I do grow several herbs in my garden but do not use much in cooking probably from lazyness.
ReplyDeleteBay trees can be grown from cuttings at this time of year so I am sure you can find someone or somewhere to take some cuttings from. I have several some of which are now being shaped into standard trees although the heads need filling out still.
I love herbs for as well as being attractive they are often pleasantly scented and most of all they have practical uses. I am lucky enough to grow quite a number both in the garden and at the allotment. What I would love to be able to do is overwinter lemon verbena. Always loose it and then have to scour all the nurseries and garden centres to find a replacement every year :)
ReplyDeleteI would grow basil. I would grow acres of basil. (But I don't want a snail farm.)
ReplyDeleteFennel is pretty wonderful too.
Bay is best in rabbit stew and thick lentil soup.
Lucy
Funny that you should mention bay tree because we just planted a couple yesterday! My father-in-law has several planted around his property and says they grow like weeds around his place. We went there and he just yanked out a couple of young off shoots and told us to simply put them in the ground with some fertilizer. We have mixed clay so we did work the soil a bit with the addition of potting mix, but at any rate, we'll see how it all turns out.
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely little bay tree which I am training into a standard. I also grow rosemary, lavendar, sage, thyme and oregano. I am rubbish at growing parsley which is a pity as I use loads.
ReplyDelete