Let’s Talk Herbs…
One of the nicest things about gardening has been growing herbs. Not only are they colorful but a delightful fragrant addition to any garden. I have grown them in a space close to my kitchen which makes it so convenient to just run out and clip off what I need for a meal. Also, with the mints, it is nice to place them in a vase and enjoy the fragrance inside. So many of the herbs can freshen the air of a room much better than commercial sprays. Whether in a vase of water, used dried in potpourri, or added to water in a spray bottle, it can brighten any room.
Over the years I have tried many different kinds and was able to enjoy them for many years before having to replace them. Many will survive the extreme temperatures in Kansas USA and come back each Spring as wonderful as ever!
My discussion list will start in alphabetical order but I am not sure it will stay that way!! So let’s start out with Anise Hyssop.
Anise Hyssop is a delightful addition to any herbal garden. It is hardy both in cold and hot climates. Goldfinch love to eat the dried seeds from stalk. I have grown it several years and it never fails to come back beautiful each year.
See how lovely the bloom is on this plant. It attracts a number of insects including butterflies. The entire plant has a licorice smell and taste. Great for cooling in summer. Use leaves or blooms in your ice water for quenching thirst. Adding leaves to your incense burner help ward off mosquitoes and flies.
Borage
Borage with Blooms
Borage is a delightful plant and grows fairly well. It does not like to be too wet or too dry. The little blue turning to pink flowers can be tossed in salads or frozen in ice cubes. The leaves are edible but use gloves for picking, can be cooked like spinach.This is one I have to replace because I finally lost it. I look forward to having my herb garden this year.
Burnet
- Burnet Scanography
This is a pretty plant in herb garden. The leaves resemble Cilantro but have a mild cucumber taste. They can be used in salads. It grows long stems with feathery green leaves. It tends to start blooming early and does best when blooms are kept cut. I used this one many times as a substitute for cucumbers.
Actually it resembles a small fern when grown in garden and sets off the herbs that have colorful blooms.