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Name: Sage (Salvia officinalis) Description: *One of the best known culinary herbs *An evergreen plant: leaves can be taken all year long if covered with a frost cloth in the winter *best in zones 4-8 *there are many fun flavors of sage today, including pineapple sage, honey melon sage, and peach sage *a moth repellent:…
Name: *Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Description: *this is a hardy tree that grows 8-10 feet high I need to do more research on Witchhazel at this time. For example, I need to figure out if I should grow this tree in my yard. If it is difficult to gather the important medicinal parts of this tree…
Name: *Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Description: *deciduous perennial *grows up to 5 feet tall *best in zones 7-11 Parts used: *rhizomes/taproot, either fresh or dried Position: *Prefers rich, deep sandy loam *Needs full sun Propagation: *You can plant rhizome segments in the spring *You can also grow the plant by seed, though this is more difficult….
Name: *Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) Description: *Perennial *Height of 3 to 4 feet *Pale pink flowers bloom up the stalk from mid to late summer *highly attractive to butterflies Parts Used: *roots, leaves, flowers, either fresh or dried Position: *well-drained, moist soil, preferably loamy soil *sun to partial sun Propagation: *Use the cold stratification technique…
Name: *Peppermint (Mentha spicata piperita) Description: *Perennial *zones 5-9 are best *strew the leaves in cupboards and beds to deter ants and fleas Parts Used: *Leaves, both fresh and dried Position: *Moist, rich soil *Partial to full sun Propagation: *Easily propagate mint from cuttings or by dividing clumps. *It is best not to propagate by…
Name: *Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Description: *evergreen perennial *best in zones 8-11 *many varieties that vary from bushes to hedges, etc. Parts Used: *Leaves, both fresh and dried *Flowering tops, both fresh and dried Position: *full sunlight *excellent drainage, though tolerant of any type of soil *In colder areas, grow plants in pots outdoors and take…
Name: *Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Calendula is part of this beautiful wildflower seed mix. Description: *an annual plant *looks good in ground or in containers, though not a big fan of hanging baskets Parts Used: *Petals Position: *Full to part sun *fertile, well-drained soil Propagation: *grow from seed *In the fall, you can begin the seeds…
Name: *Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Description: *short-lived perennial *best for zones 4-8 *makes a great garden edging plant *you can easily make cat toys with catnip and some fabric Parts Used: *leaves and flowers Position: *well-drained soil *full sun to light shade Propagation: *grow catnip from seed *it is best started in seed trays, it germinates…
Name: *Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) Description: *culinary herb with a flavor between tarragon and parsley *best added to meals just before serving *annual plant Parts Used: *leaves and stems Position: *good drainage, moist and compost-enriched soil *light shade (full sun burns the leaves) Propagation: *scatter seed over soil, water regularly. *plants are ready for harvesting about…
How to Grow Echinacea Learn how to grow echinacea. Echinacea is not only a pretty cottage flower, it is also a great herbal remedy and wonderful pollinator for bees and butterflies and a favorite of birds and wildlife. It truly deserves a place in everyone’s garden! Echinacea: My Confession and Ramblings Confession: I’ve been…