X Gardening in the High Country of Colorado

At The Essential Herbal this issue (May/June) we were thrilled to not only get an amazing cornucopia of articles that caused us to add extra pages, but Kristie Nackord of Spirit Horse Herbals sent this article with gorgeous pictures that we wanted to share with you here.

Growing Medicinal Herbs in the High Country

We call it X-Gardening!

Warning… it’s not for the faint of heart.

Sure, doing back flips on a snow board, jumping out of airplanes, or screeching around on a skateboard up and down half pipes can be thrilling indeed! But for me, nothing compares to the Extreme Gardening experience of growing herbs at 8300 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! With a cool growing season of 90-days or less, coupled with mid-summer hail storms, unexpected freezes, and gale force wind, nothing keeps me on my ‘growing toe’s more than Mother Nature herself.

The good news is you can live in the majestic mountains and still successfully grow herbs. In fact, there are many inexpensive and sustainable techniques you can utilize to extend your season and protect your plants to produce a bounty of highly potent and nutritious herbs each year.

Site Selection: Proper site selection applies to whether you live at sea level or in the mountains of Colorado.
Place your shade loving plants in the shade and place those sun worshipers, well, in the sun! For those plants that like to take over the world, place them in their own designated area where they can’t encroach on other plants, or put them in containers. Here in the high country there are very few plants I have to do that with but there are some like stinging nettles and any members of the mint family including lemon balm that I am mindful with.

Plant Selection: Bottom line is that I grow fast growing herbs that like it cool, high and dry. I’ve got a 90-day window to grow within, so when I am choosing plants or seeds I am always careful to select varieties that fall within these requirements and that are hardy to zone 3. Most importantly, find a local seed lending library or purchase your plants and seeds from companies that offer varieties that are already adapted for the high country. For example, I grow a variety of basil sold by Seeds Trust called Italian Mountain Basil. It is a fast growing variety that comes from the mountains of northern Italy that is more tolerant of cold climates. Some of my other all time favorites that thrive in the high country include: Calendula, Cilantro, Thyme, Motherwort, Mugwort, Self Heal, Arnica, Borage, Nasturtium, Bee Balm, Stinging Nettles, Chamomile, Dandelion, Mullein, Red Clover, Alfalfa, and Comfrey. Sadly, this does not include tropical loving or temperate loving herbs such as lavender, rosemary, lemon grass or passion flower. You can grow these beauties as annuals or if you have cover such as a greenhouse.

Grow bio-intensively: This is THE key for growing herbs successfully in the mountains. Originally developed by Alan Chadwick in the 70’s and now evolved by John Jeavons, growing bio-intensively has many benefits. By double digging your beds two feet deep and spacing your plants equidistantly, you are able to pack in 2 to 3 times more plants in half the space of traditional row gardening. For numerous different reasons this method of sustainable growing offers heat and water retention and weed suppression. For more information on Growing Bio-intensively please visit John Jeavons website www.growbiointensive.org

Compost and Mulch: It’s free! And it works. In addition to compost, I use what is available to me and that also includes aged horse manure turned into my beds. For mulch on my beds or in the aisle ways of my garden, I use spoiled hay or straw and I pack it on thick. Leave room around the crown of your plant and you will be pleasantly surprised how much water retention and weed suppression this little bit of effort affords.

Cover: There are many different types of cover you can use. One of my favorites is the ‘American Bell Jar”. Also known as a plastic jug with the bottom cut off! If you have a small, tender herb that is struggling or newly transplanted, place a plastic jug over it with the lid off. Once your plant is healthy and strong attempting to burst out of the jug, remove it! Hoop houses, cold frames, and greenhouses are other forms of cover and they not only protect your plants from hail, wind, and freezes, but they also extend your season. They also allow you to grow some of your tender or heat loving herbs.

And the most important elements you can bring to your garden whether you live in the mountains, desert, or near the ocean, is love, joy, and gratitude for the miracle of creation.

Good growing to you~

Originally from northern California, Kristie is entering her fifth season growing in the high country in Westcliffe, Colorado. Kristie is the herbalicious herb girl behind Spirit Horse Herbals, a boutique producer of medicinal herbal products. www.spirithorseherbals.com

If you have enjoyed this article, The Essential Herbal is available by subscription. The print magazine will come to your door every 2 months, filled with great herbal information.

A English Breakfast for the Prince and Princess!

Well, unlike a lot of America this morning I was asleep for the live wedding.  I did get up in time for a replay and that is all that I wanted just the highlights!  Had to have an English muffin with some pineapple sage jelly and rose petal tea in my Portmeirion Botanic Garden mug.  The egg is not quite like the English eggs, but Egg Beaters with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese cut up in it in the microwave for a 1 minute 45 seconds.  Perfect.  So I wish their Highnesses all the best.  Hope you are having a good day.  May we keep all of the people in the south in our thoughts and prayers.

Lots of Good Basic Herb Gardening Information!

The photo is just decoration for this post.  I wanted you to see my angelica hedge!  We actually transplanted some of it out of my herb garden!  It's going to be massive again.

I had a little herbal meltdown the other day and I've come into the herbal light and it's all good.  Sometimes we all need a little jolt and I got one.  I know some of you would like another blog on other herbal topics.  I have decided not to go there for the moment.  Do blogs ever run out of space?  Maybe.  Well, we will cross that herbal bridge when we come to it.

I'm going to lean on the great articles and wisdom of my favorite herb magazine, The Herb Companion!  If you are interested in starting an herb garden, Jim Long wrote a great article on a five-year plan for an herbal kitchen garden.  Even though it is talking about herbs and veggies (which is a great combo), the foundation of planning a garden is there.  I think the most important part of any garden, herbal or not is the location.  Herbs like at least six hours of sun a day.  More is better.  East and west are good especially in the southern and western parts of the United States.  I wrote about the Tucson Botanical Garden when we visited in 2008 and tips for growing herbs in the west.  North is the worst exposure and if you only have a northern location, you need to be growing another species of plants!  There is an article called  An Herb for Every Spot on The Herb Companion website as well and Herbs in the Southern Garden is another article that may give you helpful hints and tips on herbs if you live in the southern portion of the United States.

Also soil is very important.  It is a living and breathing foundation of your garden.  We have clay soil here in southwestern Pennsylvania.  If you are starting a whole new garden or just a new bed with herbs, I would be doing a soil test through your local county extension office.  I think just about every county in the United States has extension offices and possibly a master gardener.  Take advantage of this resource because they live in your specific area and deal with your problems day in and out.  Not every county has a master gardener program, but they should have a staff that can steer you in the right direction.  They have great publications that are written by the sponsoring extension university.  For example, our extension university is Penn State University, New York is Cornell University, Ohio is The Ohio State University, New Jersey is Rutgers University, etc

At the very least you want to be adding compost or some other kind of organic matter to loosen the clay in your soil.  Herbs require very well drained soil.  With all of the rain we are having, the Herbal Husband said to me the other day that we had a small pond in the back of my herb garden!  My herb garden isn't very big to have a small pond in the back.  So anything we plant there we will have to amend the soil with maybe some chicken grit to make it drain better.  Sometimes when you add sand to clay, you get concrete!

I would also be aware of the trees and shrubs that surround your garden space.  If they are small now, they will mature when you least want them to and possibly block out your sunlight for your herbs.  They also take nutrients away from your herbs.  Not that shade isn't a good thing especially in the south, you need morning sun and afternoon shade in that case.  See articles linked above for more information.

Here is an additional post from a follow blogger, Rhonda Fleming Hayes, about The Garden Buzz: Growing Strategies for Beginning Herb Gardeners talking about propagation for various herbs.  I found a great article on Container Gardening Essentials that will give you great basic information on growing herbs in containers.

Finally, wildlife can be an issue in all of our gardens.  The good news is that deer who love to browse trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials aren't particularly interested in herbs.  I think the smell is a big detractor.  Well, I hope this has helped you with your herb issues.  Please leave me comments or e-mail me with your other herbal concerns.  Talk to you later.

Was A Beautiful Day to Get Outside!

We have all these quirky little paths that are a bear to mow and are full of weeds each spring.  I do take delight in pulling the wild cress (we do eat that in our salads) and creeping Charlie (ground ivy) each season.  Creeping Charlie is a real problem for homeowners who enjoy their lawns.  I have already gotten two bug bites!  I have been out even between rain showers this year.  We have had a lot of rain.  I think we are at 7 inches over for the season already!

The bronze fennel is coming back, a magnet for swallowtails and the ever present lemon balm.  In some cases, I do use lemon balm as a filler like a seat filler at the Oscars!  Way off base there!  Sorry about that!

The lovage is looking good and has doubled in size since my last report.  Love, love the spring herbs in the garden.

I don't have a lemon verbena coming back in the garden.:(  I do have a curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) and it is definitely a tender perennial for us.  Just need to remember to cover it on colder nights and we will probably have some in May!  Well, I hope you have had a good day wherever you may be.  Tomorrow is Miss C's 14th birthday!  She is growing up way too fast.  I've got a special surprise for her.  I'll share it after I give it to her and it may be later in the week after her birthday.  I'll at least call and sing her a happy birthday.  Talk to you later.

Got a Request and Have Gotten It Before, Herbally Speaking!

I got a request from a new follower and others in the past to write a blog devoted to planting a new herb garden.  Also talking about growing herbs in containers as a foil against deer.  The good news, Linda, is that deer mostly don't eat herbs. The one herb that they do eat are roses because they know they are an edible flower!

Maybe I should be doing a blog called Lemon Verbena Lady's Herb Gardening 101.  I just did a 2 hour and 15 minute talk on it and it could translate into a blog I suppose.  Well, I have thought about doing a book/booklet.  I'm trying to concentrate on this blog, my blog on The Herb Companion magazine and I'm supposed to be blogging for The Herbal Bouquet.  Not doing that very well!  Linda who just asked is from Georgia and Becca who is a follower from Alabama has asked for me to write about the herbs in my garden and how I use them.  My blogging friend, Taylorsoutback, from Wisconsin, would like to hear me speak.  So would Tufa Girl in Texas.  She is always trying to motivate me to do a booklet/book, a podcast, something, anything on herbs.  So Linda, you aren't the only one who is trying to get me to write, speak something about starting an herb gardening.  I'm going to think about it.  If you have a suggestion, please let me know in an e-mail or a comment.

P.S. There is a new post on The Herb Companion Website.  Just click the photo to get to the new post.

Heaven Scent Sachets

Heaven Scent Sachets
By Diane Runge (published in the Jan/Feb 11 issue of The Essential Herbal)

Creating a sachet is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to transform dried herbs and flowers into beautiful, aromatic sweet bags of fragrance. Originally used to dispel odors and protect wool clothing from moths, sachets have blossomed into a year-round industry. Tucked into bath and body baskets, tied to a gift box or simply made for yourself, sachets capture the spirit of a long-ago era of elegance.

Making sachets can be done any time of the year as long as you have ample amounts of dried plant material, but it is most rewarding during the dark, cold winter months when the joy of a summer garden is but a distant memory.

After the bustle of the holiday season has ended, sachet- making will sooth your mind and comfort your body as you sift through bowls of dried lavender, rose petals and gardenia flowers.

Growing herbs and flowers for sachets can become a fascinating gardening experience as you discover new and unusual scented plants. Before the first spring daffodil appears, take the time to search seed catalogs for the varieties of herbs you wish to grow. Gardening organically is the perfect way to obtain the heady aroma and intense color of herbs, ensuring a long-lasting perfumed sachet.

If you have a green thumb but your growing space is limited, one or two large patio pots planted with rosemary, lemon thymes, fragrant oreganos and a hanging basket of mint will yield sufficient plant material to make several sachets. Wine barrels and window boxes are also good choices for small- space gardening as long as you place the containers in a sunny location. Contrary to popular belief, herbs do enjoy a little lunch now and then and an application of organic fertilizer to the garden patch or flower pot will get the herbs off to a good, healthy sta

Making sachets can become a lucrative ‘’cottage industry’’ by selling your creations at farmer’s markets or craft fairs in your area. Experiment with different blends before venturing into the business world with your new product. Floral blends, citrus or woodsy mixes and specialty moth repellent sachets are fast-selling items as the demand for hand-made, natural products increases.

Explore the wonderful world of sachet- making and expand your horizons into a delightful herbal adventure.

Lemon Sachet

Cut a piece of lace, cotton fabric or muslin into an 8’’ circle

Mix together in a large bowl the following dried ingredients

1 cup of dried lemon mint

½ cup of dried lemon verbena or lemon thyme

1 teaspoon crushed cloves

2 drops of lemon oil

2 cups of dried rose petals

2 teaspoons of orris root powder

½ cup dried lemon peel

Blend ingredients and place ¾ cup of plant material in the center of the fabric circle. Tie with a ribbon. Sachets can be hung in closets, cars to dispel cigarette smoke or anywhere you wish to have a touch of fragrance.

Orris root powder and lemon oil may be purchased at craft or natural food stores.

Resources

http://www.morningsunherbfarm.com/ssp/home

http://www.reneesgarden.com/

http://www.richters.com/

Wondering about Willow?

Salix nigra

Willow has been pigeon holed as "that headache herb" but it actually has a wide range of uses, both medicinally as well as utilitarian uses. Willow grows prolifically in the northern hemisphere, making it a wonderful plant for herbalists to get to know intimately. 

Botanical name: Salix spp. (Salix alba and Salix nigra are often used)

Plant Family: Salicaceae

Plant energetics: Cool, dry and bitter

Parts used: Mainly bark, although some also use leaves, and roots

Plant properties: febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, digestive, diuretic, astringent, vermifuge 

Historical Usage

Willow has been used for thousands of years by people all over the world. The Chinese use various species, it has had widespread use all over Europe and there are many historical ethnobotanical uses of it in North America, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Inuit and other tribes in the southwest. It wouldn’t surprise me if willow was used in some manner by most peoples who had access to it. 

Aspirin

In modern days willow is often referred to as the aspirin plant because it contains salicylic acid. This over-the-counter drug is an extract of salicylic acid combined with acetyl chloride and was patented by Bayer in 1900. It has been the number one selling western pharmaceutical for decades. 

The name aspirin came from the following: 

A - from acetyl chloride

spir - from Spiraea ulmaria (the plant from which they derived salicylic acid)

in - a popular ending for medicines at the time 

Herbalist Paul Bergner shares this about the relationship between willow and aspirin. 

Willow Bark (Salix spp.) This is the medicinal plant genus after which the salicylates were named. It is the classic anti-inflammatory herb. Its chief active ingredients are the glycosides salicin and salicortin. These are converted to salicylic acid in stages in the intestine and liver. It is ironic that in attempting to improve on this plant, pharmacologists eliminated one of its chief virtues—that it produces salicylic acid in the body safely past the digestive tract, where the acid itself can cause ulceration. Willow bark is slower acting than aspirin, sometimes taking several days before the conversion to salicylic acid is sufficient to relieve pain. The salicylic acid is excreted in the urine, making this an herb of choice for urinary tract inflammations.

Modern and Historical Applications

Willow can be used in similar ways to aspirin, although it tends to be more specific and less of a broad spectrum analgesic. A good example of this is seen in using willow for headaches. Herbalist 7Song reports the ways he uses willow bark. 

I find it useful when the headache pain is not too intense and it’s hard to pinpoint its source. It is also good for people who rarely get headaches (lucky them).

Willow is cool and dry and as a febrifuge or antipyretic it can be used as a relaxing diaphoretic when someone has a high fever and feels hot. 

Historically it was used in serious infections like malaria and typhoid. It was considered specific for intermittent fevers or fevers that come and go. It is also frequently used for constant diarrhea like dysentery. 

Willow bark is a strong anti-inflammatory herb. It can be added to formulas for people with musculoskeletal pain such as various types of arthritis and even gout.  

7Song recommends this herb mainly as an anti-inflammatory. He uses it frequently to increase comfort during a cold or flu. As an astringent herb with some antimicrobial properties the decoction of the bark makes a good gargle for sore throats. 

Keeping in mind its cooling, astringent and antimicrobial properties you can soon see a variety of ways it can be used. Examples include mouth infections with spongy gums, or as a poultice for wounds.  King’s American Dispensary discusses its use specifically for gangrene infections. 

Willow bark has also been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion as well as a vermifuge to rid the body of parasitic worms. 

Instead of thinking of this as the aspirin plant, I think of this plant as one that drains damp heat and can tighten and tone lax tissues. With this in mind we use it for hot moist conditions with lax tissues such as those discussed above. 

Most willows can be used in the same way. However, there is a lot of Physiomedicalist literature discussing the use of catkins specifically from the black willow (Salix nigra) as an anaphrodisiac. 

“...drank freely it proves a powerful anaphrodisiac, suppressing venereal desires for a long time, and is highly recommended in the treatment of spermatorrhoea.”
King's American Dispensatory

Utilitarian uses

Willow trees were used extensively for a variety of everyday uses. The wood has been used to make everything from drying racks to snow shoes to chairs to sweat lodge poles. Willow wood is pliant in the spring, making a wood that bends well. 

Here is a willow basket that a friend made for me (filled with mullein leaves and root). 

The bark of the willows make a great quick cordage. I’ve used it to lash things together in a pinch. In the past it was shredded and then woven into clothing. 

Botanically speaking

Willow trees grow in most northern latitudes and especially love riparian areas. There are about 400 different species in the Salix genus and they easily cross pollinate. With a basic understanding of botany you can easily recognize a willow tree, but knowing exactly which species can be a little tricky. 

The trees themselves vary greatly in appearance, ranging from small spindly trees to large towering trees.

For medicinal purposes the white willow (Salix alba) and black willow (Salix nigra) are often used. Most willows are interchangeable, but have varying degrees of potency. This means that the necessary dosage might change significantly from tree to tree. 

The King’s American Dispensary says the following... 

There are numerous species of Salix, many of which, undoubtedly, possess analogous medicinal virtues. The best rule to follow is to select those whose barks possess great bitterness, combined with astringency. Among those which have been used are the S. alba, S. caprea, S. russelliana, S. purpurea, S. nigra, and S. pentandra. The Weeping willow, or Babylonian willow (Salix babylonica) is cultivated as an ornamental tree.

Willow leaves are often elongated and serrated, but can be oval as well. Most willows are deciduous and lose their leaves each fall. 

Salix alba leaves

Willows are dioecious plants, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. They can be distinguished by the different flowers or catkins. 

Salix cinerea male catkins

Willows have the distinguishing feature of having one bud scale. A bud scale is a modified leaf that protects the bud. 

Salix discolor

Willow harvesting and preparation

Willow bark is gathered mostly in the spring and fall. The bark is best harvested from properly pruned branches. I like to gather the bark from the smooth willow branches. 

The bark can then be dried for later use as a decoction or tincture, or used fresh in a tincture. 

Dosages for willows vary depending on the person and the type of willow being used. It’s always a good idea to start low and slowly work up until the desired effects are achieved. 

While willow is generally safe for most people it should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding and it is theorized that those who are taking blood thinning medication, beta blockers, diuretics, NSAIDs and dilantin should avoid taking willow bark. If a person is allergic to aspirin they may also have reactions to willow. 


This monograph was originally published on HerbMentor.com in March 2011. 

A Little Too Big To Be A Name Tag And Other Stories You Missed!

My computer monitor kept getting darker and darker.  So I got some photos transferred over the weekend!  Yippee! This was the night in late March where I received the Master Gardener Emeritus award.  Yes, I know I'm too young to retire, but the list has to start somewhere, doesn't it?  Yes, I thought I would get a nice little name tag or something.   The or something was this beautiful Wilton Armetale platter!  What a surprise!  I will really treasure it always.  Can't lose that, can you?

Then around the same time, Carl's Tree Service came by with their magic machines and got rid of a lot of our overgrown (the ivy on the roof) plants.  We have a really clean slate now!

I need to run and do some errands.  Hope you are having a good day wherever you may be.  It is going to be warm and mostly sunny in the 'Burgh!

The birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees...

This time of year in the natural world is downright sexy, isn't it?
The birds have been bonkers for a few weeks now, doing their mating dances, building nests, and hooking up on any branch or ledge that presents itself, even apparently mid-air on occasion. The fish congregate in wild group dances, thrashing and .... well, I'm sure they're just greeting their old friends after a long cold winter (uh huh). The bunnies are playing spirited games of "catch me" in the back yard, and lusty individuals of many species bellow and call, roam and search to relieve this craziness we gently call Spring Fever. Each morning I throw open the windows to the world's greatest singles' bar. The racket goes on all night long.
The plant world is having a party too. The amazing things plants do to lure in pollinators is enough to make a girl blush! It isn't so different than what the animals do, displaying colors and shapes that will draw the missing piece to their reproductive puzzle running (or flying) to them.
So in the Spring, I feel a little voyeuristic watching things unfold while at the same time loving the intriguing language of the plants.
I once wore a silk dress the exact shade of this wild mustard to an outdoor wedding. Within moments of arriving, it became clear that bugs of all sizes and shapes had designs on me, and nothing I did was going to deter them. Word to the wise - avoid this color for outdoor parties. Bonus points for silken finishes on the fabric.
Some people think I have "a dirty mind" but that really isn't altogether true. At least in my opinion. I think, "geez, people, look around!" Happy Spring, everyone!

Happy Easter and A Computer Break Again!

Here is my very front garden by the mailbox.  I'm going to take a very short Easter break and to do some more computer work to download programs and keep getting used to the keyboard.  I think I solved one problem by cancelling the touch pad feature because I have a wireless mouse!  The things you have to learn.  I was resting my wrists and palms on the lower part of the computer around the touch pad and I think I was causing it Touch Pad to activate!

So Happy, Happy Easter to you all.  Going to see The Conspirator today and favorite Red Robin for dinner.  Talk to you next week.

Herbs of the Zodiac - ARIES

From The Essential Herbal Mar/Apr '10

The beginning of a series from Susanna Reppert Brill of The Rosemary House

The Herbs of the Zodiac are those botanicals that are planted or grow or are harvested during a certain sign of the Zodiac and are considered essential to the well being of those born under that particular sign. Practiced in Europe 300 years ago, Astrological Herbology provided remedies for most ailments. Physicians of that period were expected to be proficient in the study of medicine and botany and astrology. Today centuries of accumulated knowledge makes it difficult to keep up with even one of these three subjects.

Nicolas Culpepper (1616-1654) was the most famous of the Astrologer-Physician of that era. His “Complete Herbal” is still being reprinted and is recommended reading for those interested in further study of Herbal Astrology.

This is the first in a series of twelve articles on Herbs of the Zodiac. We will take a look at twelve herbs for each sign starting with the first sign in the Zodiac year. The Vernal Equinox heralds the advent of Spring. Many of us prefer to start our year with the “natural year” beginning with the greening and growing world.

Born between March 21 and April 19, Ariens are children of energy, heat and activation. They are best as pioneers and try new things enthusiastically. A Fire Sign, ruled by the Planet Mars. Ariens enjoy easily prepared foods, but also well-flavored and elegantly presented foods. They find closest friends among Aquarians.

Twelve of the Herbs for Aries:

Nettles , Urtica dioica, very nutritive used in soup or on the skin
Burnet, Poterium sanguisorba, cucumber flavor without the peptic effect, grow in your garden and harvest year round
Rosemary, Rosemarinus officianalis, That’s for remembrances as well as to season chicken and to stimulate circulation in an invigorating bath
Cayenne: Capsicum Annuum , A seasoning that aids circulation, cayenne pepper also deters insects
Broom: Sorghum vulgare, Sweeps clean. Garlic: Allium sativum, The healthiest of all herbs, garlic helped to build the pyramids; a herb “food for man or beast”
Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica Signifies love and domestic happiness, sweet to man and bees
Mustard: Brassica alba, Ancient symbol of faith, mustard conquers all; an aid to digestion and pretty in the fields
Hawthorne: Crataegus oxycantha, there is no plant more useful; use the flowers or fruits to make tea, jelly or bouquets
Horseradish: Cochlearia armoracia, Few remedies can compare to this horse of a radish; delicious on roast beef, indispensable for cocktail sauce
Tobacco: Nicotiana affinis, Starry white flowers with a heavenly fragrance, found growing here by Columbus, a marvelous insecticide, for it’s a killer
Blessed Thistle: Silybum marianum, the root expels melancholy.

Zesty Aries Mustard

1 pt salad dressing style mustard
¼ C prepared horseradish
1 T garlic powder
2 t cayenne

Mix together and store in the refridgerator overnight until the flavors marry. Serve with small cubes of mild cheese or use any way you would use mustard. Great on Roast Beef.

Article submitted by Susanna Reppert Brill, The Rosemary House, Mechanicsburg, PA. This Herbs of The Zodiac series was originally written by Bertha Reppert (1919-1999) in 1984.

The book, written by Bertha Reppert is available (and VERY reasonable) here: http://www.therosemaryhouse.com/category/Books-By-Bertha-Reppert-5

St. Fiacre's Garden

We sometimes call St. Fiacre, St. Fiasco in our garden.  He has gotten moved around and repositioned.  It is a wonder he has survived.  I wrote about him reappearing in the garden after the February 2010 two foot snow in a post called He's Baaack!  The purple flower is a lovely little primula my master gardening friend, Lyn gave us!  Look Lyn, it's still blooming.  I also forgot to mention a pincushion flower has returned!  I know some of you are thinking she should be able to grow pincushion flowers.  No, I killed them every single year I planted them.  Now I have found a place to grow them!  Yippee!  I'm going to make this post short today.  Hope you had a great day wherever you may be.  Talk to you later.

The Herb Channeler on The Herb Companion Magazine Blog Page!

I have exciting news.  The wonderful staff at The Herb Companion magazine have given me my own space to blog about herbs called The Herb Channeler.  Now I hope you will give me comments and/or questions and inspire me with herbal topics as you always have done.  It is a journey that we will take together and hopefully, we will both learn something from my herbal experiences.  Thank you all for reading this blog and hopefully for reading my new blog on The Herb Companion site.  My guest blogs from the past two years will always be there as well.  It has been warm and windy in the herb garden.  Should be outside, but was too excited with my news.  Couldn't wait to tell you.  Hope you have had a great day wherever you may be.  Talk to you later.

One of the Early Risers in the Herb Garden! (Updated for Carla's and Cindy's Questions)

This was my lovage plant last week.  It is twice as big now.  I did a post about lovage and carrot soup in 2008.  I want to embellish that post and talk about lovage the plant.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial that for those of us in the northern tier of the United States likes full sun or part sun (morning sun in the south).  It is also called love parsley and sea parsley.  I would call it celery on steroids.  My book that I have called Herbs for Texas (Yes, a gift from The Herbal Husband when he went to Houston to visit his relatives.  Some times I forget what great herb books I have!) says that lovage is a tender perennial.  I find that hard to believe because it is very hardy for us.  It is a native to southern Europe.  It looks like a giant celery plant.  It does have problems with leaf miners and hot weather will burn the foliage (from the Texas book).  Maybe that weakens the plant and it doesn't always survive in the south.  I just cut the browned and leaf minered leaves off and it grows new ones.  It gets 4 to 6 feet in our garden so you want to put it in the back of a border.  We have it in several places, but it is NOT as weedy at the garlic chives!

You can collect the seeds and use them in bread or cookies.  All parts of the plant are edible.  Stems are hollow and can be used as straws for bloody Marys.  It is very easily air dried and stored in containers.  Can also be frozen as well.  Lovage should be avoided by pregnant women and by those with kidney problems (from the Herbs for Texas book).  I will try to remember to put a photo from last year's garden.  I would be glad to answer your questions about lovage or any other herb you may have.

Carla, my blogging friend from California who blogs at Thyme in a Bottle asked this question about lovage: Is it better to buy a plant or buy seeds?  I don't have a whole lot of space to start seeds inside, but since this is an early spring herb, I'm guessing you could direct sow these in the ground now because they take 90 days to maturity not too much of a problem for you who garden in California.  I like to direct seed basil, dill and nasturtiums and I don't mind extra seeds of those herbs.  I just don't need 100 plants of lovage.  I think you are near Summers Past Farm, Carla.  I would call and see if they sell lovage plants.  One or two plants at most should be enough for you.  If you want seeds, Nichols Garden Nursery  in Oregon and Johnny's Selected Seeds in Maine (although they were backordered until April 21st) sell lovage seeds.  Hope this information is helpful to you and all of my readers.

Cindy, my blogging friend from Texas who blogs at FW Dirt asked whether it tastes like celery.  It is stronger than celery, but not in a bad way, Cindy.  I would say there is a deeper depth of flavor to lovage.  I would use less in a recipe that calls for celery and add until the flavor is to your liking.  Add half of the amount you are using at the start and about 15 to 20 minutes before the end of cooking time, add the rest.  Because until like bay leaves and herbs like rosemary or thyme, some of the flavor of the more delicate herbs are cooked away if you put all of the herbs in at the beginning of the cooking time.  If you are used dried lovage, you would add less than fresh about three times to one, fresh to dried.

Heard about the car and, of course, what I thought might be wrong wasn't and it wasn't as much money!  So I worry for almost nothing!  Talk to you later.

Maybe Surrender, But Staying Ahead Is Better!

I have limited photos on my new computer and so many stories to share.  One of my limited photos relates to Sharon Lovejoy who spoke of surrender this morning.  I do have some of the same surrender issues as Sharon.  I don't have photos to prove it, but I do have the same issues.  I think my theme will be staying ahead, herbally speaking.

The Herbal Husband said he was going to fertilize the roses!  It struck terror in my herbal heart.  I have this unknown rose that is supposed to be an Alfred de Dalmas at the back corner of my herb garden  It also has garlic chives tangled at its base!  Yikes, I thought once it is fertilized maybe a new cultivar, GIANT garlic chives!  It is not a good thing as Martha would say!  So here is an empty space, Sharon, but I think it is better than GIANT garlic chives!  I am going to try to stay ahead if possible.   When they start to coming back under this plant, I will try to be there to get them out.  The Herbal Husband is planting them in other parts of the garden!  They will be everywhere whether I want them or not.  I also found a dwarf chive plant.

I want to do a more detailed post on chives.  Here is a dwarf one that would be excellent in a container on a southern facing windowsill for winter consumption.  A little late for this year, but we are still having temperatures in the 30's!  Some are still having snow!  Yikes!  Still trying to get used to my keyboard.  I'm hitting all kinds of keys other than the ones I want.  Hope you are having a great day wherever you may be.  Pray for me.  I take my car in for service tomorrow!  Talk to you later.

A Little Herbal Rice!

I can't believe in all of the years I have been blogging that I haven't shared this recipe with you!  I have been making this for a long time.  The cookbook is from 1981.  So I have been making it for 30 years!  Wow!  Just last night I had a light bulb moment, herbally speaking.  I used herb butter in this recipe.  Duh!  It was delicious!  Well, what' not to like with butter and herbs make it even better.  It looks like a lot of rice for two people and it is but, the Herbal Husband's middle name besides CoolWhip is rice!  Usually The Herbal Husband is the rice cooker of this household, but I'm the only one who makes this particular rice recipe.

Risotto Alla Zanetti
"Light and fluffy rice"

1 med. onion, minced
1/2 stick butter (herb butter recipe here)
1 4-oz. can mushrooms, drained (I use fresh)
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups liquid, 1 2/3 cups water or stock (I always use stock) and 1/3 cup white wine
salt, to taste (I never use salt.)
2 tsp. Spice Islands chicken stock, optional (I never use this.)

Saute the onion in butter.  When lightly browned, add the mushrooms and saute a few minutes longer.  Add rice, liquid, salt and chicken stock.  Put mixture in a casserole, cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Preparation:  15 min.               Easy             Serves:  4
Cooking:       45 to 50 min.     Can do ahead
Recipe of Mrs. Donald Brewster

I double this recipe because one recipe goes in one sitting for The Herbal Husband!  So everything doubles, including the butter!  Delicious!  Hope you enjoy it.  It is good even if you don't use herb butter.  It always turns out beautifully!  This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Three Rivers Cookbook II  from 1981 which benefited child-oriented agencies through the Child Health Association of Sewickley, Inc.  It's movie day once again.  We are seeing Of Gods and Men.  A French film.  I'll be reading furiously!  Windy and raw day here.  Hope your day is going well.  Talk to you later.

May/June 2011 The Essential Herbal Magazine

The newest issue is on the way to readers, so here's the teaser. It's got extra pages again, but I think this will be the last one for a while. The contents are amazing. We've got several fascinating crafts with full instructions. There are articles on the medicinal properties of a few different herbs, each with ways to prepare them for use as external applications as well as internally as medicines or as foods. There are great summer meal recipes, and there are articles on the experience of growing herbs in different ways. There is humor.
When it comes to a balance of information, this is probably one of my favorite issues in over 9 years. It is truly spectacular. Check it out!TABLE OF CONTENTS
Field Notes from the Editor
If you get the chance, teach.
Green Elder Ointment, Marci Tsohonis
We've often had recipes for the berries or blossoms of the elder, but this salve uses the leaves!
Butterbur: Little known Versatile Herb, Joe Smulevitz
A plant for migraine, allergies, and asthma with studies to back it up.
Composting Boot Camp, Marci Tsohonis
Marci and her husband gradually bring the neighbor into the composting camp.
Herb Notes, Rita Richardson
A page filled with tips, tricks, and treats using herbs all around the home.
Hemp Agrimony vs. Gravel Root, Cathy Walker
These cousins are sometimes difficult to tell apart, but we have our ways....
SouthRidge Treasures, Heartsease - Johnny Jump Up, Mary Ellen Wilcox
A sweet farmyard wildflower that is often overlooked, but useful in so many applications.
Growing Medicinal Herbs in the High Country, Kristie Nackord
I may have to put this article up on the blog soon because the pictures are so beautiful.
The Historic Herbal, Paints from Plants, Kathleen Setzer
An inspiring article that gets the creative juices running, using pigments from the garden!
The Herbal Adventures of the Twisted Sisters, Part 2, Ym-health & Maryanne Schwartz
Opening our shop at the renaissance faire, what we learned immediately, and what we learned the next winter.
Cool Summer Salads, Susan Evans
3 great salads for summer, featuring ingredients like orzo, grilled veggies, kale, berries, bacon, and cabbage.
Spring Renewal-Drawer Sachets, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh
Change the scent when you clean the rooms with these sachets.
Third Trimester: The Last Haul!, Betsy May
Exercises, massage oil, and flower essences for 3rd trimester (but can be used by anyone, anytime).
Nettle - More Than a Cup of Tea, Mary Lou Kersey
This nutritious and delicious herb is a favorite of many, and here are reasons and methods to use even more.
The Soap Pot, Introduction to Milk Soap, Alicia Grosso
Milk soap is challenging, but our soap expert Alicia walks us through it.
Herbs, Meet Life… Life, Meet Herbs, Michele Brown
Hectic spring life on an herb farm.
An Introduction to Muscle Testing, Part 2, Karen Mallinger
The completion of an explanation of self muscle testing.
Herbs of the Zodiac: Cancer, Susanna Reppert Brill/Bertha Reppert
The herbs of Cancer are many in the lush early summer! A lovely potpourri recipe is included.
Go a Little Crazy with Oxeye Daisy- The Obvious Flower, Dianne Kidman
Next time you're in a field of daisies, you might want to gather some to take home.
Tea Dyed Silk Scarves, Jackie Johnson
I can see how this intro to plant dyeing will start a bunch of TEH readers on the road to a new obsession.
Louisiana Lagniappe, Shrimp Creole with Lemon Herbs, Sarah Liberta
Do you think lemon when you hear "Shrimp Creole"? Well, you will now!
In Praise of the Humble Dandelion, Melissa Nicole Sidelinger
How many ways can dandelions be used as food and medicine? It might be endless.
You Might Be an Herbie..., List
Our friend Marnie Plunkett asked the list to finish this sentence, and it ended up turning into a hilarious article.
Fresh Fruit Face Mask, Cindy Jones
It's summer. Wear some fruit!