Mentha Mint is one of those herbs that gardeners either love or hate to grow. Known as a voracious spreader, mint can take over your whole garden if left unattended. Since mint grows so easily, it is a great choice for beginning gardeners. This plant spreads primarily by runners growing under ground. It is often […]
Oregano: A Strong, Warmly Scented Herb
Origanum vulgare Oregano, sometimes called ‘pot marjoram’ has a strong warm flavor popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. It is a perennial herb that can grow to over two feet tall and three feet wide, so give it a bit of room in the herb garden. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region, so does […]
Parsley: A Bright Fresh Flavored Herb
Petroselinum crispum Parsley is a hardy biennial herb usually grown as an annual. There are two main types of parsley: Italian Flat-Leaved and French Curley parsley. Both have culinary uses although the flat leaf parsley has a stronger flavor and is most often used in recipes. Growing Parsley Biennial plants produce only leaves in the […]
Marjoram: An Herb of Sweetness and Grace
Origanum majorana Marjoram is very similar to oregano in appearance. It is preferred by some in cooking since it has a much sweeter taste. The similarities exists because marjoram and oregano are close cousins and are both members of the mint family of herbs. Marjoram is native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. It thrives […]
Dill: A Feathery Fragrant Herb
Anethum graveoliens Dill is an annual aromatic herb with feathery bluish green leaves that resemble delicate branches. It has a slight taste of lemon and caraway and has been used for centuries in both cooking and herbal applications. The leaves of the plant are called dill weed and used in most recipes, bring flavor to […]
Garlic Chives: A Flat Leafed Chive with a Distinct Garlic Flavor
Garlic Chives make a beautiful addition to the flower border. They are also a big hit in the kitchen, adding flavor to vegetables, cheeses and salads. The flavor of garlic chives is a mild garlic instead of the onion of common chives. Garlic chives are a member of the allium family. They are very easy to grow […]
Chives: An Easy Way to add Taste and Texture to Meals
Allium schoenoprasum Chives are hardy, clump-forming perennial herbs. They are the smallest species of the onion family, growing in clusters up from the bulbs. The leaves are hollow and tubular in form, resembling thick grasses and growing up to 20 inches tall. Chives are a sight in the garden when in full bloom as their pinkish […]
Chervil: A French Gourmet’s Parsley
Anthriscus cerefolium (Herb of Joy or Gourmet Parsely) What is Chervil? Chervil is most known for being one of the four herbs included in the French ‘fines herbes’ blend that also includes tarragon, chives and parsley. ‘Fines herbes’ is used fresh to flavor poached fish, shellfish, chicken and omelets. Since the seeds are not often […]
Borage: One of the Prettiest and Versatile Herbs in the Garden
Borago officinalis, aka (star flower) What is Borage? Borage is an easy growing hardy annual herb with striking blue flowers and leaves with a flavor similar to a cucumber. Borage is often grown in vegetable gardens where it attracts pollinating bees and brings color to the garden landscape. Borage is a good companion plant for […]
Basil Varieties: 15 Types Of Basil To Add A Little Spice In Your Herb Garden
One of the most popular of the culinary herbs, basil is widely used in many types of cuisine. It is most famous as the leading ingredient in pesto. Basil is most often grown as an annual preferring the warmer temperatures of summer, doing well at 70 degrees or higher. It is quite tender and will […]