Lavender is an evergreen perennial scrub but here in our zone 3 growing area we treat it like an annual. It has long aromatic leaves, gray green and downy that grow to the height of 2 feet. The blue-mauve flowers are intensely fragrant and walking in a field of blooming English Lavender should be on everyone’s bucket list, not only will you enjoy the look and smell of lavender but you will see bees gathering their nectar.

Liquorice, a herbaceous perennial has been cultivated for its sweet aromatic root since the Middle ages. Arab physicians used it as a laxative, and for treating stomach ulcers and bladder and kidney complaints. It has also been used as an infusion given for sore throats and to reduce fever.

Before modern medicine, horseradish was invaluable to people for maintaining various aspects of their health. It was used as a digestive, antiseptic, stimulant and to make poultices for rheumatism, chest complaints and circulation problems.

Fresh or dried herbs have been prepared for medicinal purposes for centuries, drawing on the accumulated wisdom and experience of generations of herbalists. Diagnosis and prescription are still best left to a qualified practitioner, although simple remedies can be prepared at home. Homer wrote of healing roots, one of the earliest records of the use of medicinal plants in Europe.

The various species all possess the familiar sulphurous smell, but individually they are valued as vegetables, herbs, medicines and decorative garden bulbs. Unfortunately I am slightly allergic to all forms of onions and garlic but nevertheless I have learned just the amount I can tolerate so I still enjoy them in moderation.

English monarchs had Strewers of Herbs precede them in processions to scatter dried aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme and rue to ward off diseases. The medieval plagues were thought to be caused by foul air. Dried herbs and essential oils were incorporated into pot-pourris, snuff and scented water.

Most recipes of curry powder usually include coriander, tumeric, fenugreek, and cumin in their blends. Depending on the recipe, additional ingredients such as ginger, garlic, fennel seed, cinnamon, clove, mustard seeds, green cardamon, black cardamon, mace, nutmeg, red pepper, long pepper and black pepper may also be added.

Growing up the only pepper available to us, that we could buy in the local grocery store, was ordinary ground black pepper. Thank goodness times have changes and now we have an unlimited choice of peppercorns. The first delicious meal using green peppercorns, I ever experienced was in a restaurant just outside of Zurich, Switzerland.

Growing Herbs Plants that are Healthy
A herb garden lasts forever so do not be hasty in getting started. Remember that many herbs are invasive, mint, tarragon and woodruff are irrepressible colonizers. They spread like weeds, their creeping roots eventually take over large areas of ground and neighboring plants will not restraint them. The picture I’ve [...]

Achieving a riot of brilliant color with herbs is not easy. Most herbs are subtly colored, low-key plants, which helps to explain the healing sense of refreshment and well being one experiences in a herb garden. Vibrant, exciting colors are only found in a few flowers and leaves.