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Herbs in the Garden
Even the smallest garden has room to grow some herbs...Herbs are a must have in the garden. This diverse group of plants can add a touch of magic to your garden with their supernatural associations. And they have many practical uses. There are herbs that will grow in almost any soil and climate condition.A study of history shows that herbs were used in ancient Greece, where they were valued as flavorings and for their fragrance. The Greeks also credited some of these plants with mystical properties. Various herbs were introduced into Britain by the Romans. Along with the reputedly supernatural powers of the plants, both the Britons and the Romans appreciated their culinary and medicinal uses. The superstitious focus on herbs reached a peak in the Middle Ages when every village had its witch, and every witch had her herbs and potions. Herbs were also used to combat the witches' powers - garlic, hyssop and wormwood all combated witchcraft and evil spirits. Way before the giant drug companies took over, the natural, medicinal qualities of herbs were very important. In 1597, John Gerard, the London herbalist and apothecary, published his "Herball", a volume containing 1000 pages with woodcut illustrations of some 3000 plants. A rather smaller collection of some 400 plants was included in Nicholas Culpeper's Complete Herbal first published in around 1640. This volume of herbal knowledge is still available from bookshops today. Some tradeitional medicinal herbs are: Agrimony, American Mandrake, Black Cohosh, Blue Lobelia, Burdock, Butterfly Weed, Catnip, Chickweed, Dandelions, Evening Primrose, Chamomile, Goat's Rue, Goldenseal, Valerian, Japanese Honeysuckle, Lemon Balm, Mugwort, Red Clover, Sassafras, Spearmint, St. John's Wort, Violets, Wild Ginger, Wild Rose, Wood Betony and Yarrow.
Today the main use for herbs, for most of us, is as flavorings in cooking - herbs and spices. Besides some spots in the garden, many cooks grow herbs on sunny kitchen window sills and in containers in the kitchen itself. Nothing like having few plants within arm's reach to spice up your pot of stew... Some traditional cooking herbs are: Basil, Bay Leaf, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Chervil, Tarragon, Parsley, Cilantro, Marjoram, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme and Sage.
Generally herbs thrive on a light and well drained soil. One traditional arrangement is to plant herbs in borders throughout your garden. Although most gardners, today, group them in one place. As with any flowering plant in the garden, planting schemes have been devised ranging from a checkerboard design of alternating stone walking slabs and plants to using an old wagon wheel where herbs peek up in between the spokes. Note that specific herbs have thier own requirements for shade or sunlight. Most herbs are usually easy to grow, ready to spring up in any garden. Even today some herbs are considered to be "weeds." About the author: Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor.
News about Garden Herbs
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