The Herb Garden

“I will show you a love potion without drug or herb, or any witch's spell; if you wish to be loved, love” ~ Hecato

I'm ready to show you some of my Herb Garden! Wanna take a tour with me? I doubled my Herb Garden this year and I'm still amazed that I had to make cuts in order to fit everything in! I have 23 plants in the Herb Garden and some others spread out into other gardens, like Dill in the Kitchen Garden. Next year I'd like to make room for Calendula, a wider variety of Basils, and some Wicked Herbs




I've finally given in to the idea that garden maps are necessary. A few years of "What the hell is that?!?!?" and I've learned my lesson. I rather enjoy making a map and key now, I feel like a pirate with a treasure map. A pretty pirate who practices good hygiene and likes to draw fancy swirls.

Through the Angelica.

Twilight has been a little bugger lately, sneaking out at every opportunity. Luckily I always know where to find her, in the Catnip.

"There are some things, after all, that Sally Owens knows for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender for luck. Fall in love whenever you can." — Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic)

I look this advise to heart this year, I now have 5 types of Lavender in the herb garden. Can't be too lucky can we?

I was floored when I spotted this bloom on my new citronella (Pelargonium citrosum) plant, I had no idea they flowered! Upon further research I've discovered that citronella plant is a geranium. I started to wonder what I've gotten myself into here, would that still qualify it as an herb? Let's seee.... An herb by definition is "a plant that is valued for flavor, scent, medicinal or other qualities other than its food value. [1]" So how about those mosquito repelling rumors? Mostly myth. The plant itself does not expel mosquitoes, but it does contain some essential oils that will, if extracted and applied to the skin or burned in the area wished to repel the blood suckers. Those oils would have to be properly extracted and dispersed. So for now, buy I'll buy citronella candles and simply enjoy the pretty scent and flowers of my citronella plant. It may be moved out of the herb garden next year and replaced with something more useful.

If it's labeled, I buy it. I'm in love with labels, anyone else?

Cinnamon Basil Simple Syrup
Simple Syrup can be used enhance many types of food and drinks, including seltzer water, cocktails, coffee. Other herbs and fruits can be used, there are lots of yummy combinations!

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Up to a cup of fresh cinnamon basil, the more you use the stronger the flavor.

• Over medium heat, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.

• Remove from the heat and let cool.

• Transfer to an air-tight jar, cover and let sit overnight.

• Use a mesh strainer to strain the syrup, discard any solids.

• Return the syrup to an air-tight jar and refrigerate for up to 2 months.

And I haven't even talked about my mint yet...see you soon!