Posts Tagged ‘herb garden plants’
Herb Garden Plants – Milkwort for Snakebite
January 23, 2010 | 
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Polygala species (Polygalaceae)
Description
Diminutive but gorgeous little herb garden plants, milkworts are well worth the trouble involved in sourcing them, as they make a fine addition to the border of any garden; both for their size (400 to 500mm) and their impact. Milkwort forms its own little family groupings and gives a very fine showing when these are established. The purple/blue flowers (British plants) pirouette above their supporting ground level foliage, for all the world like blue bees busily at work and are at their best from latish Spring until midsummer. Roots are small and convoluted.
History
The genus is named after its supposed virtue of visibly increasing milk yield in cows when they graze on milkwort. Numerous species are extant, preferring well drained banks, grasslands, hillsides and heathland. P. vulgaris is the variety most commonly seen in British herb gardens; other varieties are grown but are rare. The variety indigenous to The United States has white flowers and is called P. senega after the Seneca Indians; these plants favour a drier, more rocky environment than their British cousins.
The Seneca Indians were observed to use the stored milkwort roots to treat rattlesnake bites. A medical doctor in Pennsylvania further observed that the symptoms of snakebite appeared similar to those experienced by people suffering from severe respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Subsequent experiments led to the American plants being introduced to Britain in the mid 18th century and being recognised as a unique member of the milkwort clan as healing herbs in their own right. Other family members were discovered to have similar virtues and their roots were successfully used in the same way as P. senega.
Usage
The roots are used in various healing potions, although their popularity is now waning. Extracts and teas are still used for a tonic, as a mild laxative and as a remedy for bronchial congestion. Note that their is some doubt regarding their reputation for increasing milk flow in nursing mothers.
Cultivation
Propagate by root division of an existing plant is the practical method, as seeds are scarce. Generally speaking a well drained alkaline soil will suit most milkworts.
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Herb Garden Plants – Lungwort – The Changeling
Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae)
Appearance
The legacy of countless healers to posterity, the flowers of these herb garden plants change colour according to their stage of development. Originally showing itself in a pink shade, the flowers turn blue after pollination takes place. Depending on the development stage of the flower, it may be pink, lilac or blue, making an interesting and attractive showing as the flowers proceed in their journey of life. These are early flowering herb garden plants which are also used in pots for culinary convenience. The hair-covered bearing stems are crowned with speckled broad leaves and grow to about 300mm. (12in.)
History
Popular as both a healing herb and for its attractive showing, these herb garden plants have been cultivated all over Europe since the dark ages. Although the upsurge of modern transport has spread these far more widely – they were certainly used by pioneers headed for the New World – the plants prefer conditions close to those of the original wild plants. Denizens of shaded woodlands, they enjoy shade and slight damp. Several mentions are made in various tomes of a family link to the American cowslip of the Midwest. No definitive relationship is obvious and I would be glad to hear from someone who can suggest a reference resource or tell me more about this and whether it is true. Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place.
Usage
With a name like lungwort, one can reasonably expect that this is where its medicinal virtue lies. And one would be correct.
Lungwort strengthens the respiratory functions by treating congestion, sore throats and coughing. It is also used to break a fever in cases of influenza and bad colds as it seems to assist in the process of ‘sweating it out’ which frequently precedes a cure.
Cultivation
Chalky, damp but well-draines soil approximates the natural conditions in which lungwort thrives. Duplicate these conditions for best results from these herb garden plants. Sow early in Spring and thin out seedlings in late Summer. Alternately, divide roots in the autumn (fall) and replant.
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Herb Garden Plants – Lily_of_the_valley – Hearts Friend
Convallaria majalis (Liliaceae)
Appearance
Herb garden plants named after their tendency to thrive in deep wooded valleys, these are found in most temperate areas in many parts of the northern hemisphere. In America Convallaria montana is cultivated to produce an even finer type of bloom. Consider these when looking for lily-of-the-valley herb garden plants for inclusion in your line up. The rhizomes tend to migrate and form thick mini copses. Pairs of broad spear shaped leaves accentuate hanging bell-like blooms from late in the Spring.
History
Many rural remedies were based on steeping lily-of-the-valley for cardiac conditions. Gerard was familiar with these herb garden plants and extolled their virtues thus: ‘The flower of the Valley Lillie distilled with wine . . restoreth speech unto those that have the dum palsie and are falne into the Apoplexie’. The holistic and herbal approach to practical remedies, as well as the famous doctrine of signatures, appears once again to have paved the way for modern science: modern convallamarin became a very important 20th century cardiac treatment drug.
Usage
Powdered flowers are a potent compound for tinnitis, vertigo and ear infections. claimed to clear the head of nasal mucus, thus relieving ear noises, vertigo and chronic inflammation of the ears. The heady scent of the flowers of the lily-of-the-valley make these a highly desirable potpourri ingredient. Gerard claimed it had the virtue of strengthening the memory. The potted plants make an attractive indoor feature.
Cultivation
The crowns often take some time to become established and may even refuse to strengthen if they are not happy. Try and replicate the natural conditions where they thrive – they need a dampish rich soil and and some shade to prosper. Take an established clump of roots in autumn, split up the roots and corms and use the healthiest for re-potting in some good peat compost – place in a sheltered spot for best results. Split up roots after flowering and plant out the roots having visible growth buds. (Best done in summer.) Use conditions as listed above to achieve the best results for your new herb garden plants.
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Herb Garden Plants – Licorice the Sweet Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae)
Appearance:
These herb garden plants have splendid dark green foliage with sprays of violet/lilac flowers. Flowering in summer the plants achieve a height of about 1.5 to 2m. The plant is grown for the roots, which are obtained from established plants from 3 to 4 years old.
History:
Well known in ancient Rome by the name of radix dulcis – sweet root – these herb garden plants spread from the Middle East via Italy throughout Europe. Still widely grown throughout southern Europe as well as the former Soviet Union. The earliest recorded cultivation in England was in the middle of the 16th century and was taken to the New World by settlers during the 17th century.
Licorice was certainly a herb garden plant known to the venerable Mr. Culpeper and was a commercially important crop in his day. Licorice was widely known as ‘Pontrefact Rock’ after the Yorkshire district where it was principally cultivated as a commercial crop.
Usage:
A liquid extract is obtained from the considerable root system of the licorice plant with its large taproots. This extract is widely used in its own right for hacking coughs, colds, catarrh, sore throats and mouth ulcers as well as a sweetener for more unpleasant tasting medicines.
Licorice herb garden plants have been cultivated for use as a mild laxative and an aid to overindulgence for over a millennium. Health shops still sell licorice in root form for its various virtues as well as for tonics.
The plastic-like strings and straps of licorice beloved of the young – and not so young – are made by reducing the root extract through lengthy boiling. Still popular to this day, it was a favorite in root form for children from about the 17th century.
Cultivation:
Separate the roots, ensuring that your cutting has a bud. Plant out about 1m apart and 125 to 150 mm deep in a slightly damp spot with a good sandy loam and good sunshine. Timing can include either spring or autumn, but avoid any periods with the danger of frost. Although no wild plants are known to exist today, remember that these highly prized herb garden plants were initially from regions of strong sunshine so site them accordingly.
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Herb Garden Plants – Lemon Verbena, Fragrance Divine
Herb Garden Plants – Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla (Lippia citriodora) Verbenaceae
Appearance:
One of the lesser known but truly essential herb garden plants, lemon verbena commonly grows to about 1.5 to 2m tall with a wide spread. Our 30 year old lemon verbena now dwarfs the house and needs frequent trimming. The pale green leaves make a lovely showing and afford shade to smaller plants. Standing close to the plant will immediately reveal the origin of its name.
History:
Prized for centuries due to the pungent lemon like fragrance exuded by its leaves, lemon verbena is amongst the most fragrant of herb garden plants; it was brought from South America by the Spanish around the seventeenth century. Lemon verbena was given its name for its aroma, and it is a name that has persisted. One wonders if the citizens of South America call our lemon something like “verbena fruit” in return.
- Usage – everyday:
- Originally imported mainly for its oil, lemon verbena is prized for several other virtues:
- An aromatic addition to finger bowl water.
- The dried leaves retain their scent for a very long time and can be used in potpourri.
- Branches and fresh leaves of these herb garden plants can be put into airing cupboards and wardrobes to keep clothes and linen freshly aromatic.
- Crush lemon verbena leaves in almond oil makes an oil used for aromatherapy massage.
- Blending with other fragrant oils for handmade cosmetics.
- Add to bath water in a sachet for an aromatherapy experience.
- Hang branches in saunas to permeate the wood paneling with a wonderful fragrance.
- The leaves may be finely chopped for use in hot drinks, cakes, puddings and jellies.
- Chopped leaves work marvelously well sprinkled on fish while cooking; or add a small sprig to give bland foods like oatmeal and rice a lift.
- Lemon verbena shrubs attract butterflies to the garden and they often grown as herb garden plants for this purpose alone.
Usage – medicinal:
Leaves can be infused to make a gentle sedative tea to soothe chest and nose congestion, indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps and nausea. Use about 10 leaves to a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey and drink after meals.
Cultivation:
Lemon verbena loves sunshine as well as a bit of shelter. (A sunny corner is ideal.) These semi-hardy herb garden plants are grown mostly in greenhouses or indoors in colder climates. Protect outside plants with a light covering in regions susceptible to frost.
Ideal soil is sandy, tending to alkalinity and having good drainage. Lemon verbena thrives in poor soil.
To propagate, take summer cuttings with a small heel and trim off all but the topmost leaves; place these firmly into a moist sandy growing medium. Keep in a cool shaded place and keep soil slightly damp. Plant out into hessian or plastic bags when rooting has taken place and allow to grow until well established but not bursting at the seams. Plant out to between 1 and 2m. Regular pruning will encourage growth and produce a healthier plant.
Harvesting:
One of the least demanding herb garden plants, you can harvest lemon verbena leaves at will. Branches are a bit brittle and will benefit from trimming back to prevent breaking in high winds or from sheer weight.
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Posted in aromatic, culinary, herb garden plants, medicinal | 
Tags: aromatic, herb garden plants, lemon verbena | 
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Herb Garden Plants – Hyssop for Catarrh
Hyssopus officinalis (Labiatae)
Appearance
Popular both as sectional edging or container inmates, hyssop is an attractive, if attenuated, sweet scented evergreen. It sports minute leaves and has little lilac-blue blossoms which give a fine show from the middle of summer onwards.
History
I read recently that William Turner was cognisant of hyssop. He authored the first ever English-language book on English plants. This was circa 1558 and I quote “the brethe or vapour of Hisop driveth away the Winde that is in the ears, if they be holden over it”.
A native of the warmer parts of Europe and the Mediterranean rim, hyssop is mentioned in the bible. These popular herb garden plants started their eastern migration in the 11th century and were established in Britain around the 14th century as popular herbs. Thereafter they were taken to the New World by settlers.
Memorably aromatic, they were very important medieval herb garden plants grown for their function as one of the standard strewing herbs. Notably, oil of hyssop was used in the Chartreuse blends and was certainly as highly regarded and in demand as the better known oil of lavender.
Usage
The volatile oils extant in hyssop were well known to the American colonists as a specific remedy for catarrh and rheumatism as well as being an antiseptic. Hyssop flowers make a tea used for easing of catarrh, another delivery medium being by way of crushing and introducing into a herb-based pipe tobacco.
Apart from the traditional usage as strewing herbs through its aromatic virtues, hyssop is popular in potpourri recipes, adding a distinctive almost incense-like tinge to a potpourri. Hyssop was one of the most important herb garden plants for the earlier settlers, who were sometimes cut off from their peers and medical attention for long periods.
Cultivation
Grow hyssop through spring cuttings or seeding. After sprouting roots, plant cuttings in a peat mixture somewhere shady enough to stay moist. Deceptively hardy plants, they will nevertheless benefit from a well drained soil in their beds, window boxes or containers. These are herb garden plants that benefit from apicular pruning in autumn to bush out better in summer.
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Posted in aromatic, herb garden plants, medicinal | Tags: herb garden plants, medieval herb, oil of hyssop, potpourri | No Comments »
Rosemary Herb for Sailor Men
Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)
Appearance:
The almost universally well loved rosemary herb has lush evergreen foliage, which releases the rosemary fragrance by gentle brushing. Its wonderful purple/blue flowers bloom early in mild climes and the display continues to early summer. It grows into a bushy 1.5m (5ft) plant if healthy and well situated.
Usage Medical:
- Rosemary was burned inside rooms as an air freshener
- Included in body cosmetics for its deodorant properties
- Mixed in tobacco to produce a fragrant aroma
- Grown as herb garden plants for inclusion in pot pourris
- Used as an infusion or tea for internal discombobulations
- An antiseptic and embrocation for wounds
Usage Culinary:
Many old style cooks used to aver that “The flavour is pronounced, exercise restraint when using in a dish.” Fortunately that is just an opinion, as there is nothing better than roast lamb slathered in rosemary. It is probably best with lamb, but there is no dish that cannot be improved with a bit of rosemary; all you need is to adjust quantities to the dish. Red meat, game and pork will use more than poultry or egg dishes. Try it and decide for yourself.
See our fantastic slow roast greek lamb recipe.
History:
Rosemary is reputed to be for remembrance and was stuck in the knapsack of many a deepwater sailor. Culpeper propounded almost a score of benefits and virtues and uses and declared ‘The Flowers and Conserve made of them are singular good comfort to the Heart’. Obviously another fan .
Cultivation:
Take cuttings of non-flowering woody shoots or layer established shoots in summer. Likes well drained soil, sun and shelter but will grow well even in harsh conditions. In very cold areas rosemary will do well in pots able to be moved into shelter. Rosemary seems to do well in 7 year cycles, after which it welcomes replanting elsewhere.
Harvesting:
The robustness of the rosemary herb allows frequent pruning for shaping and harvesting. Mild areas can enjoy year round harvesting.
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Posted in aromatic, culinary, herb garden plants | Tags: herb garden plants, Roast Lamb, rosemary, Rosemary Herb | No Comments »
