Basil is an annual with many varieties. It is a bit of a chameleon, coming in a range of sizes, leaf colors, leaf shapes, and aromas. A fast grower, basil is native to Asia and Africa, and has a solid,...
Make Herb Croutons
Herbed croutons are easy and inexpensive to make and are a great use for stale bread.They make a tasty addition to French onion soup and add a satisfying texture and crunch to salads. You can even crumble...
Make a Mint Julep
With the Kentucky Derby coming up, it's time to get into the spirit by learning to make a mint julep. It isn't for every taste, but everyone should try it once.The recipe consists of two parts: First...
Growing Mint
Mint is the first herb I ever saw growing in the ground. I was about ten and brushed up against it at the nursery where my mother was shopping for edging plants. I was shocked that a plant could smell...
Keeping Cats Out of the Garden
I have been inundated with requests for tips on keeping cats out of the garden. Here are my personal favorites:For some years, I had big problems with cats in the flowerbeds. These days our dog, Harry,...
Uses for Parsley
Parsley is a great "medley" herb. It plays well with others to create a dish with a nice blending of flavors. It is one of the key ingredients in bouquet garni, and is a familiar herb in any number of...
Growing Parsley
Parsley may be the most easily identified of all of the herbs. It is a common resident of the bins and shelves of produce departments around the world, and is the most beloved garnish available for the...
Lavender Ice Cream
If you are taking a needed rest from your gardening, or gardening prep duties today, spare a few minutes to look at my lavender blog. I have a recipe for Lavender Caramel Ice Cream that makes a nice summer...
Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 04.2008
Springtime at the Beach!Spring is back! We had an 80 degree day last Saturday. It was summertime in the springtime. And then of course it rained on Sunday... Ugh. Spring is coming they tell us. The past...
Starting an Herb Garden
A while back, I wrote a brief article about starting an herb garden. It has some good summary information that will be helpful if you are just getting started. Give it a quick read at: Planting an Herb...
Hardening Off Herb Seedlings
If you are planning on putting your delicate seedlings out soon, don't forget to prepare them for the outdoors first. "Hardening off" your immature plants by introducing them to nature in small increments...
Growing Marjoram
Marjoram is a tender perennial herb in the oregano family. It's frequently placed on the oregano page of herb texts, so it's easy to miss sometimes; and in the garden, too, it can look like oregano, with...
Growing Oregano
Oregano is a half hardy perennial with small green leaves and purple (sometimes pinkish) flowers. It reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches. The common term 'oregano' can refer to a number of plants, some...
Get Rid of Japanese Beetles
My garden was a buffet for Japanese beetles until I discovered a trick for banning them.I read a number of discouraging articles about how difficult it is to get rid of them. I also tried looking at...
Lemon Balm Tea
For a refreshing tea, try lemon balm. It makes a good mid-morning pick-me-up, and in the evening with a little lavender honey it will help you relax. Oh, and it tastes great too. Take a little trip...
Make Your Own Bouquet Garni
The term bouquet garni comes from the French, meaning garnished bouquet, and was made up of sprigs of tied, fresh herbs that were used to season the stew or soup pot. Before serving, the bound herbs were...
Thyme for the Garden
I couldn't help the play on words . . . although I tried. Thyme is the traditional herb of courage, and was often used as an ingredient in teas, soups, and as a main ingredient in tokens and sachets to...
Relaxing Lavender Tea
Good morning, everyone! Happy Saturday.When you take a break from your busy schedule this afternoon, try making some relaxing lavender tea. Here's how: Lavender Tea RecipeLavender is a sedative and antispasmodic....
Thoughts on Economy - Preparing for a Frugal Christmas
If the economic news is getting you down and thinking ahead to the holidays is a nightmare, there's a bright spot on your gift-giving horizon. Start an herb garden! Many of the herbs you grow will make...
Make Baja Crema (Variation on Mexican Crema)
A creamy accompaniment to fish tacos, vegetable dishes, egg dishes, and hummus, Baja Crema is a delicious combination of tart and smooth. I've added some spice to the traditional Baja Crema, giving it...
Chamomile Herb Profile (Anthemis nobilis)
Worshiped by the Egyptians, chamomile has been a favorite in the garden for centuries. Short and lacy, with miniature daisy-like flowers, this half-hardy perennial has many uses both in the garden and...
Herb Hummus With Dill
Hummus is one of life's great treats. Even before it became popular in the U.S., I was a fan of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and used them in soups and salads. This easy hummus recipe spices things up...
Make a Great Tasting Herbal Tea for Indigestion
If you have occasional trouble with indigestion or gas, try a delicious tea brewed with ginger and cardamom. Both ingredients are time honored herbal remedies for stomach ailments, and they're delicious,...
Make Your Own Lemon Balm Hair Rinse
Herbal hair rinse can have some substantial benefits. It gently deep cleans hair and helps control dandruff, and it increases your hair's natural shine and highlights. The addition of beer as part one...
Herbs To Grow in Problem Areas
Herbs grow well along walls, sheds, and fences, adding color and texture to areas that can appear bald and unwelcoming. A little herbal green near posts, downspouts, faucets, and pet pens can camouflage...
Lemon Balm, The Scent That Refreshes -Your Hair
If you're a busy woman with a schedule to keep, but want a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or an effortless and natural way to make your hair smell wonderful after hours in a stale office, try lemon...
Dill Vinegar
Dill lends itself well to herbal vinegar. Add it to fresh vegetables from the garden like carrots, cauliflower, or cucumbers. It also makes a nice low cal ingredient in salad dressing, sauces, and marinades....
The Facts About Dill
Dill is a popular pickling herb with an impressive historical pedigree. Its uses date back to the bible. That lanky, fernlike, yellow flowered plant you see in the produce department of your grocery store...
Lavender Bubble Bath
You can use relaxing lavender aromatherapy oil to make an indulgent but inexpensive bubble bath. Here's how:Lavender Bubble Bath Recipe1½ cups of water¾ cup unscented shampoo (an inexpensive shampoo...
Sterilize Garden Soil
If you have a bad patch of soil, one that's been giving you problems that chemical solutions just don't completely fix, try a more natural solution. Cook your soil clean. I've created a post on my gardening...
Periwinkle, A Shade Loving Herb
One of the lovelier flowering herbs, periwinkle (Vinca major) is a popular shade plant that isn't picky about soil as long as it drains well.Propagating Periwinkle In spring, it can be divided or propagated...
Herbal Flea Control and Your Dog
Don't let fleas get out of hand this summer. Natural herbal flea control can help you get a handle on fleas. Eucalyptus is a natural enemy of fleas, and eucalyptus oil is used in many flea control preparations.To...
The Spider in my Garden
Spring is here, and boy am I ready. One of my favorite memories of last season was a friendship I developed with a spider that lived in my garden. She'd built her web along the deck railing and could...
