Mint is one of the most popular herbs. There are many mints for the gardener and cook to choose from: spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, pennyroyal, lemon mint, pineapple mint, and ginger mint to name a few. Cooks prefer spearmint for most savory dishes; it’s less overpowering than other mints such as peppermint which is very […] More
Use mint fresh or dried to flavor vegetables—cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. You can add fresh mint to cold and hot soups and beverages. There are all types of mint to choose from: spearmint, peppermint, pineapple mint, orange bergamot, and apple mint to name a few. Mint has a striking aroma, […] More
Strawberries are the earliest fruit to harvest in spring. Strawberries also come to harvest in summer and fall, and in winter as well in many regions—if you plant the right varieties. Strawberries are easy to grow but they do require some attention to ensure a bountiful crop. Choose cultivars that grow well in your region. […] More
Chervil is a demure herb with a delicate myrrh-like fragrance. Use the finely divided leaves fresh in salads and as a flavor enhancer for fish, chicken, and egg dishes. Dried chervil leaves are an ingredient of fines herbes, the French culinary staple that also includes chives, parsley, and tarragon. Chervil can be used in place […] More
Sweet bay is an aromatic herb that grows as a large shrub or tree. Bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, vegetables, and meats. Sweet bay is also called laurel leaf and bay laurel. Get to Know Sweet Bay Botanical name and family: Laurus nobilis is a member of the Lauraceae or laurel Origin: […] More
Scented geraniums are colorful tender perennial herbs with a variety of aromas. The scent of these flowering herbs includes rose, peppermint, lemon, nutmeg, apple, and chocolate. Scented geraniums are not true garden geraniums like their common name infers; they are pelargoniums, mostly hybrids created for their bright colors, beauty, and fragrance. The leaves, flowers, and […] More
Bee balm is a tall perennial herb native to North America. Bee balm is also called by its botanical name—Monarda, and is also called bergamot (because the scent is similar to the citrus fruit bergamot, an orange), and is also referred to as Oswego tea (the Oswego Indians made tea from the leaves). It has […] More
Lavender is a traditional herb garden plant. Lavender flowers have a strong lemon-perfume flavor. Lavender flowers can be steeped for use in drinks, jellies, and ice cream. Petals can be used in salads, soups, and as a garnish. The taste of lavender is not for everyone; use it sparingly at first. Get to Know Lavender […] More
Hyssop herb is a pretty compact perennial with spikes of blue and violet flowers. It is just at home in the perennial garden as it is in the herb garden. Hyssop is a member of the mint family. It can be used much like mint but its minty flavor is stronger than most mints so […] More
Calendulas are a colorful addition to the herb garden. The calendula’s daisy-like flowers are bright yellow and orange and are as easily grown in containers as they are in planting beds. The calendula is also known as pot marigold because cooks toss calendula blossoms into pots to thicken and color soups and stews. Calendula flowers […] More
Catnip is an herb that has been attracting cats for more than 2,500 years—and that’s just recorded history. The gray-green foliage when bruised or rubbed releases oil that is irresistible to cats. But catnip is not just for cats; catnip is a member of the mint family and like other mints catmint can be used […] More
Lovage is an easy-to-grow perennial herb. The leaves and seeds of lovage have a rich celery-like flavor and fragrance. Use the leaves fresh or dry in salads, soups, and stews. The hollow stems can be used as a substitute for celery in soups. Crushed seeds can be used as celery powder. Get to Know Lovage […] More
Steve Albert