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:…
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How to Grow Scented Geraniums
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…
How to Grow Bee Balm
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…
How to Grow Lavender
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…
How to Grow Hyssop
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…
How to Grow Calendula
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…
How to Grow Catnip Herb
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…
How to Grow Lovage
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…
How to Grow Nasturtium Herb
Nasturtiums are grown in the flower garden for their array of bright colors. They are grown in the herb garden for their distinctly peppery flavor. All parts of the nasturtium are edible—the leaves, the flowers, and the seeds. The flavor of nasturtiums is similar to watercress. Get to Know Nasturtium Herb Botanical name and family:…
How to Grow Sweet Cicely
Sweet cicely is a perennial herb–a member of the parsley family. The leaves and seeds of sweet cicely are very sweet flavored with a hint of licorice. Sweet cicely can be used in the kitchen as a sweetener and to cut down the acidity of fruit. Sweet cicely looks much like a fern and its…
