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 garnish. The taste of lavender is not for everyone; use it sparingly at first. Here is your complete guide to […] 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. Here is your complete […] More
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. Here is your complete guide to growing nasturtium. Where […] More
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 […] More
Clary also called clary sage is an herb with colorful bracts that range in color from pale mauve to lilac or white to pink with a pink mark on the edge. It is a standout in the perennial border. Clary leaves taste much like culinary sage with a warm, pungent camphor fragrance. Clary can be […] More
Salad burnet is a perennial herb with a light cucumber flavor and aroma. Salad burnet grows best in the cool time of the year, spring and fall. The leaves of salad burnet are added to salads and dressings, and can be used much like mint leaves in iced drinks. Here is your complete guide to […] More
Costmary is a perennial herb sometimes called mint geranium. But costmary is neither mint nor geranium although its leaves have a spearmint flavor. Costmary makes an attractive, fragrant hedge in the herb garden or perennial border. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor green and fruit salads and make tea. Here is […] More
Shiso–Perilla frutescens var. cripa–is a member of the Mint family. It strongly resembles a large basil plant. Shiso leaves have the tangy flavor of cumin, mint, nutmeg, and anise combined. There are two main types: green and red. Green shiso can be added to salads and is used in wrapped sushi or chopped into hot […] More
Stephen Albert