BFF Herbs

Texting has become such a way of life for many that even old man Webster is having to include some of the terms in the dictionary. Even the very word "texting" has been added as a verb, as has 'friending' or 'unfriending' thanks to the rash of Facebookers and Twitterers. 

BFF's (Best Friends Forever, for those of you living under a rock these days) aren't just found on Facebook or the cell phone though, many can be found right in your herb garden. 

Tomatoes and basil are one of the most common pairings found in herb and vegetable gardens. While almost everyone is aware of the special bond that happens when put a few sprigs of basil with a couple of slices of ripe red tomato... but did you know that these BFFs have a relationship that surpasses the one we know about in the kitchen? That growing basil and tomatoes side by side in the garden not only makes that spot in the garden a "one stop shopping" place, but will actually help your tomatoes grow better? Basil attracts bees which pollinate the tomatoes, making them stronger, and deters many of the pests that beat us to the very biggest and best tomatoes so many times! 

There are many other plants that benefit from having their BFFs grown nearby. Including:

` BEE BALM (Oswego): Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavor.

` BORAGE: Companion plant for tomatoes, squash and especially strawberries. Deters tomato worms.

` CALENDULA (Marigold):  The workhorse of pest deterrents. Keeps soil free of nematodes; discourages many insects. Plant freely throughout the garden.

` CATNIP: Deters flea beetles.

` CHAMOMILE: Improves flavor of cabbages and onions.

` CHERVIL: Companion to radishes for improved growth and flavor.

` CHIVES: Improves growth and flavor of carrots (and apples). Chives steeped in water makes a great spray to treat powdery mildew disease.

` DILL: Improves growth and health of cabbage, lettuce, corn and cucumber.

` FLAX: Plant with carrots, and potatoes.

` GARLIC: Plant near fruit trees and tomatoes, near roses to repel aphids.

` HYSSOP: Companion plant to cabbage and grapes, deters cabbage moths. 

` LEMON BALM: Great for tomatoes.

` LOVAGE: It’s name makes it easy to remember that most plants LOVE it!

` MARIGOLD (or Calendula): Keeps aphids away from roses

` MARJORAM: Improves flavor of all vegetables.

` MINT: Deters white cabbage moths, and improves the health of cabbage and tomatoes. 

` NASTURTIUMS: (Not an herb per se, but because its blooms are so delicious and the plant is such a good companion, we think it deserves to be listed!) Plant with tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, and under fruit trees. Deters aphids and pests of curcurbit family.

` OREGANO: Loves cole crops and grape vines. Repels cucumber beetle.

` PARSLEY: Plant near (as well as sprinkle on) tomatoes, carrots, chives and asparagus.

` PETUNIAS: Like the Nasturtium, they're not usually considered an herb, but...remember grandma planting these along her vegetable garden? She may have only planted them because they’re attractive, but, they repel the asparagus beetle, tomato worm and general garden pests. A very  good companion to tomatoes. Be sure to plant heirloom varieties.

` ROSEMARY: Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

` SAGE: Companion plant with rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, carrot flies. 

` SUMMER SAVORY: Plant with beans and onions to improve growth and flavor. Discourages cabbage moths.

` TANSY: Plant with fruit trees, roses and raspberries. Deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants. (Don't plant near livestock pastures because it can be toxic to cows, horses, etc)

` THYME: Deters cabbage worms.

` VALERIAN: Good in compost heaps, promotes earthworms.

` WORMWOOD: A border of it helps keep animals out of the garden.

There are many other great companions, and sometimes gardeners still happen upon a combination that is the start of a beautiful friendship. 

Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly

The absolute best thing about owning an herb greenhouse business is that I can justify spending money for herbs that I might not have been able to afford or justify the expense of before. I've always wanted to "collect" lavender, and now that we're trying to decide what lavender grows best in our corner of the world, I can do just that.

Currently we have about 10 different varieties from Munstead to Lavender Lady to Vincenza Blue. I'm amazed at the difference in each variety. Some of the varieties don't even look like lavender blooms. The first time my Kew Red bloomed, I had to look twice at the tag before I believed it was actually lavender. With its burgundy-ish honeycomb-shaped flower, it was certainly a far cry from the blueish purple spires that my grandmother used to dry... but it has rapidly become my favorite variety!

I have been very disappointed with some of our lavender plants that are growing in gallon plastic pots. The plants look beautiful until you notice that the base of the greenery (silvery?) looks a bit motheaten. I took advantage of the sparse bottom growth to make up several combo pots and I've gotten myriad compliments from the results. The most gorgeous one by far is the Kew Red Lavender with Swiss Mint growing at its base. The Mint winds among the bald branches and fills in with green, so the lavender sprigs and blooms seem to pop out at you. Another favorite is a Vicenza Blue surrounded by a circle of Lamb's Ears. All grey, but such different textures and leaf shapes. I did another combination planting with a striped perennial grass around a French Lavender. With the combo of silvery green and white stripes against the fringed edges (some people call it Fringed Lavender mistakenly) I don't mind that it doesn't bloom as often as some other varieties.

I wish Downy Lavender was a little less tender. I have yet to get mine to go through a winter, although they grow so quickly and so large that it's not really that big a deal to replant every spring. Last year, the butterflies covered the one we had at the entrance to the greenhouse so thick that one of our clients said they thought the plant actually had yellow flowers. They were surprised to see that it was a lavender. One of our beekeeping clients says she plants Downy Lavender near their beehives and have gotten some of the best honey they've had in years.

Lavender isn't just for sachets any more either. There are soooo many things you can do with Lavender. One of the most common craft projects of course is Lavender Wands. I've never tried it, but I think they're gorgeous, and the one that Calera McHenry gave me still smells as wonderful as the day I received it... a couple of years ago. Directions for making wands can be found at http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-a-lavender-wand/

Lavender is now considered a culinary plant and many upscale restaurants include dishes featuring lavender on their menus. While there's no doubt that lavender can add a special something to many recipes, you have to be careful or your dish can end up tasting as if you've doused it with perfume. Lavender must definitely be added with a light hand!

Lavender has astringent properties, and long before alchohol was available in the first aid kit for cleansing wounds, nurses knew to include lavender in their patients' bathwater and as they cleansed wounds. The scent of the lavender had the added benefit of calming patients and allowing them to get much-needed sleep. Many baby bath-wash and powder products include lavender for that same reason. Dusting your pillow with a bit of lavender powder can help ensure sweet dreams to come.

Queen Victoria is probably the one person most reponsible for increasing the herb's popularity; during her reign lavender was used in everything from mop water to linen sprays. Ladies-in-waiting used lavender perfume to mask the body odor that invariably is present when you live in a society that does not include bathing as part of a daily ritual. Victoria wasn't the only queen to prefer the scent of lavender. Over the centuries lavender has become the scent of choice for many queens so it has the reputation of royal significance.

Although I can't bring myself to eat lamb, I am told that European shepherds still feed lavender to lambs before harvest because it makes their meat more tender and sweeter. And lavender is used sparingly in many lamb recipes. Personally, I'll stick to the breads and scented sugars.

I'll keep you posted on how our various lavender varieties are doing and I love for you to share your experiences with the varieties you have purchased from us. We keep a log of what plants and varieties appear to be more hardy in our Zone 7 gardens. At the moment, our Hidcote is blooming, and is giving Kew Red a run for its money as they vie for top spot in my heart (and garden).

Until next time, happy herbin'!

Bottle Trees

While the guys were working on the new hardening off shed today, I dug a hole and 'planted' a 12' tall sweetgum tree to be our "Bottle Tree." I thought I had a lot of bottles gathered up for the tree, but once I started placing them, I realized I'm gonna need a lot more!

We're building a new herb garden (well, enlarging a current one) and the Bottle Tree will be the focal point of a huge section. I plan to plant a Thumbergia vine at the bottom and let it trail up the tree making a backdrop for the brightly colored and clear glass bottles. Even though it was quite windy today, I was disappointed that I couldn't hear any sound coming from them. Since they hadn't been up long enough to capture spirits, I guess that's why they stayed silent.

For those that aren't familiar with the custom, it is an old Southern tradition to either hang or stick glass bottles (especially blue ones) from a tree near a house or building. This custom came from the Congo by slaves who hung blue bottles from trees near their cabins as talismans to ward off evil spirits. It was believed that the spirits are captivated by the sparkling of the glass in the sunshine and get trapped inside... much like flies and bees and fireflies. When the wind blows, you can hear the moans of the spirits trying to warn other evil spirits to stay awayyyyyyyy.

You may see hollow glass spheres called "Witch Balls" for sale at some garden centers, and these are a derivative of this same custom.

Bottle trees have come a long way from their lowly beginnings and now are displayed as popular accessories in some of the prestigious gardens around the world. Eudora Welty gave Bottle Trees a new birth of popularity after she included one in one of her Southern stories. This B/W photograph is one she took when researching for the book.

The first bottle I placed on our bottle tree was a Log Cabin Syrup bottle. From the days when it still was bottled in glass. It was one of the last years, as it has a flat space for a label instead of having the letters etched or raised. These bottles were headed to the dump when our friend Rick cleaned out his basement. The previous owner of his house was Royce Armstrong (the Royce of the garden story in my "Growing up Southern" blog) so it's nice to have a little memory-piece of a now-deceased neighbor among the wine and liquor bottles on the tree.

I used to have a huge bottle collection, which means I guess a trip into the attic to try to find it so I can display some of the more brightly colored ones on our tree. Luckily, the best part of having a Bottle Tree is that no two are supposed to be alike, and a little bit misshapen and lop-sided just adds character.

Frankly, since I hate Sweetgum trees, I'm glad to finally find a use for one.

As always, the artwork and photos I've included have been sent to me by various people and I have no idea who to credit. If it's your work, let me know and I'll give you proper credit.

Wedding Herbs

With my wedding looming ever closer, and after having made the final decision to get married here on our farm, I'm dithering about trying to get all my ducks in a row. Not actual ducks...that's one of the few critters we don't have (yet), but all of the tiny little details that brides have to consider.

It goes without saying that herbs will play a big part in our wedding. Not only will be married surrounded by herbs growing in the ground and in containers, but they will be the mainstay of all of our floral arrangements and bridal bouquets. The flower girls won't be tossing rose petals, but instead a potpourri of dried herb leaves and white yarrow seeds. The path that we walk that day will forever be covered with white yarrow blossoms. (I love the fact that you can mow yarrow down to just inches high and it will still bloom profusely!)

Lavender not only decided the color scheme for the wedding, but also the symbolic theme. Since Victorian times Lavender has been a mainstay in bridal bouquets as a symbol of Devotion.

Chamomile is included as a symbol of Patience, which everyone headed into marriage should know is necessary for any relationship to survive.

Ivy symbolizes the perfect Wedded Love in which two hearts entwine.

Fuzzy leaves of Lamb’s Ears are included as a symbol of Support.

Rosemary has been used in weddings for centuries to signify Fidelity and Remembrance.

Roses are included to symbolize Love and Purity. White Roses specifically signify the joy of new begin nings. (A bride’s dress is not traditionally white to signify “innocence” as is commonly believed, but since medieval times has been worn as a symbol of great joy).

Oregano is included as a wish for Happiness for the newly wedded couple.

Mint leaves join other greenery as a hope of Prosperity tin the newlyweds’ future.

Sage is included for Domestic Virtue.

Thyme signifies the Courage that is required to embark on a lifetime journey together.

Yarrow leaves and blooms add color and texture to floral bouquets and container plantings along with a promise of Everlasting Love. White yarrow seeds are included in the potpourri mixture tossed by our Flower Girls, so that the path we walk on our wedding day will be forever white with yarrow blossoms.

Parsley, considered by the ancients as a death herb, is included in our wedding as a reminder of our promise to each other that our love will last to Death and beyond.

The geranium symbolizes Unity and Friendship, so scented geraniums (or pelargoniums) will play a large part in the floral plantings and arrangements at our wedding. I plan to have a large standard of Filbert pelargoniums at each side of our canopy. Hopefully they'll be in full bloom, which will add a dash of lusty rose color to our otherwise lavender and mint green color scheme.

I'll hope to see you all there. April 24th, probably at 4:00 (time not set yet pending flight arrival times of some of the wedding party).

Catching up

I'm embarrassed that it's been so long since I've written in here. I truly did plan to write in here every day, because it seems that every day I find something new in the herbal world that I want to share.

This last month has been a whirlwind of getting over our holiday trip (hey! when you're old you don't snap back like you used to, and when you have two bad knees, a lymphadema arm, arthritis in an elbow and battle daily with fibromyalgia issues, fifty IS old!!!)and getting our new greenhouse dismantled and moved here to the farm.

Our grand opening is in the works for the middle of March to first of April. Our bulldozer work is completed and the guys (Pete and Clark) are finishing up on the perimeter wooden fence today. Construction on the actual greenhouse will start in the afternoons when they get home from work during the week.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been approved as a retirement home for Lady Gouldian finches. We're going to be urging all our friends, family and clients to make a donation to save the Gouldian in their natural environment (Australia) where they are in danger of becoming an endangered species (less than 2500 still in the wild).

Our greenhouse will also be home to at least one at a time of our rabbit family. Charlie is our favorite, so he'll likely be the one to meet and greet most of the time. He's especially fond of banana chips and oatmeal cookies, in case you want to bring him a treat.

We're hoping to turn a trip to our greenhouse into more than a shopping excursion for new plants.

We want to provide a "day trip" atmosphere, offering a petting zoo of farm animals (Whisper the horse, Tucker the donkey, Rooney the goat and his herd of assorted other goats usually including a few babies, and others) picnic tables, and lots of space to hike and enjoy nature.

Hopefully, in the days ahead, you'll understand that if I'm not in here writing about herbs, I'm working outside getting ready to spend the rest of my life promoting them (and/or feeding animals, of course!)

Magickal Moments

One of the things I find most fascinating about growing herbs is reading about their histories, about the legends behind the leaf as it were. Herbs have been part of day to day human life since the beginning of time. Herbs by their very definition are plants that have special properties...whether you use them to make your chicken and dressing have more flavor, or to cure that nasty cough, or to bring good luck to your household. While I'm fairly certain that putting a sprig of rosemary beneath my pillow and reciting an enchanting rhyme won't make me dream of new love (I'm quite happy with the old love I have anyway, thank you very much) but how fascinating it is to delve into the way that people throughout the ages have used herbs in charms, potions, tinctures and salves.

Before I go farther, let me say that there is absolutely nothing sacreligious about researching "magickal" usages of herbs; it has nothing to do with delving into "black magic" to consider using them as did our ancestors and for the same reasons. How many of you won't walk underneath a ladder, will go out of your way to avoid having a black cat walk across your path, and always toss a few grains of salt over your left shoulder if you happen to spill some during cooking. We pick up a penny for luck, and toss it back if it happens to have landed wrong side up. Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day. Baseball players spit on a new bat to make it lucky, in fact, sports players are notorious for having talismans that they believe keeps their wining streak going, from wearing Lucky Underwear to having a fight with their mate before every game. Did you laugh at the antics of Samantha on Bewitched? Were you entranced by the characters on Charmed? How many of you have never blown out candles on your birthday cake, or put a freshly pulled tooth under your pillow before you slept? Have you ever carried a dried four-leaf-clover in your wallet? Why should growing a clump of basil near your back doorstep to bring luck to your family be any different than any of the above? Women wear perfume to attract lovers, why is that different than carrying a sprig of basil or angelica in their pocket?

It doesn't take away anything from your religious beliefs to expand your knowledge, and who knows, it might add a touch of charm and whimsy to your life (and to your garden). I have a very firm basis of faith, yet I have no problem at all stating that I believe in fairies. As a writer of old said "Just because I have not seen fairies in my garden does not mean they are not there." If you wish to grow herbs simply to spice up your cooking, then by all means do so. If you choose to grow herbs because they are beautiful additions to a formal garden as well as a country perennial border, go for it. If you choose to grow herbs because you believe they have roots far deeper than we can imagine, then join me as we learn more about "things we cannot see." Lose the mental image of wizened crones wearing black pointy hats and giggling maniacally over a bubbling cauldron as they plot their evil against good. Think instead of a beautiful Mother Nature, arms open to envelop all she surveys, giving knowledge to those with minds open enough to receive. We all have heard the sentiment: "The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth, you're nearer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth." A friend sent me this piece of art in an email about gardening being better than medicine for a weary spirit and troubled soul. I have no idea where it came from and it was not attributed to any artist. If you know who did it, please let me know. I love it and would love to have a poster sized copy for my greenhouse wall.

Below are some ways that herbs from A-Z have been used throughout the ages to provide protection, repel evil spirits, draw love and peace and heal both the body and the mind.

A is for Aloe Vera. We all know it's good for healing burns, but in Africa, its leaves have traditionally been hung in doorways to attract luck and protect from evil influences. Growing Aloe Vera on a kitchen windowsill not only keeps it handy for administering first aid, but it is believed to protect against those accidents.

A is also for Angelica. Used as an herb of protection, it is suggested that it be grown in the garden near the house to protectthe home. When you're away from your garden, carry the root in your pocket or make a necklace of the leaves to protect you until your return. Angelica is used magically as an herb for protection and exorcism.

Whether you pronounce it to rhyme with nasal or dazzle, Basil is one of the most used herbs in any garden. Not only is it necessary to make the best spaghetti on the block, but Italians believe that Basil is the herb of love. Once a woman decides she is ready to receive her suitor, she should place a pot of basil outside her room (so much for that whole red light theory). Got plenty of love but not enough money? It is purported that if you want your business to prosper, plant basil near the doorway to your business or keep some leaves in the cash register. (And, no, the spaghetti sauce that you spilled on the counter doesn't count).

Catnip isn't just for cats any more! (Although your cat will certainly become your new best friend if you grow enough to keep him in freshly dried catnip year-round.) Don't have a cat? Grow it anyway and carry it with you in sachets to attract good luck. Use in a sachet combined with rose petals to attract lovers. I found this cartoon online and it made me laugh out loud. Only a true cat lover would understand the look of drugged contentment that changes a cat's countenance when it's exposed for the first time to 'real' catnip. While we have to worry about who's talking to our kids about drugs, we can be very certain that when faced with a handful of catnip, there are very few felines that will have the gumption to 'just say no.'

Peter Rabbit's mom always made him a fresh cup of Chamomile tea when he came home from his adventures, and even modern tea companies agree that there are few teas that can do more for peace and tranquility for shattered nerves. However, our ancestors used Chamomile in love potions. It's also suggested that you wash your hands or take a bath in water that has run through a linen bag of Chamomile if you are a gambler - it is said to increase your chances of winning. Can't sleep? Put a few Chamomile leaves in your pillow. Sweet dreams!

Sue Grafton says G is for Gumshoe, but herbalists know it is for Garlic. Besides making an awesome addition to bread, Garlic is almost indispensable for myriad other reasons. Anyone who watches late night TV knows that garlic wards off vampires. However, did you know that carrying a clove of garlic with you when you travel over water, it will prevent you from drowning? Moving into a new home? Placing peeled garlic cloves in doorways will protect against illness and evil spirits (and probably door to door salesmen if the garlic is strong enough).
Legend has it that one can rid oneself of a lovesick former lover by placing a garlic bulb with two crossed pins stuck in it at a road intersection. Lure the lover until he crosses it, and he will lose interest. Got a wound that won't heal? Rub a cut clove of garlic on the wound, then place the clove under running water to signify washing away the ailment. Trying to get rid of a former lover? If simply eating a lot of garlic doesn't give you halitosis bad enough to run him off, place a garlic bulb with two crossed pins stuck in it at a road intersection. Lure the lover to the crossing and he will lose interest in you.

Goldenseal is truly the Herb of all Trades. A master at healing and creating a barrier against illness, you can also sprinkle dried leaves at the base of a green or gold candle to attract money, wealth, success, prosperity. But, don't forget to take a few capsules of it before you try the candle thing. It does no good to be rich if you're sick.

Lemon Balm is another all-purpose herb. Useful for everything from seasoning fish to putting a dandy shine on wood furniture, you can also drink as a tea to ease the pain of a romantic breakup or other personal hurt. Steep the leaves in wine for several hours, strain, then share the wine with someone you have a crush on to ensure that they will love you back.

Mint is one of my favorite herbs. I am an inherent collector. If I have two of an item, it immediately becomes a "collection" and I want MORE!!! I have had up to 24 different mint varieties at one time, and still craved more. One of the best parts of having a greenhouse is going to be the ability to satisfy my craving for 'just one more' mint. Although we think of red and white striped candy when someone says "mint," it isn't just for candy any more! Legend has it that Pluto’s wife Persophene cast a spell on a lovely young lady, Minthe, who had turned Pluto’s eye and turned her into a mint plant. Pluto couldn’t undo the spell but, by way of consolation gave it its entrancing aroma. In early Rome, it was suggested that students wear a wreath of mint to “exhilarate their minds.” Mint is mentioned in many places in the Bible, proving its great importance throughout the ages. Make a Mint tea to sprinkle around the house after an argument to bring the return of family peace. Drink a bit of it to settle your nerves and your stomach, but don't brew all the leaves. Carry a few in your wallet to attract money and prosperity.

Parsley must indeed be one of the most neglected and misunderstood herbs in the garden. Relegated to being little more than an ornament for gourmet plates, Parsley is grossly underestimated. Know why it's placed on plates? Not just because it's pretty (although few herbs are prettier than tightly curled parsley fronds) and not only because it is high in vitamins and good for the digestion, but in days of old it was believed to protect the food from contamination and eating it was supposed to increase both fertility and lust (not necessarily in that order). A wreath of Parsley on the head was said to delay inhebriation, but I fear that if you do so it may not matter that you are not drunk, everyone will quite simply assume you are.

Rosemary for Remembrance....in ages old, sprigs of Rosemary were tossed into graves as a sign that the deceased would remain in the memories of the living. When worn or carried, it is said to ensure mental clarity and suggested when scholars are faced with examinations or tests. When woven into wreaths and placed around the home, it is said to protect against evil. Many wedding bouquets have sprigs of rosemary to signify lasting love, and as a sign that the bearer is creating a memory that will last for a lifetime.

There are hundreds of other herbs that have "magickal properties" and interesting histories. Old books (including the Bible) are treasure troves of information about the beliefs in the properties of these magical, magickal plants.

Turning Over New Leaves

I've always heard that one door closes and a window opens. When I got a breast cancer diagnosis, I felt as if that door might be slamming shut permanently. I was lucky though, and after 9 months of surgery and treatment, I was given a thumb's up to start living again. I ignored admonitions from friends and family about making big decisions so quickly after going through months of chemo, that hadn't had time to get fully out of my system and was likely altering my decision making processess. And, in typical me-style, I jumped head-first into a business partnership with someone who ended up being the worst thing that had happened to me ever in my life. Yeah, even worse than the cancer. As a result, I lost a lot of money, friends, a lot of self-respect, and eventually lost the business entirely. Along the way, I learned that it's true though that it's when the going gets tough that the tough get going, AND it's then that you learn who your real friends are.

The friends that stuck by me through what I refer to as my "idiot stage" and the months that followed as I tried to pull myself back together and remember who *I* was, will forever be in my heart, and I hope, in my life. The end result of those tough months is that through a chance meeting online, I met the man that I believe I am destined to walk beside through this final chapter of my life. The best part is that he and the man I walked beside through the first chapter have become incredible friends, so I didn't lose a husband, I gained a best friend that I get to keep for life.

Although I am gun shy about starting a business, the three of us are banding together to follow the dream that I have had for many years....we are investing in a commercial sized greenhouse and will be opening an herb business in the near future. I hope to combine my love for history with my love for plants, and focus on unusual heirloom plants as well as the staples in any herb and vegetable garden.

I'll use these pages to share with you what I'm learning as I go along. One thing that I have learned without doubt is that the more I learn, the more I know I don't know! And I am overwhelmed with the process of ordering seeds and plants and filling up this enormous space. The fun part is that sneaking suspicion that it will fill up in record time and I'll be wondering how best to spread out!

We're beginning to have some chilly nights and I'm dreading the morning I walk outside and all my tender annuals are ready for the mulch pile. Right now, the begonias are blooming their little hearts out, the basil is putting on new leaves as if it knows there may be no tomorrow and the scented geraniums have more scent than they have had all summer long. I don't plant many annuals, it has to be something fairly spectacular or useful for me to bother. Perennials have my heart, having doors close in their face every fall, and then after a cold dark winter, that window of opportunity opens and they start spreading their arms to the sunshine again, ready for another wonderful growing season.

I used to sit in my chemo chair, hooked up to chemicals with compositions so deadly that I would be afraid to use them to unclog my toilet, trying not to be fanciful eough to believe I could actually feel the cells dying as the poison chugged through my veins. I looked around at all the other weary faces around me, and I got the notion that we were all like a flower garden headed into fall. We were facing near-death (for certainly a bout with chemo is as close to death as you can come without ceasing to breathe) but for a lot of us, with enough hope and dedicated doctor/gardeners, we would soon be spreading our arms to reach out to the sunshine again someday. Some of us wouldn't make it through the cold nights, and there would be no springtime, but even then, hope springs eternal.

As I tuck mulch around the stems of my perennial herbs and flowers, I speak to them as I would speak to a child I was tucking into bed for a long night's sleep. I thank them for the beauty they shared with me through this chapter of their life, and give mention to the ways I will remember them through the winter months as I use my vinegars, salts and butters and sprinkle my meals with the dried leaves that always bring the scent of summer with them.

Yes, I know that's truly silly. Especially since I've now reached that half a century mark. Most people don't think of fifty-year-olds as being so fanciful and dreamy. But, I never stopped believing in fairies either. As Francis Church stated, just because I don't see them in my garden, doesn't mean they are not there.

I believe that we should all believe in things that we cannot see. To me, herb gardens are places of magic. A place where plants grow that can make tasteless food palatable, heal illness and make strong bodies even stronger.

As we start into the winter months, I'm reminded of this recipe from my grandmother. One of the most basic of recipes, but one that got my grandfather through a lot of winter colds (he wasn't pleasant to be around during the treatment, but luckily, it never took long to get him back on his feet.)

Chest Cold Liniment
Chop up a clove of garlic and mix it into a jar of Vaseline. Stand the jar in a warm place (my grandmother kept hers on the mantle) for a few days. Remove and cover tightly. When a cold starts niggling at your chest, after a nice warm bath or shower, rub a little bit of this into your chest and back and then wrap up warmly. As I said, it doesn't make you pleasant to be around, but on the up side, you won't have to worry about vampires! :-)