THE HERBAL BOUQUET

Green Christmas

2011-12-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

Here in Pennsylvania or should I say my part of Pennsylvania we will have a green Christmas. One of my favorite books says, A GREEN CHRISTMAS, A WHITE EASTER. Can you guess which book? I will give you a hint, it was founded in 1792. Merry Christmas garden friends!!

Just the Favorite Time for This Herb!

2011-10-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

I think spring and fall are my two favorite seasons. These last few days have been spectacular in southwestern Pennsylvania. The pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is not nearly as pretty as usual and the humming birds are long gone, but it is an edible flower and you should use it fresh not dried. Our pineapple sage did come back from last year (not typical) and so we potted it up and are bringing it in for the season. Everyone in the south is lucky to have it as a perennial. Use it in fruit salads and iced or hot teas. I always talk about this too late in the season when it is just about over. Hope you all have had a great summer. Talk to you later! Lemon Verbena Lady

Dropping By

2011-07-06T09:18:00.000-04:00

Hi Gardening Bloggers!! Hope everyone is well. Thought I share this little verse that I found on a gardening calender.

OLD GARDENERS NEVER DIE. THEY JUST SPADE AWAY AND THEN THROW IN THE TROWEL.

HERBERT V. PROCHNOW, AMERICAN AUTHOR (1897-1998).

ENJOY YOUR DAY!!

~ Chamomile ~

2011-05-27T14:18:00.001-04:00

" The Chamomile Shall Teach Thee Patience That Rise Best When Trodden Most Upon "

The chamomile is an ancient healing herb, and is still used for digestive and stress-related disorders. When crushed, it's leaves have a sweet apple smell. The chamomile plant requires full sun and well-drained soil. It makes a fragrant lawn and should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart. It benefits all nearby herbs and plants, particularly cabbages, onions and nasturtiums. German chamomile is an annual with unscented foliage. It's flowers have a strong honey scent and it has coarser leaves than the english chamomile.

Used chamomile teabags can be place on the eyelids to reduce the dark shadows caused by fatigue.

Enjoy a relaxing herbal bath that eases tensions away. Run a warm bath and place a muslin bag of fresh or dried chamomile under the faucet.

Use 1 1/2 oz. of fresh herbs or 1 oz. of dried herbs.

Alternately add one potful of strong infusion of chamomile - about 1 1/4 pt. to a bath. Or several drops of the essential oil to the water. Soak in the warm bath for 15 - 20 minutes, allowing the sweet scent of the herb to banish tensions and irritations through its relaxing and soothing qualities.

Enjoy!

Dandelion. The new herb?

2011-05-06T16:30:00.001-04:00

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking. Dandelion? How could I possibly use a weed that's taking over my front yard? Well the time has come to embrace the dandelion. Believe me, it's much easier than constantly fighting it, that's what's coming up in my gardens so far! :) Eventually you'll find yourself touting the benefits of dandelion to all of your friends. Every part of the plant can be used, and clearly it's easy to grow. All you have to do is get past what we've always been led to believe. Dandelion is a useful plant.

If you're willing to try one new thing this year, make it dandelion. Dandelions prefer to grow in full sun but will grow in just about any lighting situation as you all may know. Dandelions can be added to your herb garden or they can be grown in a block or row in your vegetable garden. The thick-leaves produce a tender, thicker leaf with less bitterness. 'Verte de Montgomery' is very similar to the wild varieties in your yard, which are ripe for the picking and are just as tasty.

Dandelion leaves are high in vitamins A and C and contain high levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Use the flowers fresh, making sure to remove all the stem. To prevent the flowers from closing after cutting, place them into a bowl of cold water and take them out just before eating or serving them.

(Do not eat Dandelions that have been in contact with lawn fertilizers, herbicides or any other synthetic chemical contaminants!)

The roots can be harvested at any time. Chop the dried roots into 2'' (5 cm) pieces and roast at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for about 10 minutes. Grind the roasted pieces, adding a quarter teaspoon to your coffee or hot chocolate for a new flavour. The leaves are delicious in salads and are a fine substitute for spinach. The flavour of bacon is the perfect complement to dandelion leaves; they also work beautifully in fresh vegetable dishes. Many soups and casseroles benefit from the addition of dandelion leaves.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue;
But they don't get around
Like the dandelions do.
~ Slim Acres

Enjoy your weekend!

WHEN DO YOU....???

2011-04-20T07:41:00.000-04:00

...start planting your herbs?? What is coming up in your gardens NOW? Share some pictures of inspiration - the weather here in SE PA is still quite crappy.....and we don't usually plant till after the 15th of May - or even later. We haven't been able to get the gardens cleaned up with one day rain - then mud - then rain - then alittle sun but too much wind - wishing you better weather and better luck!

I AM FEELING "HERBY"...

2011-04-12T10:09:00.002-04:00

I am just like alittle kid when it comes to "patience" - I want the weather to be nice and I want to get out in the gardens to see what is growing (well really I NEED to get things cleaned up in the gardens. It is a job as we have the house and the store and we are getting older by the minute)!!
Yesterday the weather was so perfect but I am "under the weather" with a stupid cold and not up to exerting myself...I did take these pics of what was peeking thru the messy gardens at home...besides all the mints and lemon balm here is -
SOME GOLDEN SAGE - (and weeds)

CHIVES - (and weeds)

ENGLISH THYME -

and a favorite SWEET WOODRUFF...

.Have you ever dried Sweet Woodruff??? It is the sweetest scent and I love to fill sachets or muslin sacks with the dried leaves. It has NO scent while fresh - that I can detect - but dried it is wonderful! AND, it grows (and prefers) shade....it is a great ground cover. We will have plants for sale at our Herb Faire!!!

Start Planning!

2011-04-08T16:28:00.000-04:00

There's fennel for you, and columbines;
there's rue for you; and here's some for me;
we may call it herb or grace o'Sundays.
O! you must wear your rue with a difference.
William Shakespeare, Hamlet

A strawberry pot is an attractive way of growing a number of herbs together, for those of you who have limited garden space. They are made mainly of terracotta and are easily obtainable. An average size strawberry pot has five or six lipped holes in the sides and one large hole in the top. To plant a strawberry pot with herbs, place one large or several smaller, uneven stones above the drainage hole in the base. Fill the jar with potting mixture to the level of the lowest holes. Plant a herb seedling down through the pot's main open hole, gently manipulating the foliage through one of the side holes with the roots within. Fill the pot with soil level to the next hole and repeat the process as for the first seedling, until the top has been reached. Leave about 1in/2.5 cm between the last layer of soil and the rim of the pot to allow for watering.

Think herbs!

April Wisdom

2011-04-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

From my favorite book, the Farmer's Almanac some April thoughts:

If it thunders on All Fools' Day. it brings good crops of corn and hay.

Moist April, clear June.

Cloudy April, dewy May.

Snow in April is manure. Love this one!!

Catnip ~ Catnap

2011-03-31T15:57:00.000-04:00

I awoke to a beautiful sunny morning. Although it was cold outside, a sunny morning always helps. Enjoying a morning tea looking out into what will be a promising garden, I noticed that an old friend had appeared at the top of the hill. One of my feline friends has returned after a long, cold winter. An all black cat with a bell around its neck, I have no idea who owns this one, but as I opened my porch door, it came to greet me. I don't own any cats, I never have. But there are several that will hang around here all summer long. One reason is my catnip garden. In the garden, catnip has been found to be a natural insect repellent against aphids, making this plant perfect for the organic gardener. Its uses don't end there. Catnip has so much more to offer beyond the entertainment value of watching all these stray cats roll around in one area of my garden filled with catnip, or the way I look at it, I think these characters think it's their local bar. :)

Flowering Catnip Wreath

Catnip plants grow well in full sun or partial shade. Pinch tips throughout the growing season to delay flowering and make the plants more compact. Once the plants are almost finished blooming, I cut them back by one-half. This will encourage new growth and might prompt them to bloom again in late fall. I will divide these plants in Spring or Fall when the plants begin to look like they're going to overgrow.

Catnip is not prone to pests. However, the roots and crown can suffer from rot during cold and wet winters. Catnip plants can be used to edge borders and can be used to mix into herb gardens, along with roses. Catnip is also great for containers both big and small.

It's no mystery where this plant gets its name, cats love it. Dried leaves stuffed into cloth toys will amuse kittens for hours. I use the dried bunches in potpourri and arrangements. They can be intertwined with lemon balm, lemon verbena, marjoram, and scented geranium. They can hang in closets and pantries.

Shown above is flowering catnip celeriac, thyme, rosemary, and dandelion. The next photo shows catnip and greenleaf lettuce. In another area of the garden, I will have flowering catnip in a raised bed. The leaves can be steeped in boiling water to use as a stimulating minty tea. It is said that catnip tea reduces nervous tension and anxiety. Fresh leaves can be chopped up for soups, sauces, pastas, and sprinkled over salads. Obviously not just for our feline friends!

"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." - English proverb

I think that's what the cat's return was trying to tell me.

All photos were taken in 2010. I'm not too anxious to get started gardening am I?

WELCOME EVERYONE...

2011-03-26T20:27:00.001-04:00

Herb thyme is fast approaching and I see we have lots of new followers...if you would like to be one of the administators (which means you can start a post and post pictures just like your own blog) please email me and I will send you an invite with the log-in information. I would love for everyone to share their experiences, their favorite herbs, recipes...pictures....let's make this the "bestest" herb blog!!!!
Contact me at cinnamonstick@comcast.net Judy

I have some serious garden clean-up to do...I sugar my "johnnies" and serve them on top of beeskep cupcakes for our Herb Faire....

ps. and if anyone wants to change the header picture ...please do...I want you toooooooooo!!!!

Quotes

2011-03-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

Here are a few quotes from The Old Farmers Almanac;

A dream of crocuses signifies happy new beginnings.

In March much snow, To plants and trees much woe.

Spring! The beautiful spring is coming, The Sun shines bright and the bees are humming.

Have a great day!!

Wishes for All

2011-03-17T15:31:00.000-04:00

Happy St.Patrick's Day to all my garden friends. Heard peepers for the first time last night. Spring is really just around the corner.

Courage

2011-03-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

That's what Les said it takes to poke their heads out of the soil. The picture is of the daffodils on the South side of our house.

Conversion of Paul

2011-01-25T13:10:00.000-05:00

It's St. Paul Day. "On this day, the four winds wrestle and the winner will blow most of the year". Belgian folklore.

Weather Lore provided by the 2011 Old Farmers Almanac Calender and me of course!

...alittle bit of spring

2011-01-24T08:28:00.001-05:00

Walking thru the backyard a few weeks ago I passed our forsythia bush and those sweet little buds beckoned me to break off a branch...after two weeks this was the result! Lovely little flowers! Just what I needed to convince me winter will turn into spring and all will be well! The bitter cold this week is making me a "house hermit" and the thought of even taking out the trash makes me shiver - but I will bundle-bundle-bundle and do it!
I love to visit my "herb lady" in February and purchase some herbs for the store - visiting her greenhouses I never want to leave - it is warm and humid and oh the scents !! I know I am so very lucky to be able to do this - when I go I will take some pictures and share them with you...are you making plans for spring planting???

Ginny I LOVE your weather lore...please keep posting!!!!! XO

Weather Lore

2011-01-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

Today is January 22, or St.Vincent Day. Weather lore has it that if the sun shine on St.Vincent Day there shall be much wind. They do not elaborate if the wind is today, tomorrow or next week. Thought I pass this little bit of trivia along to my garden friends. I get these bits of trivia from the Old Farmers Almanac, I love this book, keeps me entertained!! LOL

Snow Report from Southwestern PA!

2011-01-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been an herbal slug and not posted for awhile! So here is my snow report for the snowstorm that just came through the last two days! We had 7-1/2 inches in southwestern Pennsylvania. We might have had a little bit on the ground already so maybe 5" total! Just a blimp on the radar compared to the East Coast and the New England states. Hope everyone stays warm and hopefully you'll be able to see my herb garden in my next post! Talk to you soon.

Measuring the Snow

2011-01-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone, hope you are enjoying your weekend, even though it has been snowing off and on since yesterday.I believe most gardeners do have a interest in the weather, other then "oh, it's raining can't go out and pull the weeds". And though we may not like it, snow does play an important part in our gardening. It provides nitrogen. Every Winter our local weather station provides information on how to measure the snow in your yard/garden. Take measurements from three areas in your yard/garden, try not to measure drifts or where you have thrown the snow with the blower or shovel. Add the three and divide by three. You will get a fairly accurate snow measurement or should I say as accurate as your local weather weenie.LOL. I took our measurements tonite, we have a total of 3.33 inches. Let me know what your snow fall total was for this storm.

Keeping the birds happy

2011-01-07T11:43:00.001-05:00

While, this is only somewhat related to gardening and in the sprit of keep this great little blog alive I thought I would remind us all to keep our feeders full and if you can supply fresh water to all of our feathered friends. Seed scoop: provided by The Old Farmers Almanac; Black-oil sunflower seeds are the best-loved of all the bird feed.
My feeders are sure busy this morning. Snow stopped, sun is trying to come out. We got a total of 2 inches, fine by me. Les and I hope to get out to a auction today. Have a wonderful weekend friends.

Possibly the last garden tip for 2010

2010-12-30T18:21:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of giving, spend some time lending a gardening hand to a friend, neighbor or family memeber who may be behind in their outdoor chores. A little raking or stacking firewood will be a warm way to burn off some holiday calories and help give some warmth to those who may need the lift. I follow Winterthur Museum & Country Estate on facebook, this was their tip for today, 12/30/10. I thought it was a nice little diddy for The Herbal Bouquet. Happy New Year garden friends

....A SEASON COMES TO END...

2010-11-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

Here in the Northeast the gardens have fallen to the frosty mornings but yesterday when I went out to see if I could "scrounge" some fresh basil (am I crazy or what)!! for my tomato sauce I noticed that a rosemary plant had not been harvested ....so out came the shears and now I have some fresh rosemary to fill in little Christmas stockings I am making....some days are just filled with surprises. (no basil though) !!!

Fall Veggies

2010-10-26T19:04:00.000-04:00

Here is our bounty from our neighbors garden and ours. The tomatoes and sweet peppers are ours, the rest is from our neighbor. I think this will be it for the garden. Cooler (dare I say COLD) days are coming.

The Dye Garden

2010-10-26T09:40:00.003-04:00

Here in Berks County, Pa the autumn days have been beautiful and the last few nights have been stunning with glorious moonlight. We are undergoing a major landscaping project between the house and barn so I am thankful for each sunny day. As I clean up around the gardens my thoughts have been wandering to what plants would be good for dyeing wool. About 7 years ago I spent a weekend dabbling in the dye pot with a variety of plants from the gardens but I've sinced turned to the "little brown packages". Do any of you have a dye garden? I'm curious as to what you enjoy collecting for the dye pot. Earlier this month, at a local historical village I saw a hank of yarn that was dyed to a beautiful shade using orange cosmos. Maybe someday I'll get around to harvesting my orange flowers! Here's a pic of my orange cosmos. You will notice that Miss Paisley wanted to be part of the picture! Since she's been giving such beautiful eggs lately, I thought I would indulge her vanity.

Terri

from high on a hill in Berks County, Pa

LAZY HARVEST...

2010-09-25T20:24:00.000-04:00

I have to admit my harvesting was not nearly as productive as it should have been. No fault to the herbs...they grew beautifully with the TLC I gave them ....but time got away from me (Tony's broken ankle, open houses...etc.) and I really let the gardens go. I still have some sage and ginger mint I can salvage...but the weather turned so HOT again and it just takes all my energy away!
Andrea your home and pumpkins make the best header for our blog!
Happy Harvesting to everyone.....XO, Judy

Falltime Harvest

2010-09-20T22:58:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!
This is such a wonderful time of year for us Gardeners :) I get just as excited to harvest the herbs & flowers as I get when I plant them. This year I've decided to dry as much as possible.

Here's a basket of fresh Sage, Anise Hyssop & Basil that I'll be hanging in the barn~ There's also lots of Silver King Artemesia & Hydrangeas that will be dried as well.

Here's how my Rudbecia turned out this year.................HUGE!

And here is the Rudbeckia mixed with Mints, Sweet Annie, Zinnias and other flowers.
Another thing that did so well this year was my Pumpkins. I was harvesting them in August!!

And they wereSuper HUGE this year!!!
Happy Fall everyone, I enjoy looking at all your garden pics :)

Andrea~

Just Wanted to Say Hi!

2010-08-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to say hi and thank Judy for asking to me to participate in The Herbal Bouquet. This is our front garden in western Pennsylvania. I know it's a little crazy! I'm a Penn State master gardener and I volunteer answering the public's gardening questions for our Gardenline. I also guest blog for The Herb Companion magazine. The Herbal Husband and I have a large garden and no kids or pets. My passion is all things herbal, but I do answer a wide variety of questions for the extension. So you will see and hear from me when I can and when I can come up with an answer for questions that's what I love to do. Talk to you soon.

Butterflies

2010-08-03T16:22:00.001-04:00

I read today on Lemon Verbena Lady's blog about the butterflies that are visiting her gardens. Back in early Summer I purchased a hanging pot of purple petunias and hung them on the North side of our home. They were suppose to have full sun, but like Les says, I never read the directions. They are doing just great. I dead head them a couple times a week and water them every other day if we don't get rain. But, lately (last week or so) they are covered in butterflies. Now, I don't know my butterflies, but that doesn't matter I just enjoy watching them from the screened porch and so do the cats. Enjoy your day ladies.

????????? ANY GUESSES...

2010-07-28T21:39:00.000-04:00

I haven't a clue what this is growing....I know it looks like a sunflower BUT take a close look at the flowers that are blooming on it... Strangest sunflower I ever did see. It is a "volunteer" - which means I didn't plant it - it just grew!! Any ideas???

I have a lot of "strange" growings in my gardens this year....but the Fairy garden is looking great...

Honest to goodness fairies live here - and are hiding under that thyme!!!

Does anyone recognize this Herb?

2010-07-24T12:59:00.003-04:00

I thought I would post this picture of my cat taking a nap in my little herb garden. Judy had posted some pictures of some antique wash stands and I thought I would show you what I did with mine. It makes a great herb garden.

Tomato Blight, Again

2010-07-19T17:14:00.000-04:00

Our plum tomato plant has the same blight that the tomato plants has last year. I'm so mad I could spit (not really). But, when we bought our plants this year, we were very aware to buy local plants, supposedly the plants last year were not local. I have nursed this plant long enough. It gets these great looking RED tomatos, but don't look at the bottoms!! They are rotten and mushy, not very attractive. So, hello trash can for you tomato plant. A pepper plant might meet you there if it doesn't fly right!! Is anyone else having problems?

CALENDULA BLOOMING...

2010-06-17T19:34:00.001-04:00

The bright orange and yellow blossoms of the herb "calendula" are a sight to behold....I went out this afternoon and picked a small bouquet and then sprinkled some petals on my salad....it was so pretty !! I have a good recipe for" calendula butter" - makes a plain old piece of toast very festive!!! I will find it and post it here....How are your gardens growing....??? Share some pictures....!!!

Andrea...

2010-06-05T18:47:00.001-04:00

Now I am sorry I didn't take pictures of my two old sage plants at the store...they were magnificient with their spokes of purple blooms!!!   I have a minature (can't think of the right name) sage plant here at home that is so pretty too....ahhhh...Dwarf Sage....(big smile- I am just old and it takes awhile !!) LOL!! I think my "johnnies" smile right back at me too - so maybe with are both alittle "crazy" !!!
Sadly the weeds are taking over and a whole bunch of work needs to be done in our gardens.....just so much always going on.
Share some pictures girls.....let us see how your "garden grows" !!! If you need the Login and password just email me....   cinnamonstick@comcast.net

AND Susan...I hope those "babies" have flown the coop and you can rest easy for a bit......!!!!

Sage & Violas

2010-06-02T16:51:00.000-04:00

I can always count on this old Sage plant and these adorable Violas to bloom there little hearts out!!

Every time I walk by this cluster to go into the back door it's like their little "faces" are smiling at me..........or maybe I've been gardening in the sun too long!

Either way I can't help but Smile back :)

MY FINE FEATHERED FRIEND.....

2010-05-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

NOT!!!!!!!!!

This is mama Robin and she attacks me whenever I go out the front door of the store.

She built her nest over the door so every time it opens she's there squawking and carying on.

Here is what all the squawking is about.

Please enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Be safe and happy.

Herbal Blessings everyone...

Susan

New Herb Plants~

2010-05-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

Woohoo!! The herb plants have arrived from the local greenhouse & everything is Good Again :)

It's amazing how plants can lift our spirits!

I can't believe how big the herbs in my yard have gotten already! I'm going to have to divide up the tansy in this pic. It's already taking over~

ps. Judy- What are those herbs hanging in the front of your shop? They look Great :)

SHARING....

2010-04-28T06:33:00.000-04:00

Hi girls...this is meant to be a "sharing" blog and although I know everyone is busy....(ahem...me too!!) I would LOVE to see your herbs as they grow....If you are not a member of this blog and just a follower - I can send you an "invite" which will give you the LOG IN information. Email me at cinnamonstick@comcast.net to join!! Everyone is welcome...novice to expert !! Come share, teach and learn....Judy

MINT TO BE FRIENDS...

2010-04-21T19:00:00.001-04:00

Well....what a nice surprise I had this morning when I went to the back of the house to see if I could scare up a few "sprigs" of mint to take to the store with me today - (for the water tubes in the May Day cones) AND I had a whole bunch growing back there.....apple, curly, spearmint and lemon balm ! I gathered a HUGE bouquet and took it to the store....(still didn't get it in jars - I like to use old canning jars for my herbs or milk bottles) I would forget it was in the basement where the sink etc. is -( my "mini" kitchen) Everytime I went down it was for a customer or something else....too many distractions today but first thing in the morning the store will have the sweet scent of mint!!

Have any of you made "Pot Lady" ??? This was a door prize for our Herb Faire.....not sure what will be the giveaway this year...better start working on it. I am trying to talk Tony into making me two more of these gals....not his favorite thing to do.....guess I will have to "bat my eyelashes" !!!

HERB FAIRE AT THE CINNAMON STICK

2010-04-18T20:33:00.000-04:00

Seems everyone (including me) has been very quiet here lately....hopefully with gardenthyme arriving you will want to post and show us your gardens as they grow. Tell us what you are doing new and exciting - share some ideas and pictures!!

Our Herb Faire begins May 7th - this is when we sell our herb plants and really start the garden season in the store. We have been having a rather hard time finding vintage garden goods though...????.....seems that people don't want to part with what they have. We are selling some NEW (and really pretty garden tools) in the store...

If you have to pull weeds, might as well do it in style!!!

I am anxious for the weather to stay nice so we can get the gardens cleaned up.....seems we never do it in the fall before the cold weather comes and it is ten times the work in the spring..yi yi yi !!! My golden oregano is popping up thru the layers of fall leaves and the lemon balm is 8 inches high in some areas....don't even ask about the catmint....it is all over the place.

DILL IS THE HERB OF 2010

Here is a really good recipe to try -

"Dill & Lemon Mayonnaise"

1/2 cup light mayonnaise (like Hellmans)1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions:
In small bowl stir mayonnaise, dill, parsley and lemon juice and optional ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with grilled or roasted meats, poultry, seafood or as a delicious dip for vegetables. Makes about 1/2 cup.
I LOVE DILL !!!

They Have Arrived

2010-03-05T09:26:00.000-05:00

Red Wing Blackbirds!! I read somewhere that the Red Wing Blackbird was the official bird of Spring in PA. And this morning there were two feeding on the ground under my bird feeders. So, Spring cannot be that far away. Yesterday on my way out to feed the ducks I also spotted Daffodils poking their little green heads out from under the straw. Now mind you this is the South side of my house, but who cares, its was a wee bit of green and that has got to make you smile. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

HI EVERYONE ....A NEW MEMBER....

2010-02-17T16:40:00.003-05:00

Kim from Petals and Porch Posts......I am hoping everyone will welcome her and I promise if we start posting here again (with all our springthyme thoughts) it will come....SPRING that is...

Welcome Kim,
Glad you have joined us....so tell us about Petals and Porch Posts....sounds like a fun store to me. Judy

IT WON'T BE LONG....

2010-02-11T15:09:00.003-05:00

The promise of spring will be on it's way soon.....after Saturday's snowstorm and then the BIG one yesterday I have started to make that my mantra!! Today the sun is shining and I sat down and made a list of the herbs I need to order for next week..I am hoping to be able to bring some plants into the store after visiting my favorite greenhouse ! I haven't talked to Alta (the herblady supreme) to see what is available but since we are "snowbound" I will wait till next week - I REALLY NEED SOME SPRINGTHYME PROMISES...and nothing says that better than an armful of herbs!!

My "windowsill" herbs and fairy garden from last summer are still going strong. Rubbing my hand up the spine of the rosemary is so mentally delicious!! The Rose Scented Geranium is just begging to have some leaves snipped for a Rose Geranium Cheese Spread - maybe tomorrow I will make some. The lone plant is Cuban Oregano.....sensually magnificent!

Enjoy my little windowsill of spring.

DAYDREAMING......

2010-01-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

Hoping to have some herbs in the store right after Valentine's Day....depends on the weather if I can pick them up or not...we just get the basics....some rosemary, mint, majoram (cause it grows wonderful indoors), thyme and maybe some scented geraniums. Of course when I get to the greenhouse I want it ALL !! Nothing better for the soul than a greenhouse filled with herbs in February!!

SNOWING HERE TOO..

2009-12-05T19:58:00.002-05:00

Hi Susan and Ginny......we had our Sleigh Ride Event going on today and the snow was just the perfect added touch.
Susan.....I am sure the customers were quite festive and in the "purchasing" mood - they were at the store today...something about the cold, snow, twinkling lights and Christmas Carols just puts a smile on everyone's face. Your Holiday Open House sounds so inviting...wish I would have been able to come!
I have a (3 1/2 year old) rosemary plant, scented rose geranium and a lemon balm plant all in a second floor south window - I moved the rosemary from the big room into the little room (I think you remember how the 2nd floor was set up).....and keep hoping it will do okay. My rose geranium at home - died - it was old and clipped too many times I am afraid ! I do love making that rose geranium cheese spread to serve in the winter when no one expects it!
I wish you luck with your plants - fingers crossed.

Ginny.....YIKES...you have lots more snow than we do....at the store it was only about an inch when we left (but really coming down fast)...on the way home we hit spots of just wet roads....and then when we got close to home (16 miles from store) it was a mess!!! The plow went up our road though....we are a secondary state road so sometimes they do and sometimes they don't !!!

Snowing In The Lehigh Valley

2009-12-05T19:38:00.004-05:00

It's snowing in the LV as well. I went out to put the ducks to bed and decided I would measure the snow. I measured in three places and divided the number by 3 and came up with 5.33 inches!! It is very pretty out and quite, except for the occasional snow mobile. If you are going out, take it easy, our roads are not plowed. Stay Warm, Have a good night.

IT'S SNOWING.......

2009-12-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

........here in NE Penn. and its cold outside. This is the perfect day for my Holiday Open House. I have spiced cider in the crock-pot and mulled wine on the stove, customers are shopping in the soft glow of candlelight, nibbling on sweets and savories throughout the store. The herbs are in for the winter. I try not to bring in too many herbs, I just don't have the room to overwinter everything.

I don't have any south facing windows in the shop so the bay trees and the scented geraniums are in an east window and so far so good. I think in a month or two they will not look nearly as nice, they get very lanky trying to reach for the light. I have patchouli, scented geraniums and rosemary in a west window. We'll see how they do there.

FAIRYLAND....

2009-12-02T07:08:00.003-05:00

The picture is of my "Fairy Garden" that I made in May while giving a Fairy Garden Class at the store. I brought it inside and put it on a windowsill upstairs at the store. These past two days I have rearranged the upstairs and needed to bring it home....I can't believe it is still growing. (I have to admit some neglect) !!! Now to find the right windowsill here at home to keep it alive...hopefully some of the "fairies" have come home with me too and will keep everything growing.....Italian oregano, mother of thyme and rosemary ( the rosemary doesn't look so good)! I have a first floor hallway windowsill that seems to like plants...right now the Cuban Oregano is doing great there. My 3 year old rose geranium moved on - sadly - but I have another one growing at the store. (Need it to make my rose geranium cheese spread) Has anyone brought their herbs in for the winter???

TIME TO PUT THE HERBS TO REST...

2009-10-27T21:24:00.003-04:00

Hi girls...Frost is on the pumpkin and mums - the final sprigs of dill are yet to be harvested...I have petunias blooming and marigolds dying ??? Such a mixed up summer and fall we have had. One day 70 degrees the next it is 32 degrees! ON TO WINTER - do any of you make Christmas wreaths and swags....Would love to see pictures of your holiday greenery!

Saturday Evening Harvest

2009-09-19T19:37:00.003-04:00

Good Evening Gardeners, After we got our van all packed for our antique shop tomorrow I was able to go out to the garden and harvest some of the herbs. The weather weenies are calling for a frost up North, so I did not want to take a chance. It actually was a bit cool out, but nice to be out there. I picked, Pineapple Sage, Rose Geranium and Lemon Verbena. The Rose Geranium is on the mud porch and boy does it smell sweet. The other two are in the Family Room. I have off all next week as we will be out at Kutztown, PA starting on Thursday thru Saturday for their three day Antique Show, but Monday I will have time to work some more with my herbs, I will be cutting Lemon Balm and Spearmint. The marigolds that I took a chance on in the middle of the Summer and planted in a old wheel barrow, look beautiful, we took pictures, but the camera is packed away with the show stuff, I will post a picture next week. Have a great Sunday, enjoy the last few days of Summer.

WINDING DOWN...

2009-09-16T22:37:00.002-04:00

Just plain tired of keeping up with the gardens...time to say enough is enough....Alfred is our gnome visitor - you can see him peeking from under the tomato plant - when he goes away GARDEN THYME is officially over....he's still here so guess I have to labor on !!!

SECOND HARVEST...

2009-09-11T22:25:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone....been so busy with open house at the store I haven't visited here very often...glad you are carrying on! My herb garden is ready to harvest again....but not sure when I will find the time. (sad face) Today it was so cool....55 degrees...and really made me think winter was coming early....that is NOT A GOOD THING ....I am not a winter person...(another sad face) !!
I have never made anything with pineapple sage....and was surprised that it is eatable...always thought it was just ornamental. Fun to learn something new everyday!!
Andrea - your pineapple sage is so pretty....I can smell it right thru the computer....!!!

I WAS........

2009-09-11T12:08:00.001-04:00

........ just cruising thru the blog and came across a post by me, but there was nothing there. Hmmm, wonder what that's about.

Pineapple Sage

2009-09-10T18:13:00.003-04:00

This Pineapple Sage is at its Peak!
The Hummingbirds really love these flowers and the leaves smell Wonderful!!
Can't help but crush a few leaves as I walk by just to get the sweet smell~

Happy Fall Gardening Girls!

End of Summer~

2009-08-25T21:43:00.005-04:00

Just like everyone else~ I've been busy with end of Summer chores!
Trying to harvest as much Herbs & Flowers as I can. All the mints have been dried and it's time to crush them for potpourri. Here's some Rubeckia~ this dries Great! I like to dry them with the stem facing down into a framed screen. This way they dry opened up and look great in arrangements.

Echinacea can be dried the same way~ or if hung upside down the petals will curl inwards and you don't get as much color

Yarrow is ready to harvest~

Here's some freshly harvested Globe Amaranth~ this really keeps its color!

SOLD !!! The Watering Can...!!

2009-08-23T22:09:00.002-04:00

Everyone must be very, very busy harvesting and gathering their gardens since it is so quiet here lately. Me...I am just HOT....the weather has been so humid and just wears you out. Weeds are growing and hard to keep up with...but the herb garden looks just beautiful as it is ready for it's second harvesting. WHICH I don't think I have the energy to do...LOL!! We are getting ready for Harvest Thyme at the store and that is taking all my time and energy!
I did FINALLY sell the beautiful watering can with the scented geranium planted in it....you should have seen how wonderful it is growing in there. I do hope she brings it in the house and keeps it going. My basil is now a TREE - and I am just giving it away to anyone who walks by the house...(big smile)...Hope everyone is having a great end of summer......

ATTAR OF ROSE SCENTED GERANIUM...

2009-08-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

My mistake...for some reason I thought it was a Lemon Geranium we planted in the watering can...but it is not....(in my defense they do look very much alike) ....I have this for sale but no buyers ??? How silly of them...$20. is all I am asking... Oh well, I will put it on my windowsill and let it grow and grow and grow. Bet this would make some fine Rose Geranium Sugar too!!

I LOVE SCENTED GERANIUMS TOO...

2009-08-07T17:37:00.002-04:00

I have to remember to take a picture of the lemon geranium I have growing in an olde watering can...it loves it there. I am hoping to be able to bring it inside for the winter.
I love your story Becky....can you imagine the stench of years ago with no sewers or water systems...I can't even handle a port-a-potty !!
Weeds are growing really good around here...I am loaded with sour grass and thistle...it had to be in the mulch.
My basil is now a tree.....what is the best way to preserve it ??? HELP !!!

Scented Geraniums

2009-08-05T21:30:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite stories about Scented Geraniums is about taking advantage of its strong scent. Long ago the ladies of the house would plant the scented geraniums by the door,as the guest came in the door the lady of the house would swish her long skirt against the plant and a wonderful scent would fill the air.... The first Air Freshener had been invented!

Tea

2009-08-05T21:19:00.002-04:00

When I moved to KY ...I was just getting to know my neighbors. We had a neighborhood yard sale, so I made scented geranium sun tea. I think these women had never seen anything like this as they snickered about the leaves in the tea. But it was good, so I won some respect. However, they still talk about the day I brought out tea with elephant ear leaves in it! (they were really rose scented germanium leaves). I do not know anyone who does not love the scented geraniums when they touch and feel and smell them.

One of my favorites is the Lemon scented ..Lemon Rupert. I use the stiff lemon stems as swizzle sticks in Lemonade or lemon drinks...fun!

Many Ideas

2009-07-30T09:04:00.001-04:00

Thank you Girls for all of the ideas for the scented geraniumns, can't wait to try some!!

MY SCENTED ROSE GERANIUM...

2009-07-29T20:13:00.005-04:00

Here is a picture of my scented rose geranium that I keep in the house...(and YES my walls are pumpkin) This plant is 3 years olde (the picture was taken in March...it is even bigger since I have been trimming it) It sits on a hallway windowsill where it gets nice light! I use it for my cheese spread and I also make rose geranium sugar that I use in a tea bread and pound cake. Herbal sugars are great to use...when I make a cake and it calls for 2 cups of sugar, I use 1 cup regular sugar and 1 cup an herbal sugar...be it lavender, geranium or mint.
Wish I had more time to play with the goodies from my garden !

ROSE GERANIUM CHEESE SPREAD...

2009-07-29T20:02:00.002-04:00

Want to try the most delish (even the men love it) cheese spread using scented geranium leaves?? Of course you do !! I serve this every year at our Herbal Faire....and thru-out the summer on Pepperidge Farm butterfly crackers...

8 oz. cream cheese - softened

4-5 medium rose geranium leaves....chopped fine

Mix together and chill -

(for the store I always made a double batch as it goes quickly)

The taste is unusually good....you don't want to stop eating ! Good spread on celery too!

Scented Geraniums~

2009-07-29T16:31:00.005-04:00

Hi Girls!

Yes, Scented Geraniums are super easy to dry! I just bunch them and hang them.
They tend to turn a dull green/light brown color but they still keep that pungent scent!

I use the Essential oil of Rose Geranium in my soaps, body oils & bath salts.
If your looking to do something with the pink blossoms, they look beautiful floating on top of a glass of Herbal Iced Tea. The blossoms & leaves can be stored in your canister of sugar~ to bring out the flavor in the iced tea as well~

I've even seen recipes for Rose Geranium jelly!

And of course they're perfect in potpourri :)

Thanks You

2009-07-29T08:56:00.001-04:00

Thanks Becky for your response and also to Judy for making sure I saw the post. Hope Becky joins us! Have a great day everyone.

DRYING...

2009-07-29T08:02:00.004-04:00

Hi Ginny...Becky left this comment on your question about the scented geraniums...and I wanted to make sure you saw it...I am sending Becky and invite right now and hopefully she will join in and share more...Judy

OOPS !! I don't have your email address Becky..if you would like to join this forum and be able to post and add pictures please send it to me at cinnamonstick@comcast.net I hope you will join us !!

Basil Becky said...
I love scented gernamiums. I dry them several ways. Often I will take the leaves off the stem and lay them in basket or I have simply hung the stem with the leaves in a good palce to dry.A fun thing is to then put the dried leaves in old panty hose and hang in your closet! Instant moth repellant!

Herbal question

2009-07-27T19:54:00.002-04:00

Good Evening Ladies, My Rose Lemon Scented Geranium is huge. I just love the smell of the it when I pulling weeds and fussing in the raised bed. But, I need to know, how do I save the leaves and hopefully the scent. It is also getting pink flowers on it, which I will save as well if I can, but I need to know if anyone has had any experience drying the leaves. Thanks, I will check back.

WHAT A GREAT IDEA..

2009-07-25T19:27:00.004-04:00

I love the idea of tying a bell on the "catnip" bags....very clever Andrea and I have to tell you I am going to the store tomorrow and doing just that !!! I don't have a stamp of a cat either...will have to look for one cause I also love that idea. Thanks for sharing !!
We cut all the mint here too....I don't make potpourri anymore....just never enough thyme...but I plan to order some from you. It looks wonderful on your website. (although I did dry all my larkspur for future "sprinkles" like you suggested!) Everyone should check our Andrea's website she has great treasures for sale!!!
www.crowsnestprimitiveshoppe.com

More Mint~

2009-07-25T17:31:00.005-04:00

Your Catnip bags look Great Judy!
I'm sure you'll sell them all out~ We sell lots at our shop too. I stamp mine with a rubber stamp of a cat and tie a jingle bell to the muslin bag too.

I harvested lots of Mint & Yarrow today.

Here's the Mint drying~

When it's dried, I'll crush it up and use it in the Victorian & Cottage Garden Potpourri~

Here's some of the Yarrow~ My cat Spooky loves to be involved too :)

Most of my Herbs needed a good cutting back. The Catmint, Valerian and Lavender all got a haircut today. The Tansy has gone crazy and I'll be cutting that back but first I want to get some flower bunches out of it. Same with the Sage~ cut, bunch & dry :)

Happy Gardening~

HERE KITTY, KITTY, KITTY...

2009-07-23T20:27:00.004-04:00

The catnip is all dried and I have started stripping the stalks of leaves and putting them in the bags to sell.

(there is more now...LOL!!) But wanted to get the picture taken. Rained all day today off and on - muggy too. Some of the garden looks terrific and other parts look very weary and sad with this crazy mixed up weather we have been having. (Personally I LOVE the 68 degree mornings and 78 degree afternoons !!! So tell me gals...."How does your garden grow?"

THE DEED IS DONE....:(

2009-07-14T17:33:00.005-04:00

This is what the herb garden at the store looks like right now....it HAD to be done...everything was growing too wild and gone to flower. Oh what goodies I found underneath the overgrowth... Pennyroyal, Calendula, Alfred our resident Gnome, a little toad house and Catnip our Cat ( I think she is very sad as this is where the "catmint" was growing! Next to Flora Nestbasket is an heirloom tomato plant - one of my customers gave to me...has some tomatoes on it too!! The dill is going to seed too - which will give me another crop before fall ( I love dill and have been using it quite often)...unfortunately the vinca grew wild with all the rain and took over the whole side garden...please excuse the grass/weeds around the flowerpots....this is our "garden edging" and we have not been very gracious about keeping it nice.....I must move all the pots this week when Tony comes to mow - it looks horrid! We had a big olde "gear" from a piece of farm equipment..(???)...in the center of this picture and planted in between the iron spokes...but I had Tony pull it out as you couldn't see it any longer and the vinca just killed off the flowers...There is some cinnamon basil in there somewhere too....( the wire fencing along the wall is what I call my "country clothesline" - When I dye something I hang it out there to dry -

Soon everything will grow back....at least I hope so.

CATMINT...

2009-07-12T08:41:00.003-04:00

I finally got some of the "catmint" harvested....will do the rest today...and hung in the attic at the store to dry. I will stuff if in little muslin sacks which are stamped "CATNIP"....
catnip or catmint? - seems to be two separate varieties but come from the same family - here are two definitions found on the internet.....I am sure the "cats" don't care what I call it !!!!

Catnip (Nepeta cataria).
(credit: Walter Chandoha)Aromatic herb (Nepeta cataria) of the mint family. Catnip has spikes of small, purple-dotted flowers. It has been used as a seasoning and as a medicinal tea for colds and fever. Because its mintlike flavour and aroma are particularly exciting to domestic cats, it is often used as a stuffing for cat toys.
Meaning #1: hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats Synonyms: catnip, Nepeta cataria

Hey girls...where are your pictures of what you are up to??? Love when you share....Judy

Classes

2009-07-08T22:46:00.003-04:00

Yes~ You should do the class!
There's so many combination of herbs & spices that work great in vinegars.
Sage, Tarragon, Parsley, Cilantro, Chives, Chili Peppers, Peppercorns, Garlic cloves...just about anything!
When I make the vinegars at home I never bother to heat up the vinegar either. The most important thing is to sterilize the glass jars.

Handmade Vinegars make beautiful gifts. Just cover the cap with homespun or cheesecloth, tie some raffia and attach an "Herbal" tag and your sure to impress!!

Now you have to offer the class & we want to see pictures~

BEAUTIFUL ....

2009-07-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

Andrea your chive vinegar is beautiful....Now I am sorry that I didn't think of doing this class earlier cause the chive vinegar would be "spectacular" and quite easy for beginners ! Do you sell your vinegars in the store? I don't have any kind of a "food handlers license" or the facilities to make anything to sell. But the class would be different - I really want to do this and I think it would be lots of fun....stinky but fun !!!! LOL!!! Of course I will use recipes where you don't have to heat the vinegar....(I never do anyway even when it says too...) You have inspired me!!!

Herbal Vinegars~

2009-07-08T20:38:00.002-04:00

Great idea Judy!
I think having a class on making Herbal Vinegars would be a big hit at your Shop!
Here's a few pictures of the Chive vinegar I make.

Super Easy to Make & the Pink color looks Beautiful~

Happy Gardening :)

NOW AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH !!!

2009-07-08T07:37:00.000-04:00

A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. ~Doug Larson

HERBAL VINEGARS...

2009-07-07T19:28:00.005-04:00

I have been toying with the idea of having an "Herbal Vinegar Seminar" (doesn't that sound profound!) at the store. Since most of the gals who grow herbs that I know do it for the "simple country pleasure" of it - I thought we need to get together and make herbal vinegars. They are simple to make and the ones that I make for myself are easy, with few ingredients and "delicious". I love herbal vinegar sprinkled on my salads, cauliflower, spinach and I also use it in cooking when I want a unique taste! My deviled eggs are the BEST because of the added vinegar!

I am thinking a get together in our classroom where I would explain all about the vinegars, hand out recipes and make three different types right on the spot. Then in a couple weeks the girls could come back with their own "fancy" bottles to pour the vinegars in for taking home! I use glass salad dressing jars with the plastic lid. The fee would be minimal and we could even make our own Herbal Vinegar tags ... My wish would be that they would go home and make lots of herbal vinegars to give as gifts - (especially with the economy the way it is) A homemade gift for teachers, friends, family, neighbors...would be much appreciated I am sure! Oh now I just have to do it....any suggestions???

The picture is of my basil at home.....I never seem to have very good luck with basil - this may be the cinnamon basil plant (forgot to check) but no matter what kind it just doesn't do well at home...(and that is my dead chives next to it ???) ...now at the store it grows to be a BUSH!

I AM MISSING YOU GUYS....!!

2009-07-05T19:57:00.004-04:00

BUT, I am so happy you are blogging about your gardens....if you haven't read on The Spice Cupboard - I am having horrid computer woes.....working hard to get it fixed but you know how that goes..."hurry up and wait"....!! I am so illiterate when it comes to the techno stuff - I took so many pics and can't show you....(very sad face)....I love the borage - but mine disappeared...??? I think maybe hubby was tired of all the bees it attracted where I had it planted !!! I always loved sprinkling the star like flowers over a salad...
Susan...what a great idea for the Rhubarb punch...(now I dislike rhubarb) but love the idea of the glass bowl inside the olde agate. I have a large stoneware bowl I use for punch when we have events at the store but your idea is more primitive and I love it!!!
Lovage is delicious just like Andrea said....I used it all the time....but again....house repairs where the lovage was planted gave it a quick demise!
Keep writing gals.....I miss not being able to get on here everyday....soon I hope my problems will go away.....Happy gardening....XO, Judy

Borage

2009-06-29T20:15:00.002-04:00

The Borage is in blossom.
With its beautiful blue flowers, this herb is a wonderful addition to your collection!
Besides, it's super easy to grow and makes tons of babies that you can share with other gardener friends :)

We sell the dried leaves at the shop, it's very popular for treating styes & other ailments~

Happy Gardening!

RHUBARB PUNCH RECIPE

2009-06-27T13:49:00.002-04:00

I used a clear glass bowl inside this old enamel pot that belonged to my significant others grandmother. This punch is so good and easy to make. Please visit my blog (hennypennyscountrystore.blogspot.com) for the recipe. I also have diced rhubarb fresh frozen in 2 lb. packs for sale in the shop. I have rhubarb punch made to sample in the shop this weekend, June 26 & 27, and next July 3 & 4. Hope y' all can come by and visit.

OH NO!

2009-06-27T11:37:00.002-04:00

My thyme plant has a lot of blossoms but it is very spindly. I better amend the soil---just wait til you see the next picture. And I'm wondering where all the bees are! I want to do a flagstone path around the shop and fill in-between with thyme (mother-of-thyme?) plants and never did because of the bees. I won't have to worry about that now, will I?Here is that other picture I mentioned above! What a sorry sight. This is really a tomato plant.
All there is is a stem and a yellowed leaf and a tomato. I wonder if it is safe to eat! I planted 4 tomato plants in this garden and 2 look like this. The other 2 look a little better but not much. I'm wondering if the mulch I put on is too strong. We got a huge load of horsemanure that has wood chips mixed in. Maybe it needs to age more. We have had the manure for a good 9 months now, and I thought that would be enough aging time. Oh well, garden and learn---I always say!

Comfrey & Lovage~

2009-06-27T08:51:00.002-04:00

Your Comfrey & Lovage Plants bring back memories!!
My mother is a medical herbalist and I grew up with lots of common (and not so common) herbs growing in the gardens~

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has always been a very important herb for healing. We've used it for over 30 years in our "Magic Healing Salve" and mom always brought in a few leaves to her students for herb identification. She would show them a Comfrey leaf and a Foxglove leaf and see if they could identify which one was which. Most students couldn't tell the difference~ Her point was that if you mistake Foxglove for Comfrey you could become very sick. She would tell the story of an old couple that thought they were cook'n up a big pot of Comfrey tea, when actually they were using Foxglove leaves and they both died.....Don't know if the story was true but it always got thru to the students how important Herb identification is :)

Mom had a Comfrey plant growing that was actually named "Humpfrey"
If your going to plant comfrey you better plant it where you want it to grow forever because you can NEVER transplant it! It will always come back in that original spot~
Humpfrey was dug up many times and still managed to pop up again, the only thing that stopped "him" from growing was building an addition onto the house and covering him up for good!
Poor Humpfrey :)

GARDEN WALK

2009-06-25T13:09:00.005-04:00

This is my son Cody the Snakehunter. Our old farmhouse sat empty for 9 or so years before we bought it and there are a few old gardens scattered about. I have been trying to clear them out little by little, looking for salvageable herbs and flowers. I found lemonbalm, grapevine (there's even an arbor), elderberry, daylilies, daffies and a snake in this one. This snake is probably just a common garden variety, I didn't get a good look at it, but I'm guessing it's 3-4 feet long. Well, the plants are 2-3 feet tall and Cody is using an old garden tool moving the plants around trying to find the snake. It must have slithered away---we never saw it again. So anyways, when we first moved here a small snake used to sun itself on the backporch which is only 4 feet from the garden. My guess is that this little snake has grown up. I also found (in another garden) raspberries growing wild in with my feverfew. I don't know what happened but the feverfew has grown 4 feet tall this year. And in yet another wild garden, the church groundskeeper did some weedeating and chopped 15-20 berry plants down to the ground. Well, they grew again and I dug them up yesterday and will make a new berry patch somewhere else. A row of bright yellow yarrow ready for cutting and drying. These will also rebloom again for more dried bunches.

I love this herb, its called comfrey. Russian comfrey to be exact. It bushes out at the bottom and makes a nice clump. Then the flower spikes grow another foot or 2 taller. I have used this plant as a hedge around an herb bed before.

Has anyone ever used lovage? This herb is the PERENIAL answer to celery. It grows as a big clump and then the flower spikes grow to 8 feet tall. The flowers look like the wild carrot flowers that are blooming now along the roadsides. The lovage leaves are great to use for celery flavor in soups and dips and on sandwiches. Sometimes fresh herbs are too strong to eat whole leaves but not lovage. If you use the leaves in soup, you have to add the leaves towards the end of the cooking time, otherwise the flavor cooks away. The stems are real thick and hollow, they make great straws (especially in Bloody Marys). This spring I didn't have a chance to pot any babies to sell----but----its not too late yet. I am going to transplant this big plant soon and will pot some up then.

IT DIDN'T RAIN TODAY.........YET

2009-06-21T18:30:00.002-04:00

Sorry to be such a downer but geez oh man.....enough with the wet stuff! The yard has deep ruts in it where the mower wheels just sunk into the mud. The herbs (and weeds) are growing TOO FAST - except my dill.....I don't think he likes this weather at all. AND poor Rosemary - she doesn't like to get her feet wet as it is....and is standing in puddles!!! The only good thing is that the weeds will be easy to pull out!!!

I love your Lady's Mantle Andrea....I think Ginny has a nice patch planted too.....I wanted to get some plants this year and completely forgot....I think the flowers are so beautiful...the color is so unique..a pretty yellow-green...and what beautiful "herbal bouquets" they make !

The wild "tiger lilys" are blooming all along our roadsides and I think they love the rain!!!

I started to harvest some of the herbs from the garden at the store.....I love this herb rack that Tony made ( I have them in the store for sale)...it was on the cover of the October, 1983 Country Living magazine and I fell "ga-ga" over it ! Tony made me one for the house (way back then) and now I have some at the store....!!!

Lady's Mantle

2009-06-17T10:12:00.004-04:00

Morning Everyone~

Love the "Fairy Dust" Judy!

I was out in the Gardens this morning and thought I'd share a few pics with you~

The Lady's Mantle is is bloom~

This herb looks beautiful cascading over a stone wall or edging a Garden! I use it a lot in the background when I'm taking pictures of my Beauty products. It reminds me of something you'd see in the old Victorian Gardens~ Real easy to grow too!

Here's another herb that I absolutely LOVE! This Thyme is called "Ruby Glow"~
This is the second year it's come up and so far it's been very hardy, filled with compact leaves & FULL of bright "ruby" colored blossoms~

Thanks for letting me share~
Andrea

GARDEN FAIRIES...

2009-06-14T22:09:00.001-04:00

Hi Anne.....I think my fairies wanted to meet yours.....
I have to get busy and get the lavender harvested too....I was hoping to try my hand at making a lavender wand.....don't know why I think this is so difficult when the directions seem so easy....Might do that tomorrow too !!!

Hi Everyone

2009-06-14T16:30:00.005-04:00

Thanks for the nice welcome Judy. :)

We had quite a bit of rain here in CT too last week. My gardens look nice and green though and everything is thriving, including lots of weeds. I love to take pictures of my gardens so I hope to share a lot in the future. I've never shared on a group blog like this before so until I learn my way around here better I'll just share this one picture for now. These are the two little fairies that I found hiding in my lavender.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago, and now all my lavender plants are in bloom. I picked some this morning and added them to a vase with some roses. Oh my they smell lovely. I'll gather more during the week for drying.

WELCOME ANNE...

2009-06-13T20:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone....Anne from Backyard Treasures has just joined our blog....HI ANNE and WELCOME...do you have some pics to share???
Oh my as I sit here and type I am watching a baby bunny eat my parsley....he is so cute....it is a big patch so I will share it with him.....!!! ooopsss...there he goes !!!
My herb garden is completely out of control now...today we had lots of sunshine in the morning and then the rains came...flooding downpours....it is still raining. I don't mind a summer drizzle but this is getting olde !! IF (and that is a big if) it is not raining tomorrow I will just cut down the lemon balm and feverfew - sage is not quite ready...and the mint and hang it to dry. I have a nice batch of catmint too...I want to get it before it flowers and goes to seed ! It is a bit frustrating right now. And I am sure the rain has beat down the dill....I did pick some yesterday- I love dill in my salads.
Andrea.....I am sick I didn't pick the larkspur...it looks so pretty in the flower beds....but I wanted to dry it for potpourri....and this rain today...YIKES !! If it is still standing tomorrow and not bare of flowers....I am picking it for sure!!!!

WEIRD WEATHER FOR HERBS AND FLOWERS

2009-06-12T19:16:00.004-04:00

RAIN RAIN RAIN....HOT HOT HOT....MUGGY AND DAMP !! One minute the herbs are just about growing and the next they are on their way to flower....hard to keep up with everything! I harvested some Italian oregano, golden oregano, dill and lavender today - and put them in a pot of water to sell. (the golden oregano already sold) !!

Here is a picture of the Fairy Garden I made in class on Saturday....I have so much fun doing these classes !! Planted is Rosemary, Oregano and Mother of Thyme (the fairies favorite!)

Potpourri

2009-06-11T12:37:00.003-04:00

Judy~
Same thing is happening with my Peonies! I've been meaning to cut them and hang them to dry, but of course they looked too pretty and now it's raining and they are soaked~ they'll probably turn brown soon too :(

Another thing about the Larkspur (or anything you dry) it looks great sprinkled inside a gift basket or in with items that are packaged in cellophane. Sometimes it's the perfect "finishing touch"

Yes, I wholesale my potpourri. Feel free to contact me thru my website and I'll set up a wholesale account for you. Or I'd be happy to send you an old fashioned "Print" catalog~

Andrea

BEAUTIFUL POTPOURRI...

2009-06-11T07:48:00.002-04:00

Andrea - your Crow Potpourri is beautiful....I can't believe I never thought of drying just the flowers - I usually make bunches and haven't made my own potpourri in "forever and a day" ! I did pick lots of lavender stems on Sunday and have them drying....but missed the one plant as it wasn't ready Sunday and by the time I got back to the store yesterday it had flowered....can harvest a few stems - but now we are having RAIN AGAIN !!
Do you wholesale your potpourri??? Judy

Dried Larkspur

2009-06-10T20:57:00.004-04:00

Beautiful Larkspur Judy!
If you've never dried the flowers ~ you should try it!
They really keep their bright blue color! I have them in my Country Crow Potpourri :)

Andrea,

LARKSPUR ...

2009-06-10T19:26:00.003-04:00

The Larkspur is starting to bloom in the front gardens at the store....it just comes up wherever it pleases! I just found a plant in the herb garden on the other side of the building...!! I am always giving these seeds away so if you want some just holler and I will be sure to gets some to you when they are done blooming. I pick the flowers but they do not last long after doing so....but I love the way they fall onto the table underneath the other blooms....always reminds me of an olde painting. Silly aren't I !!!

FIRST HARVEST....

2009-06-08T16:28:00.003-04:00

Hi Herbal friends.....I had to cut my Feverfew this morning as it was all in bloom.....that always makes me sad to cut it down when it looks so pretty. The plants at the store are only in bud stage so I will still have some pretty flowers to make me smile! I also harvested some dwarf sage - I didn't take it all cause I would like to make a base of sage for mini wreaths....it smells so good!

Can you see that little "gnome" hiding in the Feverfew ??? He is so shy and doesn't want his picture taken!!

I hang the herbs to dry on our side enclosed porch (this use to be part of my store when it was in my home many moons ago) You walk into this room when you enter our house (we don't use the front door).....and when the herbs are drying it smells so wonderful! The door goes into my laundry/utility/storage room..... There is only one small window in there so the herbs are away from the sunlight!

Valerian Blossoms

2009-06-05T17:24:00.004-04:00

My Valerian is Beautiful this Year!!

If anyone has ever taken Valerian Root capsules for sleeping then they know how "stinky" the root is...but the Flower of the Valerian plant has such a Wonderful Sweet Aroma that you'd never know it was the same plant! I grow it outside my windows so that I can smell it in the house.

This is a super easy plant to grow too. It's likes "wet feet" so it will do best where it gets plenty of water. Keep in mind that it grows a good 4-5 feet tall, so I like to plant it behind other herbs or perennials~

Soggy Yards

2009-06-05T08:34:00.002-04:00

Good Morning, Yes, Judy I think you did tick off the Big Mom!! But, its sounds like she is going to forgive you tomorrow. Last I checked my feverfew was not blooming yet, that was Monday. It has alot of buds, just no flowers yet. Does anyone know if the flowers can be dried? If so, please post it here or e-mail me @ duckslady@gmail.com . It also looks like my tansy is going to bloom soon as well, plant must be about 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall, we had to tie it up and then prop it up with a piece of antique iron fencing, guess I won't be selling that either, I have go to stop that, I'm suppose to sell the stuff I buy for the business, but it just looks so darn good in the yard! Well, Ladies have a great day and Judy have a good time making those Fairy Gardens.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY....ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...

2009-06-05T07:45:00.003-04:00

Oh dear...I must have really "irked" Mother Nature with a few comments....YIKES !!
Please accept my apology Ms. Nature !!!
I wanted to take pics of the feverfew which is just starting to bloom.....maybe tomorrow after the Fairy Garden Class....suppose to be "sunshiny" !!!
******I see that there are a few new gals who have signed up to follow this blog.....would you like to join the group and post along with us ????? Please say yes....the more the merrier !! This is really a learning and sharing blog - and we have some really "knowledgeable" gals on here....(I am not one of them....but enjoy sharing my pictures and adventures and reading about everyone else's and I LOVE pictures of your gardens)...
If you would like to join please email me thru my profile and I will send you an invite.....Judy

Hi Everyone!

2009-06-01T22:37:00.005-04:00

Thanks for the warm Welcome Judy! I'm looking forward to viewing everyone's garden pictures & comments :)

Andrea

A post from Crows Nest Primitives Shoppe

2009-06-01T22:17:00.002-04:00

Andrea left this comment and since I am (I think) the only one who gets notice when a comment is made I thought I would copy and paste the comment....so it doesn't get missed by all us MINT lovers !!!.....LOL!!

"So Glad to see other Gardener's Appreciating Mints!! I love using Orange, Chocolate & Pineapple Mints in all my Flower Beds. They dry beautifully too. It's a shame that most gardener's are so afraid of the mints "Taking-Over" I say Let them :)Andrea,"

Hopefully Andrea will join our blog and post.....Welcome Andrea !!!

Mint Beds

2009-06-01T15:29:00.002-04:00

Okay Judy & Susan, you have now me itching to get into my Spearmint Bed, there are all sorts of things growing in there. So, after dinner I will be heading out side to start pulling out all the things that don't belong there. I also have to plant marigolds in the tomato bed to keep the bugs at bay. Thanks Ladies!!

MORE - Mint to be friends...

2009-06-01T15:01:00.009-04:00

Above it a picture of the "curly" mint and apple mint all growing together. This is at the back of our home - it is not as tall as the window makes it look...this part of the house was added on in 1949 and is just made of cinderblock - it is my laundry room (storage room for heater, water tank, and ALL my fabric!!) The window is waist high inside and only knee high on the outside - this part of the house was built lower than the other side - who knows why ???? Another picture of the mint - When I was taking the pictures I found this "curry" plant from last year....I am so excited - my clothes dryer vent is right there and I am sure that is why it wintered over.....This is not the curry that comes from India....but you can use it ...it just is not as "potent" ! The plant does smell divine and can be dried and used in making wreaths etc. That was fun finding the curry - any surprises in your gardens????