Category Archives: herbs

Herbs for Health

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Helen

To speak an obvious truth, the pandemic is affecting all our lives and most certainly not always for the best. At the same time, it would be remiss of me to suggest that my life has come to a complete … Continue reading →

Posted in edible flowers, foraging, forest garden, Health, herbs, In the kitchen, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 30 Comments

Black cumin

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Helen

Well, I picked one of the smallest crops I’ve ever had today but it was an experiment of sorts. A few years ago, I attempted to grow cumin but as is often the way, it didn’t get watered enough. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Thyme to plant

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Helen

A couple of months ago, I got a thyme plant with my vegetable share from the local organic farm. I’m not a particular fan of this herb but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, either. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Slow burn echinacea

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Helen

I’ve lost count of how many years ago I bought a pack of echinacea seeds, sowed them and tended the seedlings till they were ready to go out in the front garden. Nothing happened, they appeared to die. So, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Didn’t expect more purple

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Helen

Usually, I kill sage before it has chance to flower. This year is different. As I had never seen sage flowers before, I had not known what to expect and was totally charmed when the buds burst yesterday. With purple … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

No let-up!

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Helen

If you are in the U.K., you may be forgiven for thinking this post is a moan about the incessant rain. However, as it appears to be doing my garden some good – ah, the sandy loam is coming into … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Harvesting begins

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Helen

One minute the fennel seeds seemed not to be ripe, the next moment they were starting to fall off the plants. Now, I don’t want my garden to be full of nothing but fennel and I think a herbalist might … Continue reading →

Posted in forest garden, herbs, trees | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Where’s the vigour then?

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Helen

When I bought my pond plant in order to oxygenate the water, I was warned that it might take over and I think it is even banned in Ireland because of this. However, I don’t personally see the threat: True, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs, Pond and bog garden | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Before I drown…

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Helen

It’s that time of year when the strawberry plants start shooting out their runners. The plants I have are not just good fruit producers but they are experts at reproduction. Hence: Unfortunately, I doubt a strawberry plant, no matter how … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs, Pond and bog garden | Tagged , | 6 Comments

A flowery corner

Posted on July 28, 2019 by Helen

For what seems like years now, I’ve despaired over the productivity in the area just beyond the pond. And this year it looks like it could be not only a food basket but be a feast of flowers. Aside from … Continue reading →

Posted in edible flowers, herbs | Tagged , , | 15 Comments