My herbs are coming back strong this year. We have had lots of rain for a change. This bed has 2 kinds of sage, bee balm, holly hocks, chives, blanket flower and coeopsis in it.

An Herbal Tea Garden

Why not make a change from your usual cup of store-bought coffee or tea and try your own homegrown herbal brew? Most herbs are easy to grow and don't need to take up a lot of space. If you have room, you can place the containers in this design in a bed surrounded by low creeping herbs, or they can stand alone on a sunny deck or patio (with the creeping herbs planted between the paving stones). The central container shown here is about 24 inches in diameter, the side pots are 12 inches in diameter. All the plants thrive in full sun, with average, very well-drained soil. The containers must have drainage holes so they don't become waterlogged. Harvest your "crop" regularly, thus keeping the plants cut back, so they remain bushy and compact and don't overpower their neighbors. Apply a liquid balanced fertilizer at half strength monthly. Mix and match the herbs to suit your taste. In cold regions, overwinter tender plants indoors in a sunny window.

Click here to download and print out this garden plan

Garden plans courtesy of Country Living Gardener.

Page 2: Key to Plan

Key to Plan

1. Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) 12 plants, planted 8 inches apart; 8 to 10 inches tall; 3-parted fan-shaped leaves; small white flowers followed by pea-sized seedy fruits. The leaves make a fruity tea; can be combined with sweet woodruff. Zones 4 to 8.
2. Variegated common thyme (Thymus vulgaris 'Silver Queen') 5 plants planted 18 inches apart; 6 to 10 inches tall; tiny leaves edged with silver; pale mauve flowers. Brew the leaves for a spicy, pungent tea. Zones 5 to 8.
3. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) 8 plants planted 12 inches apart; 6 to 12 inches tall; starry whorls of foliage; in May topped with clusters of tiny white flowers. Its dried leaves make a mild, woodsy tea; excellent combined with strawberry leaves. Zones 3 to 9.
4. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 8 plants planted 12 inches apart; 12 to 24 inches tall; fine, ferny foliage. White daisy flowerheads are used for a mild, relaxing, applelike tea. Zones 4 to 8.
5. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis 'Aurea') 1 plant; 12 to 24 inches tall; hardy perennial with yellow-variegated, mintlike foliage; prune regularly. Lemon-scented leaves make a refreshing hot or iced tea. Zones 4 to 9.
6. Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') 1 plant, 12 to 24 inches tall; wrinkled, woolly leaves rimmed in cream. Not as robust as some other mints. Fragrant pineapple tea is delicious hot or cold. Zones 7 to 9.
7. Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata 'Crispa') 1 plant; 12 to 24 inches tall; bright green foliage with crinkled edges. The leaves make a pungent, minty tea often used to aid digestion. Zones 4 to 9.
8. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) 1 plant; 2 feet tall; square stems clothed with opposite, toothed, lance-shaped leaves; clusters of mauve flowers along the stem. Brew leaves to make a refreshing tea that's soothing to the digestive system. Zones 4 to 9.
9. Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) 1 plant; 36 inches tall; pineapple-scented bright green foliage; loose spikes of two-lipped scarlet flowers in fall. Leaves make a pineapple/melon-flavored tea. Zones 8 to 10.
10. Purple basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles') 1 plant; 18 to 24 inches tall; purple-black leaves; clusters of pink flowers in a loose spike. Keep pinched for bushiness. Leaves and flowers make an attractive pinkish tea with mild peppery clove overtones. Annual.
11. Creeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus') 1 plant; 6 to 12 inches tall, trailing; gray-green needlelike leaves and pale blue flowers. Use either flowers or leaves to make a piney tea. Zones 8 to 10.
12. Chocolate mint geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum 'Chocolate Mint') 1 plant; 12 inches tall; velvety gray-green leaves marked with chocolate; small white flowers. A minty tea is made from the foliage. Zones 10 to 11.
13. Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) 2 plants planted singly; 18 inches tall; clammy foliage topped by bright orange daisies. Petals or whole flowers make a slightly bitter tea. Annual.
14. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 1 plant; 12 to 24 inches tall; aromatic gray-green leaves topped with long-stemmed spikes of purple flowers. Flowers make a delicious pale green tea with mild floral overtones. Zones 5 to 8.
15. Golden lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus 'Aurea') 1 plant; trailing, 6 to 8 inches tall; pungent, small, gold-rimmed leaves and tiny pinkish flowers. Leaves make a spicy tea.

We love Aloe Vera here. My dad and I both have easily broken skin. This plant comes in handy very often.

ALOE VERA (Aloe Barbadenis)

External Applications:
Burns, wounds and minor skin irritations.

Oral Applications:
Acne,  allergies, bed sores, canker sores, chicken pox lesions,
colitis, constipation, herpes, insect bites and stings, psoriasis,
scar tissue, sores, sunburn, gastric ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetes,
asthma, and more.

Scientific Updates:
Recent studies have confirmed that aloe has the ability to fight
against a variety of bacteria and fungi. Because it has impressive
antimicrobial properties, it makes an excellent preparation for the
treatment of burns. Its action has been observed against bacteria
which include the staphlococcus and streptococcus types. It has also
shown significant antiviral activity against HIV. In addition, aloe
vera has exhibited itself as an immune system stimulant, an anti-
inflammatory agent, a booster of tissue repair and a compound which
can actually lower blood sugar.

Disclaimer: If you suspect you have a disease or health related
condition of any kind, please learn and research what is causing it
and how to cure it. If you are unable to learn, you should contact
health care professional practicing natural and traditional forms of
healing. This information is for people who are ready to take FULL
RESPONSIBILITY for their health. The results reported MAY NOT occur
in all individuals.

15 Potting Bench Plans - Free Resource Guide & Tips

TipNut comes through again! Click on the link above for some really great potting bench plans.

Spearmint Hot Pepper Horseradish Spray

This works on many different kinds of bugs- too many to list.

1/2 c of red cayenne peppers (hot)
spring water (read below)
1/2 c of fresh spearmint
1/2 c horseradish (root and leaves)
2 T of liquid detergent
1/2 c green onion tops

Mix all of the spearmint leaves, horseradish, onion tops and peppers
together with enough water to cover everything. Strain the solution.
After mixing all of these, add a half-gallon of water and add the
detergent also. To use this solution, mix 1/2 gallon of this solution
with 1/2 gallon of water. You can use this to spray almost any plant
safely. Store this mixture for a few days in a cool environment.

Trellises in the Vegetable Garden

Many vegetable garden plants thrive when trained to a trellis. Not only does trellising make more room in your garden, it also maximizes air circulation and keeps plants off the soil, both of which can help prevent diseases. Soil-dwelling pests, such as slugs, will have a harder time reaching your crop. Plus, trellising also makes harvesting easier.
Plants to trellis include cucumbers, beans, summer squash, and tomatoes. If you plan to trellis, look for varieties labeled as vining or pole, rather than bush. For tomatoes, look for indeterminate, as opposed to determinate, varieties. Beans, cucumbers, and squash will climb on their own (though you may need to guide the vines to get them started) but tomatoes must be tied to the support. Melons can be trained to a trellis, but you'll have to support developing fruit, so its weight doesn't tear the vine or cause the whole setup to topple.

This is from my home Depot newsletter. I have tried several of these with great success.

From Jon Wood OGH

Herb of the week
Henbit-Dead Nettle (Lamium amplexicaule, Linn.)
Family: Mint

One of the earliest honeybee plants. My bees are bringing in henbit
pollen by the basketful right now. Mom used to pick it and mix it
into a poultice to ease the pain and swelling of arthritis, ague, gout,
and other joint and muscle aches. She bruised its leaves, mixed with a
bit of canning salt, bacon fat or hog lard, and apple cider vinegar.

It's edible boiled like a pot herb, and it has been used as a fiber
plant and a dye plant in addition to its medicinal benefits.

Jon

Before you mow down those dandelions read this!! 

 Many of the lawn-and-garden weeds that people kill with toxic herbicides actually contain health-giving properties and vital nutrients often missing from foods grown in depleted soil

The Healing Weeds in Your Yard
By the Care2 Staff, with thanks to Wise Woman Herbalist Susun Weed. .

A weedy lawn is often a goldmine of healing and health! Find out what four of the most common weeds growing in your yard may offer you:

Chickweed: Rich in nutrients, chickweed makes a great addition to the salad bowl, nourishing to the lymph and glandular systems, and offering healing for those with cysts, fevers, and inflammations. A good neutralizer for those with over-acid systems, and beneficial for those with yeast overgrowth and fatty deposits.

Dandelion: All parts, from root to flower, are beneficial. Good for the liver, urinary tract, and female reproductive system, dandelion has cancer- and virus-fighting properties, and is a great beautifier. Dandelion is also beneficial for insomnia, arthritis, hypoglycemia and diabetes. Sap from a cut stem may be used to treat blemishes, corns, stings, warts and other skin problems.

Nettle: Yes, they can sting you but if you gather them carefully and tincture or cook them, nettles are a fabulous source of calcium--a must to prevent osteoporosis--and a great ally for regrowing thinning hair. They are a tonic for the kidneys and adrenals (if you’ve been stressed or fatigued, nettle is the ally for you) and for the respiratory system, offering healing for asthmatics and those with other bronchial and lung complaints.

Red Clover: Herbalist Susun Weed says red clover offers menopausal women many of the benefits of soy without any of the drawbacks. It is one ingredient of traditional spring tonics to purify and revitalize the entire system, high in calcium and compounds that are useful in treating bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

CAUTION: Before you eat your weeds, be sure that you’ve picked them in an area free of animal waste, pollution from motor vehicles, and chemical herbicide or pesticide treatments

If you are like me and love to grow herbs, check out this website!

HERBS TO GROW FROM SEED

BASIL, SWEET (Ocimum basilicum) Both green and 'Dark Opal' basil are attractive plants for the garden. I prefer to plant the seed where it is to grow directly to -the garden in mid-May. Germination usually occurs in 7 to 10 days. Basil is not difficult to transplant. Grows to 18 inches; space 12 inches between plants. 'Dark Opal' has beautiful deep red foliage and lovely pink flowers and is excellent to use along a walk or as a solid bed for decoration in the garden. Basil is very good to use to flavor tomato juice and tomato pastes.

BORAGE (Borago officinalis) This has pinkish blossoms which turn blue like the perennial pulmonaria. It is an annual and should be planted directly to the garden in early May in the North. Growing to 2 feet it should be spaced 10 inches apart. Germinates in 7 -to 10 days. Resents transplanting except when quite small. It is excellent used in tossed salad to add a most elusive flavor.

CHERVIL (Anthriscus cerefolium) Although this plant will germinate in the fall and live over the winter I would advise the inexperienced gardener to grow it as an annual, sowing the seed to the garden in mid-May (in this area). Grows to 2 feet and should be spaced 8 inches apart. Grows quickly and is mature in 6 weeks. Resents transplanting. Fresh leaves can be frozen in small packets after washing carefully. Excellent to flavor egg dishes.

CHIVES (Allium scboenoprasum) This is a perennial plant growing from bulblets. They are really very easy to grow from seed. Mine, started under the fluorescent lights as well as in the greenhouse in the spring germinated in 10 days. The tiny little plants look like fragile spears of grass. When transplanted they wilt slightly. Even during a continued drought they grow very well. Mature plants grow to 12, inches; space 6 inches apart. They are very hardy even in cold locations. Flowers are pretty enough so that chives can be grown as a border or in the rock garden. Fine in salads, egg dishes and sauces of all kinds. Potted up, chives will grow on a sunny windowsill in winter.

DILL (Anethum graveolens) This is an easily grown annual with feathery foliage. Blossoms are tiny and pale yellow. Grows to 21/2 feet in my garden and germinates in 7 to 10 days planted at the same time as tender vegetables. Resents transplanting. May be spaced as close as 4 inches apart. Self-sows readily. Fine for use in pickling and to flavor meats.

LAVENDER (Lavandula). I have had excellent success with germinating seeds of lavender giving a four-week pre-chilling period in the coldframe before bringing into the greenhouse with germination in 14 days. This year sown under the lights the seeds germinated in 15 days with no pre-chilling period. This is a hardy perennial with gray foliage and spikes of fragrant lavender flowers, which when dried are used to perfume the linen chest and for sachets. Dry easily when hung free in a dry garage or attic.

MARJORAM, SWEET (Majorana hortensis) This is a perennial in frost-free sections of the South but is grown as a hardy annual in the North. Sow seed indoors with germination in 7 to 10 days. Grows to 12 inches; space 6 inches apart. Plants may be potted up and grown in the greenhouse or sunny window over -the winter. Adds a delicate flavor to lamb, fish, salads and soups.

MINT (Mentha spicata) This mint is very easy to grow. It is a hardy perennial and spreads by root stolons. Sown indoors seed germinates in 10 to 15 days. It grows to 2 feet and is rather sprawling, in habit. Space 12 inches apart. Is at its best in good rich soil. Fine to use for mint jelly and in mint juleps, lemonade and other fruit drinks.

SAGE (Saivia officinalis) This is a hardy perennial in our location and is often grown in gardens for its pretty foliage and spikes of bluish flowers. Seed sown indoors germinates in 14 days. Grows to 2 feet and should be spaced 12 inches apart. Can be sown outdoors in May with germination in 21 to 30 days. Fine herb for dressings for chicken, turkey, pork and for flavoring sausages.

SAVORY, SUMMER (Satureja bortensis) This is an easily grown annual being best planted in mid-May in our location directly to the garden where it is to grow with germination in 7 to 10 days. Grows to 12 inches tall; space 5 or 6 inches apart. Good to flavor fish dishes, beans and soups.

SESAME (Sesamum orientale) This herb has whitish colored leaves and pretty pink flowers. Needs warmth for germination and should not be planted into the garden until -the soil and air are very warm; about 70 degrees. This would be in late May in our location. Germination will take place in 3 to 7 days. Although they grow 21/2 to 3 feet they need but 9 or 10 inches between plants as they do not branch. Seeds are used to flavor breads, crackers and cookies.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris) This is a hardy perennial being of somewhat shrubby growth. Leaves are cut for drying before the blossoms are open. It is easily grown from seed sown indoors with germination in 21 to 30 days. Grows slowly when young. Grows to 12. inches; space 8 inches apart. It needs rich soil. Thyme is used for flavoring soups and poultry dressing.

My perennial herbs are all coming up green and pretty. I will get some photos taken soon and post them. I do love my herbs!

Another great link for learning about herb gardening

  I am already thinging of long summer days and Iced Tea on the front porch!

Apricot Iced Tea

3 Lipton family size or 9 regular teabags, tags removed
2 springs fresh mint leaves, plus mint sprigs for garnish
1 cup sugar
1 6 ounce can frozen lemonade, thawed
2 (11 1/2-ounce) cans apricot nectar
2 teaspoons almond extract

Place the teabags and the mint in a glass pitcher and pour in 2 cups cold water. Bring a kettle with 3 cups water to a rolling boil. Pour the boiling water over the teabags and cover the pitcher with a small plate. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the teabags and mint leaves. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in the lemonade, apricot nectar, almond extract, and 3 more cups of cold water. Serve over ice and garnished with a fresh mint sprig.

Homemade Lavender Water Recipes

I have several of these I bought at a junk store. I love them. Here is a link to how to make them. It looks pretty hard, but they sure are cute.

The Victorian's attached maeaning to herbs and plants. I am crazy about herbs and flowers to. I found this cool list to share with you.