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A-Mazng-Herbs-art - 6/7/18

"A-Mazing-Herbs" by Countess Tessa of the Gardens, OP.

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NOTICE -

This article was submitted to me by the author for inclusion in this set

of files, called Stefan's Florilegium.

These files are available on the Internet at:

http://www.florilegium.org

While the author will likely give permission for this work to be

reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first

or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file.

Thank you,

Mark S. Harris

AKA: THLord Stefan li Rous

stefan at florilegium.org

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A-MAZING HERBS

by Countess Tessa of the Gardens, OP

July, 2001

Growing an "herb maze" in oblong terra cotta planter boxes is a project I've had going for about three summers. In a garden space aprox 3 feet by 21 feet, useful decorative greenery is laid out in the form of and "S & T" (my loving lord husband's and my initials, Simonn and Tessa).

Handy for fresh tasty seasonings, the plants are easy care, not to mention pleasing to sight and smell. The maze spot receives about 6 hours of direct morning sun then partial shade for most of the afternoon. If, on a given day, rain comes, I don't water. If not, water is sprinkled on. The crinkle of a leaf of basil renders lemony pleasant airs during a stay on the lawn. The purple or sweet basil [Ocimum basilicum] is profuse, standing to my waist, easily reseeding itself.

Among the variety of herbs in my garden are slender blades of garlic chives, obviously scissor snipped at various levels. If chives are planted around the base of fruit trees, they will prevent insects from climbing the trunk. Next to the chives is a dainty yellow flowering curry [Helichrysum angustifolium] which takes less watering than its neighbors. Other herbs in the maze include likely fresh garnishees: peppermint [Mentha x piperita] and parsley [Petroselinum crispum] which is high in Vitamins A and C, is a diuretic and chews well as natural breath freshener. One may eat the garnish! Rosemary stimulates digestion or is soothing to add to massage oils. Rosemary is a healthy diaphoretic, that is, sweat inducing, to keep a fever down. The Greek "symbol of courage," thyme, grows in clusters in the forefront of the "S". Thyme is delicious added to a cheese spread.

All these herbs are scissor snipped or plucked fresh for cooking, garnish, oils, vinegars, or finger bowls. They may be dried by hanging stems upside down in the hot house or sunny kitchen window (Mistress Charla Noel warns to watch out for bugs), or can be dried by microwave. Can be stored in airtight containers for gifts, later use, and travel cooking.

Alas, a blank spot sits in the maze where dill seeds never did sprout. Speaking of sprouts, potted brussels spouts, tall and pole tied, and purple cabbages add texture and color to the amazing herb bed. These sometimes resemble doilies, after a worm; however, when recovered, are a flair. Between the planter boxes cyprus chips are spread to hold off weeds.

During winters, the planters are moved to the green house then brought back out to the maze plot in the Spring. Other potted plants sustained during winters in the green house are assorted coleus and Lord Baltimore hibiscus (having blooms the size of a plate!) which are seasonally returned for strategic placement of color in the amazing garden maze.

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If this article is reprinted in a publication, I would appreciate a notice in

the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also

appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being

reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.