There are many definitions to the word 'herb', none altogether satisfactory.
To the botanist it is a plant that dies down to ground level after
the growing season; medicinally the word refers to a plant that can
be used in the prevention and treatment of ailments and illness; in
the kitchen it refers to those parts of the plant that are used in
the preparation of food.
Herbs
are easy to grow, disease resistant, hardy, beautiful and are useful!
Many herbs are perennials which means they grow for years (unlike annuals
which grow for only one season never to return!).
Herbs
are also inexpensive to purchase and maintain. It would cost more to
buy a sprig of fresh rosemary in your local supermarket than to buy
one plant and grow it into a mighty shrub that will keep you and your
friends stocked with fresh, pesticide free herbs for years to come.
A
herbal garden is something everyone can and maybe should have. You can
grow them on the front lawn of your city home. If you live in a small
apartment and are limited to a small balcony, patio or no outside space
at all … You can still have a container garden in one of your windows.
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Herbal
gardening at the Trout House
Herbs
you can expect to find in the Trout House Gardens
| Herb |
Usage |
Benefits |
| Basil |
Condiment
for meat and fish |
An
insect repellant. Helpsto soothe pain and treat vomiting , nervous
stress and headaches. |
| Thyme |
Condiment
for meat and fish and in herbal teas. |
Treat
digestive complaints and respiratory disorders especially loosening
mucus. Antiseptic and disinfectant. |
| Parsley |
In
Salads and soups |
Helps
treat jaundice , cough , rheumatism , kidney infection, menstrual
and urinary problems |
| Dill |
Condiment
and flavoring ; pickling spice. |
Relieves
digestive problems and flatulence. |
| Sage |
Condiment
for meat and fish |
Helps
depression , nervous anxiety and liver disorders, circulation.
Leaves are antiseptic as a gargle for laryngitis. |
| Coriander
(Cilantro) |
As
a garnishing for dals and curries and in chutneys and salads |
Stimulant
and digestive, |
| Rocket |
In
Salads |
Tonic,
mild stimulant and cough remedy. Seeds used to treat bruises. |
| Nasturtium |
In
salads |
Antiseptic
and digestive herb; Also treats respiratory and urinary disorders. |
| Rosemary |
Flavouring
for meat,fish and baked foods. Roman charm to ward off evil |
Treats
depression , migraine and liver disorders and iads digestion.Leaves
made as an ointment for rheumatism , eczema and minor wounds. |
| Estragon |
Flavoring
for sauces and preserves. |
Treats
Toothache and snakebite, catarrhal and digestive problems. Tea
cures insomnia. |
| All
spice
(Sweet
Laurel) |
Culinary
flavoring
Wreath
for victorious Roman Generals. |
Aids
appetite. Leaves are antiseptic and when pulped are an astringent
to burns and bruises. |
| Lemon
verbena |
In
herbal teas and potpourris. |
Tonic
, calming and sedative. Treats nausea , palpitations and flatulence.
Hot leaf pulp effective for toothaches. |
| Lemon
Grass |
Flavoring
oriental dishes and in Teas. |
Tea
treat liver complaints. Oil is tonic and stimulant , antiseptic
and oily skin cleanser. |
| Peppermint |
Flavor
confectionery and sweet dishes |
Cooling
properties due to high menthol. Helps treat digestive disorders
, relieve tension and insomnia. |
The
Trout House also grows many types of lettuce and salads for use in its
kitchens. We also grow cherry tomatoes and gherkins to add to the salads.
Top
Flowering
& Fruiting seasons in the valley
|
January |
Kiwis |
|
February |
Frost
break |
|
March |
Cherries
, Apricots and Plums blossom |
|
April |
Strawberries
fruit , beginning of Cherry fruit, Apple and Pear blossom |
|
May |
Cherries
and Apricots fruit |
|
June |
Apricots,
Plums and Pears fruit |
|
July |
Pears |
|
August |
Apples
fruit |
|
September |
Apples
, Walnuts |
|
October |
Persimmons
, Walnuts |
|
November |
Persimmons
and limes |
|
December |
Limes
, Kiwis |
A
variety of vegetables are also grown in the valley including some top
grade garlic ( June). The main subsistence crops are wheat (May) and
corn (October).
Top
Related
Herbal Links
http://www.herbalgardens.com/
http://www.india-herbs.com/
http://www.tastefulgarden.com/
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