The Herb of the Month for July is Doublemint, Mentha x gracillis ‘Madeline Hill’ Doublemint is a genetic cross between Mentha arvensis (peppermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint). It was thought to be genetically impossible, but was cultivated in the 1950s by Madeline Hill from Hilltop Herb Farm in Texas. This …
The Herb of the Month for June is Sweet Basil, Ocimum basilicum Mankind has enjoyed the use of this herb 5000 to 4000 BCE years ago as basil has been found in Egyptian tombs. Some historical documentation suggests that the origins of basil was found in China. This lengthy period …
The Herb of the Month for April is Pinks Dianthus spp. The name of this flower comes from the Greek words for “of Zeus’. The Dianthus genus contains a large family of about 340 species or cultivars, which includes carnations, clove pinks, cottage pinks, and Sweet Williams. Nowadays there are …
The Herb of the Month for March is Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon is a perennial herb which is in the sunflower family. It’s scientific name is “little dragon” because of the coiled shape of its roots. This plant can be found wild throughout much of Eurasia and North America, and has …
The Herb of the Month for February 2022 is Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis Bay Laurels are known by many names, such as bay leaf tree, sweet bay, Grecian laurel, and true laurel. These plants are hardy up to zone 8 but are most often cultivated in containers that can be …
The Herb of the Month for January 2022 is Violets Species, Viola spp. Violets have been cultivated for many centuries and were well known in ancient Greece and Rome, and perhaps even earlier. The ancients used the violet in their food, wines, and medicines. The violet became the symbol of …
The Herb of the Month for November 2021 is Carob, Ceratonia siliqua. This small, ornamental evergreen tree is also known as locust bean or St. John’s bread. It is part of the legume family. This plant is a native of the Mediterranean area, North Africa and part of the Middle …
The Herb of the Month for October 2021 is Medlar, Mespilus germanica. Medlar is a large shrub or small tree, a cultivar of the Rosacea family, which includes members such as apples, pear,s and rose hips. It is indigenous to Persia, southwest Asia, southeastern Europe, and Turkey. Medlar is slow …
The Herb of the Month for September 2021 is Horehound, Marrubium vulgare. Horehound is a flowering cultivar from the mint family and is a native of Europe, western Asia, and north Africa. This hardy perennial plant has been introduced to North America and Australia concurrent with colonization and will even tolerate dry …
