Results for Category: Botanical
9 Ways To Use Valerian, Valeriana officinalis
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a lovely garden plant with pinkish-white aromatic flowers. A perennial to Zone 4, valerian thrives in sun to partial shade, is easily propagated, and requires little care. Plant it in the back of your garden, though, since it can grow up to six feet tall! Valerian is more than a garden…
Basic Herbal Support for Pets
Most of us have a first-aid kit in our homes to treat minor scrapes and burns. But what about our four-legged friends? What happen...
A Family Herb: Lemon Balm Benefits
Delightfully fragrant lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a wonderful herb for the entire family. In fact, it is one of my familyâ...
Getting to Know the Valerian Plant
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is on the other end of the fragrance spectrum. Although some people like the smell of the valerian plant (I’m one of them), many say that it reminds them of  “dirty sweat socks.â€Â Dioscorides and Galen must have felt the same way, since they referred to valerian as “Phu.” Other common names for valerian include: garden…
The Grass Isn’t Greener: Inviting Bees Into Your Yard Â
For bees and beekeepers, the sight of closely-cropped lawns bordered with rows of non-blooming shrubbery will never garner any votes for, “Yard of the Month.†Gone are the days when these boring patches of green are considered fashionable. Rather, we favor the yard dotted with bright, yellow dandelions and a variety of blooming native plants….
Harvesting and Using Elderflowers + An Elderflower Fritter Recipe
As lovely as elderberries are, elderflowers are a wonder in their own right. Familiarize yourself with the elderflower and its pro...
Stinging Nettle Plant: A Spring Favorite
Many herbalists can hardly wait for spring to nourish their bodies naturally with fresh greens from the earth. Much like our ances...
Growing Herbs in Unlikely Locations
When you picture herb gardens, you might think of luscious outdoor spaces that are filled with exotic fragrances, beautiful colors, and paths to wander leisurely from one area to another. For the vast majority of herb growers, however, this scenario simply isn’t possible. Most gardeners grow herbs because they believe in their natural health benefits,…
Designing An Herb Garden
This is the second article in a two-part series on planning and designing your herb garden! Part I – Tips for Making An Herb Garden Plan – discusses planning your garden – choosing a location, prepping the soil, and gathering plants. Part II – Designing Your Herb Garden – discusses design ideas for theme gardens and color selections. …
A Family Herb: Violet Plant
Violet plants are a pure delight for the senses, enchanting children and adults alike with their lovely, sweet-smelling purple flo...
