We. Are. Having.
Summer. Again. This is November - should be cool days,
chilly nights but, noooo – summer. Sigh.
Well, this is a good time to plant parsley, sage, rosemary, and
thyme. (Did you sing along?)
OK – Sage, thought
to impart wisdom and improve one's memory, is an evergreen perennial. A member of the mint family and closely
related to rosemary, its warm and fragrant flavors are beneficial in food
preparation or used medicinally. Plant
it in full sun, unless you live here, then plant it where it gets morning sun
(our afternoon sun is really HOT). It’s
drought tolerant, prefers a sandy soil, grows well as a container plant, and is
a good companion plant for carrots, strawberries, tomatoes and cabbage.
There are several varieties of culinary sage including
Common Sage, Purple Sage, Tri-color Sage, and Aurea Sage. All of it will add wonder flavor to poultry,
Sage has a long history of medicinal use for illnesses
ranging from mental disorders to gastrointestinal discomfort. In the 1580’s,
the English herbalist, John Gerard wrote,
"Sage is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses
and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the
palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members."
Gardening folklore says the wife rules the household when sage
grows well in the garden.
Remembrance and Fidelity – Rosemary. This is another
very aromatic herb that is beautiful in the garden. It has evergreen leaves and brilliant blue,
creamy white, or pale pink flowers. And,
while it's not cold hardy, it does very well as a potted plant. This is a rather independent plant requiring
little or no attention once established.
Plant it in full sun, in just about any type of soil. Watch out because your rosemary could grow
into something four feet by four feet!
In ancient Greece, students would braid rosemary into their
hair or make garlands to wear prior to examinations to help their memory. It was carried by wedding couples as a sign of
love and fidelity. Rosemary was given as
a gift to symbolize friendship and loyalty. A sprig was often tossed into the coffin to
ensure that the deceased would not be forgotten.
Rosemary has been used to treat epilepsy, jaundice, nervous
disorders, reduction of varicose veins, arthritis and depression. Today, it is recognized as a good source of
iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6, additionally it is a good source of
antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost
the immune system and improve blood circulation. According to research outlined in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology,
the aroma from rosemary can improve a person's concentration, performance,
speed, and accuracy and, to a lesser extent, their mood. (Those Greeks knew what they were doing wearing rosemary during exams!)
It is one of those herbs that does not lose its flavor
during cooking so add it early. Use it
with meats – both in the oven and the grill.
Add it to olive oil, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, asparagus, soups, stews, breads,
fish. Use rosemary stems as skewers –
just thread on your favorite meats and vegetables for a yummy taste.
All-in-all, this is a beautiful, helpful addition
to your garden. Oh – place a sprig under
your pillow – it will keep evil spirits away!
Take care
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