Bathing by candlelight in a scented bath is still one of the most romantic ways to relax. The natural way to do it is with fragrant herbs that soothe away the stress. Herbal baths combine the therapeutic effects of water and the particular actions of herbs. Warm water quietens and soothes the body, slowing down […]
Dill, with its greyish-green foliage, has been a favoured culinary herb for centuries. Though dill is best known as a pickling herb for cucumbers, the leaves can be used fresh or dried in salads, meats, especially fish, vegetable dishes and soups. Used whole or ground the seeds add zest to bread, cheese, and salad dressing. […]
Wild Marjoram and Chives Bring Bees, Birds and Butterflies Bees, birds and butterflies are of course very welcome visitors to the organic garden, where they help to pollinate fruit and vegetable crops and to control pests. So it is well worth the effort of planting a selection of these wildlife-friendly herbs in order to encourage […]
Healthy, Environmentally Friendly Garden Butterflies hopping from one flower to another, feeding on the nectar available, indicates a healthy, environmentally friendly garden. To increase their population you have to provide food for caterpillars, somewhere out of sight where you don’t mind them chomping on the leaves. Plant some cabbages and nasturtiums as sacrificial plants and […]
Butterfly Garden Butterflies prefer plants with strong smells, bright colours and flowers that provide easy landing sites. Planting groups of flowers rather than single plants will attract more butterflies. Herbs that will attract butterflies include Bulbinella, Cleveland Sage, Pineapple Sage, Russian Sage, Catmint, Lavender, Rosemary and Borage. Acres of land are not necessary for a […]
Pruning of Lavender, Rosemary and perennial Basil Lavender, rosemary, perennial basil and other woody herbal shrubs will stay compact and produce more flowers when you prune them at least twice a year, once just before spring and the second time during mid-summer. This week, with the moon waning, is the ideal time to do some […]
Gardening by the Moon As the Moon moves across the sky it travels through the different zodiac signs that represent the four elements: earth (roots), water (leaves), air (flowers) and fire (fruit and seed). The Moon Calendar will give you the ideal days for doing activities relating to specific parts of the plant. If you […]
The waxing phase of the Moon The period from New moon to Full Moon is known as the waxing phase and is beneficial for sowing and planting of new crops. To optimize this potential, select a day according to the part of the plant that is going to be used: • Fire days: seed & […]