Growing and Using Herbs

Herbs have so many uses that it is sad more people don’t grow them. Few types of other plants can be useful, beautiful, and fragrant. Herbs can be used to flavor food, heal illnesses, dye clothing, and perfume the air while still being nice to look at. So, if you don’t have herbs in your garden, why not start today with a few of the most popular plants?

Parsley is probably the most well known of the many herb garden plants. This handy herb flavors quite a few dishes and can be used dried or fresh. Of course, for many people, the fact that these plants can feed the swallowtail caterpillar may be the most important reason to grow parsley.

Another of the more popular herb garden plants is rosemary. This versatile herb is used in quite a few meat dishes. It also is frequently used for aromatherapy. For the natural red head or people with brown hair, rosemary is also used as a conditioner. Simply pick some sprigs of rosemary, steep them in hot water, and then strain the water into another container. Rinse your hair in this water instead of using a conditioner.

For the Italian cook, all other herb garden plants pale in comparison to basil. This herb is used in quite a few Italian meals, but also is popular in herbal vinegars. With the many cultivars now available, this colorful herb is also growing in popularity as a decorative accent plant.

If you enjoy a nice, refreshing glass of tea during the summer months, you may prefer herb garden plants in the mint family. Spearmint, peppermint, and even chocolate mint all make delicious iced tea. Of course, there are plenty of other herbs used to make teas, including catnip and chamomile.

Lavender is one of the most widely grown of the herb garden plants for people who practice aromatherapy. Lavender is said to have many healing properties, but most people who grow this herb do so because of its wonderful fragrance. Lavender is ideal for people who want to create sachets or want to sleep on a fragrant pillow.

Finally, even gardeners who don’t care for most herb garden plants grow Echinacea, or the purple coneflower. This plant is said to have important healing properties, but most people grow it because of its ability to attract butterflies. Once the blossoms die off, the heads attract another winged creature, the charming little goldfinch.