Sage originated in the Mediterranean region, and it is known both for its culinary and medicinal uses. Salvia officinalis, also known as culinary sage, is used to season pork and poultry and often plays center stage in Thanksgiving recipes. The Latin name for sage means to save and to heal. It…
Rosemary is a beautiful, fragrant herb that originated in the Mediterranean. Like lavender, thyme, oregano, and basil, it is a member of the mint family. This low-maintenance shrub has slender, needle-like leaves that grow on woody stems. It can reach between two and six feet (.6 and 1.8 meters) tall and…
Lavender is a perennial herb with gray-green foliage and fragrant flowers that range from blue-purple to dark purple. It is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions, although it will grow in other environments. Lavandula, the herb's official Latin…
Lavender is a popular herb that is native to the Mediterranean. It is known for its beautiful, fragrant purple flowers. Many gardeners purchase additional plant starts instead of propagating lavender because the herb has a bit of a reputation for being difficult to multiply. While purchasing plant starts is effective,…
Dill is an annual, self-seeding herb that has wispy stems and feathery leaves. Both the leaves and seeds are edible, and they are perhaps best known for flavoring pickles. But dill is also used to season soups, fish, roasted potatoes, and other vegetables.In addition to seasoning foods, this native Mediterranean…
Chamomile is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family as are daisies, calendula, zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, marigolds, artichokes, and lettuce. The two main types of chamomile are Roman chamomile, which is also referred to as English and Russian chamomile, and German chamomile, which is also called Hungarian, Italian, and blue…
Thyme, a member of the mint family, is considered a perennial herb in most zones. It has small leaves and woody stems. Like lavender, thyme originated in the Mediterranean, so it is no surprise that it thrives in warm, sunny climates. It is considered low maintenance and a great addition…
Oregano is one of the most beloved herbs around the world. Its name stems from the Greek words oros, which means mountain, and ganos, which means joy. In other words, this herb is the joy of the mountain. Its aroma is amazing, and the taste compliments so many dishes, especially…
Spinach, Cucumber, and Basil SoupOne thing about living in a warmer climate is that you have to wait a long time for "soup weather." A seriously long time. Thankfully, there are some soups that we Southerners can eat during the warmer months that don't make us feel like we have…
Fresh Basil Pesto!If you're like me, one of the reasons you grow basil is so that you'll have plenty of delicious pesto on hand. The traditional way of making this delightful sauce is with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. For those of us with an autoimmune issue, or if you…