Herb Gardens
Herbs
Herbs are aromatic plants used to add flavor to a dish. They also have medicinal properties. Leaves of the plant or the whole plant are used to flavor dishes. They are easy to plant and maintain, and they can they keep pests at bay as well as adding beauty and scent the garden.
Herbs are of two types, annual and perennial. Annuals grow for a season in a year. Basil is an annual herb. Perennials like thyme grow perennially for the whole year. Herbs can further be classified as medicinal, religious, culinary and botanical herbs.
Medicinal herbs:
Herbs can fight diseases and keep you fit. St John’s wort and Kava relieve depression and stress. But they should be taken in moderation as excess intake could be harmful.
Religious herbs:
In Christianity and Hinduism, herbs have religious importance. Ague root and Frankincense are religious to Christians while Tulsi, which is from the Basil family, is a religious herb for the Hindus.
Culinary herbs:
Herbs are used in small quantities in cooking to provide flavor to the dish. Coriander, rosemary, mint and parsley are used for flavor. Mint, chamomile etc are used to make herbal tea.
Botanical herbs:
Botanical herbs are not woody, soft stemmed plants used in a garden for beautification.
Besides these, herbs like lavender are used in potpourri. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) can be used as a substitute to sugar.
Potted herbs
A corner of the garden can be made a herb garden, just outside the kitchen door is ideal if you are going to use herbs grown for cooking or herbs can be used along the boundary of a lawn. These plants need a well drained soil and ample sunlight. Few of them grow in shade. They do not require heavy doses of fertilizers or organic matter. They are also pest free. Tender leaves have the maximum flavor so make sure to pick them tender to flavor your dishes. Try Basil in scrambled eggs.
