There's not many things I miss about living at our old house but I do miss my herbs. When we moved not all of our herbs survived or the ones that did are still recovering from being dug up and having 4 months of rain chucked at them! There were also a few which were a little too big to move as well.
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| The garden at our old house. The bay tree was the large green tree on the left |
Our old house used to have a huge bush of rosemary and a massive bay tree. This was until the harsh winter we had in 2010/2011 where temperature dropped to -20 degrees and killed them both. It was a shame as I'd never really seen a bay tree get so big in this country, many people keep them in pots and take them in when the winter weather comes, but the protected south facing garden was perfect. We used to use bay all the time, and lately we've been missing the flavour it adds to our meals. So when I was at my first car boot sale in what seems like ages and I saw these two 4ft trees I knew I had to have them. At £28 for the pair they were good(ish) value and will look good in some big pots outside the front door.
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| Two "new" Bay trees, I've got to change the pots! |
We've rabbit for tea one night this week so I'm sure that will be the first use of this aromatic herb in a slow cooked stew.
I'm really keen to build a herb garden at the front of our house (as it faces south) with big bushes of strongly scented rosemary and lavender, with other herbs dotted around, I just need to find some plants the right size and the right money.
We've things like fennel, sweet Cicily, angelica, sage, thyme, lemon balm, mint, etc at the moment, any herbs away from the norm that anyone recommends?
Rosemary does quite well here in Texas where I live. I have a lot of it for this reason. Then of course it has so many uses. Culinary, medicinal, pest, etc.
ReplyDeleteThis year I have put in several new herbs, several medicinal. I had some but am working hard to get a better variety.
Also after drying my own basil and sage I could not believe the difference in taste! I knew then yes I must put in any herbs I will use that will grow in our climate!
I've dried sage before now but never got round to using it as we always have some fresh, maybe I should try it again. I'd like to dry enough herbs to make my own mix for easy use when cooking but it's one of thiose jobs I never get round to!
DeleteLovage. Wonderful, architectural plant in its own right as an ornemental, as well as the herby use. I grew mine from Jekka McVicar seed - it is stunning,
ReplyDeleteAlso Wild Oregano, everywhere- bees and other insects love it and it smells wonderful. Also is really good as a cut flower and to dry as dried flower arrangements for the winter.
Right I'll put lovage on my list, I've got plans for the front garden to have two herb boarders near the front door so need plants of differents hights to make it look right! Thanks
DeleteI find seedling bay trees growing at the edge of my drive every year. Maybe I should start potting them up and selling them.
ReplyDeleteYeah sell them (look on ebay to see how much they are!) I could never get cutting to take from our old tree and no seedling anywhere to be found!
DeleteNext to bay and thyme my favourite herb for cooking is coriander as i love thai/asian food. it goes to seed quickly i find, even the slow bolt stuff so i plant a few seeds every week so i always have a supply ready to go. and basil-the giant leaf variety rocks for making pesto though its best grown under a cloche
ReplyDeleteI love coriander, it makes a curry taste like a proper curry. But I'm rubbish at remembering to plant it every few weeks, in fact I normally remember when I want some and it's all gone to seed! I do normally grow basil but I got a bit behind this year with moving. Thanks for your comment
DeleteWinter Savoury is a very good herb to grow especially if you also grow Artichokes.
ReplyDeleteA sprinkle of it in any artichoke dish will take away the unpleasant side effects that most people suffer (they aren't nicknamed 'fartichokes' for nothing!!)
Sue xx
Why take the fun out of articokes? mind you I'm not sure I need anything to make me worse, maybe I should put it on the list!
DeleteDill...it has to be dill!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit fussy about growing here but it's fabulous with summer foods. If you eat cream cheese/salmon then dill is perfect.
Jane x
Cream cheese and salmon is quite possibly the best sandwich in the world. I think I'll have to grow some dill next year and try this as it sound good! I'm guessing fennel wouldn't be as good?
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