Herbs
DESIGN INSTALL ENJOY
Herbs are easy to grow and relatively pest-free. Most require full sun, fertile soil and plenty of room to trail, drape, or spread. Some herbs are wonderful in window boxes or planters and urns where their fragrance may be easily enjoyed. Others can be planted as ground covers where their fragrance is released when stepped upon. Some, like lavender and rosemary, may be used as evergreen shrubs or ground covers on sunny embankments and rock gardens.
MINT
Ancient History: When Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, discovered that Pluto, the Ruler of the Underworld, was in love with the beautiful nymph Minthe, she turned Minthe into a lowly plant. Pluto was unable to reverse Persephone’s spell, but he did lessen it a little so that the more Menthe was trod upon, the sweeter her smell would become.
Grow this! Plant in full sun. Use as a ground cover or trailing plant for hanging baskets, containers and window boxes.
Horticulture Services
BORAGE
Ancient History: For 2,000 years, Dioscorides (40-90 A.D.) was considered the world’s foremost authority on plants and medicine. As such, he wrote that Borage was the nepenthe for Homer, who steeped it in wine to bring about absolute forgetfulness. For the modern gardener, the flowers are delicious, edible, and have the fragrance of cucumbers and melon.
Growing Tip: Grow Borage near tomatoes to improve their flavor.
Pedanius Dioscorides, author:
“Regarding Medical Matters”
LAVENDER
Ancient History: From the Latin verb “to wash,” the ancient Greeks and Romans used the herb to scent their soap and bathwater. It was also believed to relieve “nervous langour” and headaches. By the Middle Ages, lavender was known as the preferred herb of love, except when sprinkled over one’s head, when it kept the wearer chaste. A confusing courtship, to be sure.
Grow this woody ornamental herb in full sun. To produce a bushy, compact plant, shear back in late winter. Blooms appear on wands above the foliage in June and July.
Lavender wands can be cut and dried for indoor fragrance. Add a sprig to Raspberry Jam for a savory breakfast treat with scones.
Providing Garden Design Services to these Metro Atlanta Regions: Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Hall County, and the cities of Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Buford, Duluth, and Alpharetta, GEORGIA
