tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42876434802185345952024-03-12T21:09:00.058-05:00The Herb CottageNotes from Cindy on what's doing in the nursery, life on the farm and other musings.Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-57475399831675031312014-07-15T15:42:00.000-05:002014-07-15T15:43:12.192-05:00July Edition of The Herb Cottage Newsletter<h2 class="title" style="background-color: white; color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;">
BOTANICAL NAMES<br /><br />Why they're important to learn</h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div class="entry" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px 20px;">
<div align="center">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;"><b>It might seem like too much work, unneccesary and even downright pretentious to call your plants by their botanical name.</b></h7></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<img alt="Chamomile" src="http://theherbcottage.com/Plant_Pics_Herbs/chamomile_pic.jpg" height="287" width="257" /><br />
<br />
Chamomile, <i>Matricaria recutita</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">But, think about it. Botanical names are very specific. Each name refers to only one plant. Especially when discussing herbs for medicinal or therapeutic use, knowing the botanical name is vital. It is a matter of safety.</span><br />
<br />
<h9 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #3399cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">Nicknames for plants are fun, descriptive and for many people easy to remember. They can evoke childhood memories, an admired plant in a friend's garden or conjure up the picture of the plant in your mind. But, they can cause confusion.</span></h9></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<img alt="Gomphrena " src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/bachelor_buttns.jpg" height="250" width="350" /><img alt="Cornflower" src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/cornflower.jpg" height="150" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Both the flowers above are known as Bachelor's Buttons.... confusing, isn't it?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
Learning some of the basics of the binomial system when referring to plants, especially herbs, also gives you very descriptive names, ways to recognize the plant and distinguish it from all others.</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<big><span style="color: #006600;">All plants, animals, too, are classified by the <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/binomial+nomenclature%22%3EBinomial%20nomenclature%3C/a%3E" style="color: #125798;">binomial system</a>.</span></big><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://linnaeus.nrm.se/botany/fbo/welcome.html.en" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Carl Linnaeus" src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/linnaeus.jpg" height="166" style="border: none;" width="135" /></a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #970000;">Carolus Linnaeus, who gave us Binomial Nomenclature so people speaking different native languages could communicate their scientific information with less confusion.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture courtesy of <a href="http://linnaeus.nrm.se/botany/fbo/welcome.html.en" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://linnaeus.nrm.se/botany/fbo/welcome.html.en</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h8 style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 16px;">Each organism can be uniquely identified by 2 words- the <span style="color: #3366ff;">genus</span> and the <span style="color: #3366ff;">species</span>. The value of this system is that people who speak in different languages can be sure they are talking about the same plant, for instance, by using the genus and species name in what is now called <span style="color: #3366ff;">"modern scientific" Latin</span>.</h8></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #006600; font-style: italic;">Coriandrum sativum</span> is <span style="color: #6600cc;">cilantro, coriander, Chinese parsley</span>. <h9 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 14px;">As you can see there are several common names for the herb, and by using the botanical name, everyone knows exactly what plant we're discussing.</h9> </div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #3399cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">The <span style="color: green;">Genus</span> describes the group to which all the like plants belong.<span style="color: green;">Mentha</span> is the genus to which all true mints belong. Each mint has its unique <span style="color: #0080ff;">species</span> name.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<big><span style="color: #3366ff;">Spearmint</span> is <span style="color: #3366ff;">Mentha spicata</span></big></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<big><span style="color: #3366ff;">Peppermint</span> is <span style="color: #3366ff;">Mentha x piperata.</span></big></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
The "x" indicates that this species is a hybrid or cross between two other mints. In the case of peppermint, it is a cross between <span style="color: #3366ff;">M. spicata</span> and <span style="color: #3366ff;">M. aquatica</span>. When discussing a particular genus, it is common practice to use simply the first letter of the genus so long as it is clear which genus is being referenced. If you see the "x" in a botanical name, seeds from that plant will likely not come true to type. So, beware anyone selling Peppermint Seeds!</div>
<span style="color: #0080ff;">Look at this graphic to help you see how the categories narrow down the description to just one plant.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookdivers_class.html" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Plant category graphic" src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/plantae_2.gif" height="261" style="border: none;" width="639" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Graphic courtsey of<a href="http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookdivers_class.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookdivers_class.html</a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
How do you remember all those Latin names??</h6>
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">I'm often asked.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">It's like learning any names. You just learn them. In many instances the botanical name actually gives you a clue as to the characteristics of the plant itself.</span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #3399cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">For example: if you see a plant with the species name <span style="color: #3333ff;">"alba"</span>, that means the flower is <span style="color: #3366ff;">white</span>. Here is a short list of some other common colors found in the species name of various plants:</span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2" style="width: 600px;" summary="Plant Characteristics"><tbody>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc;">argenteus- silver, silvery</span></td><td>niger- black</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: red;">coccineus- scarlet</span></td><td><span style="color: #cc0000;">rubens- red</span></td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: #3366ff;">azureus- sky blue</span></td><td><span style="color: #000099;">caeruleus- blue, dark blue</span></td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: #6600cc;">purpureus- purple</span></td><td><span style="color: #cc33cc;">violaceus- violet</span></td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: #cc9933;">aureus- gold</span></td><td><span style="background-color: black; color: yellow;">luteus-yellow</span></td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: #009900;">sempervirens- always green</span></td><td><span style="color: #006600;">viridis- green</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
There are variations on the above words, but these are some very common ones.</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
Some of the words used for the species name indicate the shape of the leaf, fragrance or taste, markings or how the plant grows. </div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2" style="width: 400px;" summary="Plant Characteristics"><tbody>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">alternatus</span>- leaves grow in an alternate pattern on the stem</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">cordatus</span>- heart shaped</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">dentatus</span>- toothed</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">erectus</span>- upright</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">frutescens</span>- shrubby</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">globosus</span>- round</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">reptans</span>- creeping</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">hirsutus</span>- hairy</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">pubescens</span>- downy</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">fulgens</span>- shiny</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">concolor</span>- evenly colored</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">variegatus</span>- variegated</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">humilis</span>- low growing</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">minor</span>- small</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">scandens</span>- climbing</td></tr>
<tr align="left" valign="middle"><td><span style="color: maroon;">tortuosus</span>- meandering</td><td><span style="color: maroon;">verticalis</span>- vertical</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
Let's look at a few herb names and see if we can decipher the common name from the Botanical one.</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;"><b>Artemisia vulgaris</b></h7>- OK, this is in the Artemisia <h9 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 14px;">genus</h9>, and it is known as the common or "vulgar" one. If you guessed <span style="color: #6633ff;">"mugwort"</span>, you're right! </div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="Mugwort" src="http://theherbcottage.com/1-14%20files/mugwort.jpg" height="497" width="320" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;"><b>Mentha suaveolens</b></h7>- Mint (Mentha), sweet smelling is <span style="color: #6633ff;">Apple Mint</span>.</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="Apple Mint" src="http://theherbcottage.com/Plant_Pics_Herbs/apple_mint.jpg" height="286" width="288" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;"><b>Lavandula dentata</b></h7>- This lavender (Lavandula) has "dentate" or toothed leaves. It's also known as <span style="color: #6633ff;">French Lavender</span>. </div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="French or toothed lavender" src="http://toptropicals.com/pics/garden/m1/Aroma/Lavandula_dentata6807.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 200px;" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #006600;">Ulmus rubra-</span> <span style="color: #3333ff;">Ulmus</span> is the genus for Elm, and rubra means <span style="color: #3333ff;">red</span> or <span style="color: #3333ff;">reddish</span>. <span style="color: #6600cc;">Slippery Elm</span> does have sort of reddish bark.</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="Slippery Elm" src="http://www.duke.edu/%7Ecwcook/trees/ulru3100.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #006600;">Anethum graveolens</span>- Anethum is the genus for <span style="color: #6600cc;">Dill</span>, and graveolens refers to its strong fragrance.</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="dill" src="http://theherbcottage.com/Plant_Pics_Herbs/dill2.jpg" height="240" width="235" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #006600;">Trifolium pratense</span>- This time the <span style="color: #3366ff;">Genus</span> also tells us about the plant. <span style="color: #3366ff;">Trifolium</span>means <span style="color: #3366ff;">3-leaved</span>, <span style="color: #3366ff;">pratense</span> is <span style="color: #3366ff;">from the meadow</span>. It's <span style="color: #6600cc;">Red Clover</span>! </div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="red clover" src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/red_clover.png" height="465" width="201" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/uwplant/forages/legume/red-clover.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/uwplant/forages/legume/red-clover.html</a></span><br />
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Pronunciation is sometimes an obstacle to feeling comfortable with botanical names.</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #3399cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">No one wants to embarrass themselves in front of another. Just remember that the names are not Latin, but rather 'latinized.' Most people pronounce latinized words as they speak their own language: just by sounding out the syllables.<br /><br />For more on pronounciation of the botanical names of plants, please <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/7-09_botnames2.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">go here</a>.<br /><br />When you learn a little bit about the world of the botanical names of plants, you learn a lot about their characteristics, behavior, time of bloom, leaf markings and more. Don't be afraid of the botanical names of your plants. Learn to read them and know you're learning more about the herbs and plants we love.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 23px;">For more information about the botanical names of plants, there is a book called <span style="text-decoration: underline;">A Gardener's Latin</span> from the Editors of Country Living Gardener Magazine. </span><br />
<br />
<img alt="Book Cover- A Gardener's Latin" src="http://theherbcottage.com/7-14_files/gardeners_latin.jpg" height="324" width="260" /></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h3 class="title" style="background-color: white; color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #cc99ff; color: #330099;"><i>QUOTE FOR THE MONTH</i></span><br /><br />A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it; or offer your own version in return.<br />-Salman Rushdie, writer (b. 1947) </h3>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div class="entry" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px 20px;">
Until Next Time,<br />
Good Growing to You,<br />
Cindy Meredith, proprietor<br />
The Herb Cottage<br />
442 CR 233<br />
Hallettsville, TX 77964<br />
phone & fax: 979-562-2153, cell: 361-258-1192<br />
email: <a href="mailto:cindy@theherbcottage.com" style="color: #125798;">cindy@theherbcottage.com</a><br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://theherbcottage.com/</a><br />
Visit Cindy's Blog at <a href="http://theherbcottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://theherbcottage.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-54579406845679108062014-06-30T12:18:00.000-05:002014-06-30T12:18:25.960-05:00June 2014 Newsletter<div id="page" style="background-image: url(http://theherbcottage.com/resplendissant/images/img06.gif); color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 45px 35px 0px 25px; width: 900px;">
<div id="content" style="float: right; width: 603px;">
<div class="post">
<h2 class="title" style="color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;">
Beyond Basil Pesto </h2>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div class="entry" style="padding: 0px 20px;">
<img align="center
" alt="Basil Plants" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/basil_group.jpg" height="640" width="480" /><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;">Pesto made with fresh basil leaves is an easy and quick way to preserve the summery goodness of basil. Frozen, it keeps for months and has so many uses. In our household, fast food is cooking some pasta and tossing it with thawed basil pesto, leftover veggies- especially roasted or grilled- and adding a green salad. Voila! Supper!</h7></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h3 style="color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
If you like using pesto to mix with pasta, to top bruchetta, add to vinaigrette salad dressings or to flavor grilled or roasted vegetables, expand your choices by making pesto with other herbs, nuts, seeds and even leafy greens. Try different combinations such as basil with parsley, parsley with spinach, cilantro with parsley, lemon basil alone or mixed with standard basil or parsley... get the idea?<br /><br />You can add different oils, nuts, seeds and cheese to alter the flavor to your liking.</h3>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">You don't absolutely need an electric food processor or blender to make pesto, but it really speeds up the process. Any of the following recipes can be made with a morter and pestle. And, a food processor with its wider, shallower bowl works more easily than a blender. Either will do, though. With a blender, you just have to stop and push the food back onto the blades more often than with a food processor. Just be sure the blades have stopped turning before you stick a scraper or spoon into the jar.<br /><br />Don't do what I did one time.... and stick a wooden spoon in the jar before the blades stopped turning. The spoon was jerked from my hand, bounced out of the jar, sprayed oil and basil everywhere and broke the spoon inside the jar. I threw the whole mess away and had to start over so I didn't have splinters in the pesto. Plus I had to wipe up oily basil from the counter, floor and other surrounding surfaces. </span><b><span style="color: red;">I reiterate.... wait until the blades have stopped turning before sticking the spoon in!!!</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: medium;">Any of the tradtional dairy cheeses in the following recipes can be replaced with vegan varieties, just so long as the cheese is hard enough to be grated. Seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin can be substituted for the nuts. Roasting the seeds or nuts before use will bring out their flavor.<br /><br />To roast raw seeds or nuts, spread them on a cookie sheet and place in a 350 deg. oven for 10 minutes, stirring and checking frequently to avoid over toasting. Or, place the seeds or nuts in a dry fying pan, I use cast iron, on a hot burner and stir around until you can smell aroma from the oils released from the the seeds or nuts. Do not over brown. Roasted nuts and seeds can be stored in an air-tight container or frozen.</span></div>
<h3 style="color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
You can make fresh pesto every time you need it, but it's very easy to make a bigger batch when the basil or other herbs and greens are at their peak.</h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4287643480218534595" name="Freezing" style="color: #125798;"></a><h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;">Pesto freezes wonderfully. I like to freeze it in ice cube trays overnight then transfer the cubes to a big plastic freezer bag. One cube is one serving of pesto to mix with pasta. Be sure to mark the bag with the type of pesto inside. Parsley, basil, cilantro, spinach and arugula can all look alike after they're frozen!<br /><br />Some people leave the cheese out when freezing pesto and mix it in after the pesto is thawed. I've never done that. My pesto is ready to go when it's thawed. It tastes great and the texture and color is perfect!</h7><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 23px;">Following are some recipes to get you started, along with info and ideas for uses of pesto, storing and freezing.</span><br />
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Traditional Basil Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/simple-garlic-and-basil-pesto/" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Basil Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/basil_pesto.png" height="250" style="border: none;" width="250" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture courtesy of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/simple-garlic-and-basil-pesto/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">allrecipes.com</a></span></div>
<br />
<li>2 cups clean basil leaves (you can use all one variety or mixed varieties, according to your taste)</li>
<li>1/4 - 1/2 cup nuts. Pinenuts are traditional, but I use pecans because they grow here on our farm.</li>
<li>1/2 cup grated hard cheese such as Parmesan or Romano, or a blend.</li>
<li>5-8 cloves of garlic, according to your taste</li>
<li>Approximately 1/2 cup olive or other vegetable oil. This amount can vary depending on how much cheese and nuts you put in.</li>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4287643480218534595" name="Directions" style="color: #125798;"></a><u>Food Processor:</u><br />
Add all ingredients except the oil and process until the ingredients are chopped. Slowly add the olive oil until you have a consistency similar to that of mayonnaise. If you prefer, you can leave your pesto more coarsely processed... it's up to your personal taste.<br />
<br />
<u>Blender</u><br />
This is a little more work than using a food processor, but makes an equally delicious pesto.<br />
Place about a quarter of the basil leaves in the jar adding 1/2 cup oil, the nuts and cheese. Blend (I use the puree setting or high setting.)<br />
<br />
You'll need a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to push the mixture down onto the blades fairly often. <span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">---See warning above!! </span><br />
<br />
After you have that first mix pretty well blended and the nuts are well ground, just keep adding the basil leaves about a handful at time until all the leaves are used up. If the mix is too thick, add <b>a little</b> oil to thin it down.<br />
It doesn't have to be perfectly smooth. In fact, I like the pesto a little coarse so I can see the leaves, but the nuts should be well ground.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://theherbcottage.com/herbs_in_kitchen.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">From The Herb Cottage Website</a></span></div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Basil, Spinach & Walnut Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<img alt="Spinach Basil Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/spinach_basil_pesto.png" height="250" width="250" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/07/spinach-and-basil-pesto-recipe-and-lots.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">Kalyn's Kitchen- lots of good recipes here!</a></span></div>
<br />
<li>1/4 cup walnuts, toasted</li>
<li>3 cups fresh spinach leaves</li>
<li>1 cup fresh basil leaves</li>
<li>1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped</li>
<li>Salt and freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li>3 tablespoon grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese</li>
<li>1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil</li>
<br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_pesto.html#Directions" style="color: #125798;">Proceed as with directions for Tradional Basil Pesto- using either a food processor or a blender.</a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Basil & Spinach Pesto, Nut Free</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<br />
<li>4 cups spinach</li>
<li>2 cups basil</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic</li>
<li>1 tablespoon lemon juice</li>
<li>1/4 cup Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>1/3 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon</li>
<br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_pesto.html#Directions" style="color: #125798;">Proceed as with directions for Tradional Basil Pesto- using either a food processor or a blender.</a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Cilantro & Parsley Pesto</h6>
<a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/08/sauced-cilantro-pesto.html" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Cilantro Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/cilantro_pesto.png" height="346" style="border: none;" width="494" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/08/sauced-cilantro-pesto.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">seriouseats.com</a></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<br />
<li>2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs</li>
<li>2 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves</li>
<li>1 large garlic clove, minced</li>
<li>3/4 teaspoon coarse salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper</li>
<li>1/4 cup olive oil</li>
<br />
To turn this into a more Southwest flavored pesto try adding the following:<br />
<br />
<li>2 tablespoons lime juice</li>
<li>1/4 cup roasted, salted pumpkin seeds</li>
<li>1 or 2 chopped fresh serrano or jalapeno peppers, seeded- or not seeded if you like it very hot</li>
<br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_pesto.html#Directions" style="color: #125798;">Proceed as with directions for Tradional Basil Pesto- using either a food processor or a blender.</a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Arugula Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<br />
<li>4 cups (packed) arugula leaves (about 6 ounces)</li>
<li>1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted</li>
<li>1/4 cup (packed) freshly grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1/4 cup olive oil</li>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_pesto.html#Directions" style="color: #125798;">Proceed as with directions for Tradional Basil Pesto- using either a food processor or a blender.</a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Fresh Tomato Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<a href="http://www.farmfreshfeasts.com/2013/06/fresh-tomato-pesto-how-to-make-put-up.html" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Fresh Tomato Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/fresh_tom_pesto.png" height="427" style="border: none;" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.farmfreshfeasts.com/2013/06/fresh-tomato-pesto-how-to-make-put-up.html" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">Farm Fresh Feasts</a> Beautiful bounty for the freezer!! </span>Great on pizza!</div>
<br />
<li>4 medium or 2 large tomatoes</li>
<li>1/2 cup packed basil, parsley, or arugula leaves</li>
<li>1/3 cup salted cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts</li>
<li>1 clove garlic (or use some roasted garlic, if you like)</li>
<li>1/2 cup olive oil</li>
<li>1 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<br />
Add everything to a food processor or blender and pulse until ingredients are chunky. Then, run on high to puree ingredients. If it's too thick, add a little more olive oil or another tomato.<br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Roasted Tomato Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/06/roasted-tomato-basil-pesto/" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Roasted Red Pepper Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/Rstd_tom_bsl_pesto.png" height="398" style="border: none;" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture courtesy of<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/06/roasted-tomato-basil-pesto" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank"> Oh She Glows</a></span><br />
Yields about 1 cup</div>
<br />
<li>9 large roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise</li>
<li>1/2 cup almonds, toasted</li>
<li>2 garlic cloves</li>
<li>1 cup tightly packed basil</li>
<li>1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for roasting the tomatoes</li>
<li>Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
Heat the oven to 400 deg. F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil- or use a shallow baking dish. Place the tomatoes with the cut side up and brush or spray with olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste. Roast for about an hour, watching carefully during the last 15 mnutes. Remove from oven to cool.<br />
<br />
In food processor or blender, chop the almonds and remove. Then, add the garlic and chop. Next, add the basil and process until chopped. Now add the olive oil, tomatoes and chopped nuts. Process until desired smoothness.<br />
<br />
Pour over cooked pasta and enjoy! <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_pesto.html#Freezing" style="color: #125798;">Or freeze as directed above</a>.<br />
Recipe inspired by <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/06/roasted-tomato-basil-pesto/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a>.</div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto</h6>
<a href="http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/04/08/roasted-red-pepper-pesto/" style="color: #125798;"><img alt="Roasted Red Pepper Pesto" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/rstd_red_pepp_pesto.png" height="359" style="border: none;" width="423" /></a><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: medium;">There is no oil in this recipe making it very low calorie.</span><br />
Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups</div>
<br />
<li>3 tablespoons pine nuts</li>
<li>2 cups sliced roasted red peppers</li>
<li>1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic</li>
<li>2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>2 tablespoons water, or more as needed</li>
<li>Salt and freshly ground black pepper</li>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan- only 8 - 10 minutes, shaking the pan and watching closely so they don't burn.<br />
Add the pine nuts along with the rest of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add a bit more water if pesto is too thick.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from <a href="http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/04/08/roasted-red-pepper-pesto/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">The Food Network</a></span></div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Numerous Uses for Pesto</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Butter Mash:</span><br />
3/4 cup pesto into 4 tablespoons softened butter.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Chicken Salad:</span><br />
Whisk 3 tablespoons pesto with 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir in 4 cups chopped cooked chicken, 1/2 cup chopped celery and 1/4 cup each chopped red onion, walnuts and crisp bacon.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Lemon-Pesto Dip:</span><br />
Whisk 1/2 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup each mayonnaise, Parmesan and pesto, 2 tablespoons capers and 2 teaspoons each lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Hummus:</span><br />
Mix 1 cup hummus with 2 tablespoons pesto. Top with chopped mint, toasted pine nuts and a dash of paprika.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Croutons: </span><br />
Toss 4 cups bread cubes, 3 tablespoons pesto and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Spread on a baking sheet; bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Panzanella:</span><br />
Toss Pesto Croutons with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, some chopped tomatoes and cucumber, sliced red onion and more pesto.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto-Tomato Soup:</span><br />
Cook 3/4 cup chopped shallots and some fresh thyme in a pot with butter. Add 1 large can crushed tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup cream; simmer 20 minutes. Puree, then stir in 3 tablespoons pesto.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Frittata:</span><br />
Cook 1 grated zucchini in an ovenproof skillet with butter. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons each pesto and grated Parmesan. Add 6 beaten eggs and cook until almost set, 3 minutes. Bake in a 350 degrees F oven until set, 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9966cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 19px;">Pesto Salmon Cakes:</span><br />
Mix 1 pound cooked flaked salmon with 1 cup panko, 1/4 cup pesto, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Form patties; cook in an oiled skillet, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with tartar sauce mixed with pesto.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ideas garnered from <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/Read%20more%20at:%20http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-things-to-make-with-pesto.html?oc=linkback" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">The Food Network</a></span></div>
<h6 style="color: #006600; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Charcoal, Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 24px;">
Create Your Own Pesto Recipe!</h6>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<h7 style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 18px;">Use the ideas and proportions from the various pesto recipes to create your own signature pesto. Did you know the word 'pesto' comes from the Italian word 'pestare', which means pound or crush.? Think mortar and pestle- the original way pesto was made.<br /><br /><img alt="Mortar and pestle" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/mortar_pestle.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br /><br />Even today, some people eschew the use of electric appliances and only make their pesto by hand. I must admit, even though we have a lovely ceramic mortar and pestle, I've never made pesto that way. Give me my food processor!!</h7></div>
<span style="color: #3399cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 23px;">Enjoy the summer with fresh pesto made with all the goodness from your garden, farmers' market or CSA.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<h3 class="title" style="color: #125798; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #cc99ff; color: #330099;"><i>QUOTE FOR THE MONTH</i></span><br /><br />"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."<br /><br />Maya Angelou, Poet, Activist- April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014<br /><br /><img align="right" alt="Maya Angelou" src="http://theherbcottage.com/6-14_files/maya.png" height="95" width="150" /></h3>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="green line" src="http://theherbcottage.com/graphics/greenyellow.gif" height="8" width="338" /></div>
<div style="line-height: 28px; margin-top: 1.5em;">
</div>
<div class="entry" style="padding: 0px 20px;">
Until Next Time,<br />
Good Growing to You,<br />
Cindy Meredith, proprietor<br />
The Herb Cottage<br />
442 CR 233<br />
Hallettsville, TX 77964<br />
phone & fax: 979-562-2153, cell: 361-258-1192<br />
email: <a href="mailto:cindy@theherbcottage.com" style="color: #125798;">cindy@theherbcottage.com</a><br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://theherbcottage.com/</a><br />
Visit Cindy's Blog at <a href="http://theherbcottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #125798;" target="_blank">http://theherbcottage.blogspot.com/</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-22295162352393677252013-11-12T06:55:00.000-06:002013-11-12T06:58:38.567-06:00FARMacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I attended a wonderful event on Sunday at </span><a href="http://knoppbranchfarm.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Knopp Branch Farm</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> near Edna, TX. The event was organized by Ali Miller of </span><a href="http://www.naturallynourishedrd.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Naturally Nourished</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Houston, TX. The event focused on whole food as medicine to keep us well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://knoppbranchfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_0187_22-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://knoppbranchfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_0187_22-300x200.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">“<strong>FARMacy</strong>” will focus on reconnecting to sustainable family farms and renewing a commitment to real food. The hands-on educational opportunity will include lectures from Houston’s top wellness experts and local food producers.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">The day will also feature a community harvested and prepared lunch experience by renowned Chef Monica Pope of Sparrow Bar + Cookshop and Anna Roth, trained chef and daughter of Knopp Branch farm owners Donna and Ernest Roth. The meal will be showcasing a seasonal menu using farm-fresh herbs and produce, hosted at the beautiful <a href="http://knoppbranchfarm.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Knopp Branch Farm">Knopp Branch Farm</a> in Edna, Tx.</span></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 5px 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">FARMacy Curriculum</span></strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Food As Medicine</strong>: Why Food Matters! Learn the role of metabolic function (processing of nutrients and their role in organ functionality) and your body. Discover the powerful nutrient density in organic and sustainably produced foods and discuss the differences between the two. Learn about ways to meet your nutrition prescription on a daily basis with realistic applicable tips and recipe demos from leaders in the Houston Community!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYgreP_6p5oQhDqj7bLzaTW8nn3_7WZAPMlolJeO9RpJxgTV2L15CE5kPKx2_W1P0Pfs5Jw5wKWae5r51wErsUFdf9s2-Xj3cJ-YwCaOgZA6Uiamh9FnztQBGV1hRFgXl1Ef9YeinIUA4/s1600/2013-11-10+15.08.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYgreP_6p5oQhDqj7bLzaTW8nn3_7WZAPMlolJeO9RpJxgTV2L15CE5kPKx2_W1P0Pfs5Jw5wKWae5r51wErsUFdf9s2-Xj3cJ-YwCaOgZA6Uiamh9FnztQBGV1hRFgXl1Ef9YeinIUA4/s400/2013-11-10+15.08.06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: small;">Enthusiasm was the word of the day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>The Anatomy of the Garden</strong> : The way food grows can be directly correlated with the function of the human body. From the soil, or our digestive system, to the roots- our vessels. Learn about aerobic vs anaerobic methods of soil composting and the synergy of whole foods.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt7g9EaSKRRzVJ4SOpjll3ah6TG-N6K7GAVsUwfTNY1BkDyQ8Y1qS1vHcSM9dO0cWYYyQa5_QFZsMuPnT-Bx1h2n97tIQIab3AlEbKchBdKNQcA6DzuFFGeswS6HkMrgOyCNtaR4OpUAn/s1600/2013-11-10+13.53.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt7g9EaSKRRzVJ4SOpjll3ah6TG-N6K7GAVsUwfTNY1BkDyQ8Y1qS1vHcSM9dO0cWYYyQa5_QFZsMuPnT-Bx1h2n97tIQIab3AlEbKchBdKNQcA6DzuFFGeswS6HkMrgOyCNtaR4OpUAn/s400/2013-11-10+13.53.42.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: small;">Beautiful, nourishing greens!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Herbal Medicine Making</strong>: What are GMO’s, how do they affect us and what is their role in the ecosystem? How can we use food to heal? Discover how powerful knowledge can be in your wellness. Discuss the properties of herbs and the healing qualities of local, unfiltered honey. Make a miel, an herbal honey, to take home and build your immune system during cold and flu season!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="text-align: center;">This is where I came in. I did a presentation on the benefits of herbs, how to enjoy herbal tea as preventive medicine, and discussed how many healthy and healing herbs can be grown locally. </span><span style="text-align: center;">I was pleased t</span><span style="text-align: center;">here was so much interest in using simple herbs, teas and soups for good health.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Local Lunch: </strong>Chef Monica Pope of Sparrow Bar + Cookshop in Houston will discuss flavor blending and the importance of local foods. Taste the difference in sustainably produced foods in the beautiful farm setting. Be a part of farm to table movement by physically harvesting parts of your lunch!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e3jDeWQsKfuyt50DIDKR13-30pPFsWRbhqMBBRip3wAR_-UD7ayRFLgmn09XOOlfnFDHP79VPQFd6EuPyWSpi86G33i3chQwoh_hNGpYEih_7DdMscFAfldZIiJ6u1RqX4aoDYwbU2jK/s1600/2013-11-10+13.14.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e3jDeWQsKfuyt50DIDKR13-30pPFsWRbhqMBBRip3wAR_-UD7ayRFLgmn09XOOlfnFDHP79VPQFd6EuPyWSpi86G33i3chQwoh_hNGpYEih_7DdMscFAfldZIiJ6u1RqX4aoDYwbU2jK/s400/2013-11-10+13.14.49.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: small;">Can't get much fresher than this!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Farm Tour:</strong> A perfect break in the day to take in all the sights, sounds and smells of Knopp Branch Farm. Learn about their story, their history, and their commitment to sustainable agriculture and community outreach.</span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Conscious Omnivore:</strong> Learn about traditional eating and consumption of animal proteins with respect and reverence from a snout to tail philosophy. Learn about the impact your diet choices can have on your health and the health of the planet. Discuss the differences between grass-fed vs grain-fed and wild vs farm raised proteins and the role of organs, bone broth, and gelatin in a holistic treatment to disease. Learn about fermenting your own foods and growing your own probiotics for food preservation and immune boosting support. (Even if you are a vegan this tier of curriculum will be of value with the emphasis on food preservation techniques and sustainable consumption)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">A fabulous day was had by all. New connections made to our selves and others. Thank you Ali Miller for creating a place for this to happen!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until Next Time,</span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeddz6dJhh3Ox_b42Csvr3JLgtN3zxlNAL-Hmk9MawBtGdCHhpatfj9wOd8_AmdNRFrYaVoGDNhqOnxYUTnxBSyoNnHCxpxYRzDYbmofCxbaWu0wZ790ym1eIRhybA4OHjoIQGPiVjBFbg/s1600/+Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeddz6dJhh3Ox_b42Csvr3JLgtN3zxlNAL-Hmk9MawBtGdCHhpatfj9wOd8_AmdNRFrYaVoGDNhqOnxYUTnxBSyoNnHCxpxYRzDYbmofCxbaWu0wZ790ym1eIRhybA4OHjoIQGPiVjBFbg/s320/+Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span></div>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-7979458269192560752013-10-28T17:45:00.001-05:002013-10-28T17:45:55.676-05:00Simple Steps to Creating a Child Proof Yard<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">I've invited a guest blogger to post for The Herb Cottage. I hope you enjoy and find the article useful!</p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Encouraging our children to get out and play in the yard is definitely a wonderful thing but it requires a few preparations where child safety in the yard is concerned.</b></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b> </b></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are a lot of possible dangers out in the yard and unless we find and eliminate them before our children begin going outside, there is easily a risk of getting hurt. The question is what can parents do to help ensure our children's safety when they are out supposedly having a great time? The answer to this question can be summarized in a few simple steps.</span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Create Space</span><span class="s5"> - In order for our children to play safely, they will need the space to play in. This might require giving the yard some attention and clearing out an area that can be designated for playing. The amount of space that can be cleared will depend on the overall size of the yard to begin with but any cleared space is better than no cleared space.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Pay Close Attention to Detail</span><span class="s5"> - This is probably the most important step of them all as it will involve thoroughly checking every square inch of the yard prior to it being opened to your children. When younger children are in the picture, you will want to be aware of plants and flowers that might be in the yard as well as any water fixtures that might be protruding from the ground.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><div class="s9" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 90px;"><div class="s8" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">P</span><span class="s5">lants and flowers can be quite dangerous to children who are at the age where they eat everything. Poisonous flowers and plants should be removed completely and disposed of properly. And water fixtures pose a hazard in that they can be tripped over and can actually hurt a child quite badly.</span></span></div><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><div class="s9" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 90px;"><div class="s8" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; position: absolute;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">•</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pools and ponds, as well as tall grass in a yard, can also be hazards to younger children. The pools and ponds are fairly self-explanatory so if you have either in your yard, consider fencing it off and child proofing it separately from the rest of the ya</span><span class="s5">rd. Tall grass can be dangerous, </span><span class="s5">in that it can hide snakes and spiders that can really hurt your children. </span><span class="s5">Keep grass mowed</span><span class="s5"> regularly and avoid this from becoming a concern altogether.</span></span></div><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">Space to </span><span class="s7" style="font-weight: bold;">create</span><span class="s5"> - Children are very curious individuals and providing them with a safe place to be creative ca</span><span class="s5">n be very advantageous. Children</span><span class="s5"> love to build, dig, and discover things on their own so giving them an area to do just that will be a winner for any child. Consider providing your child with a sandbox or an area of the yard that can be designated for doing all of the digging that they want. This step is more of a proactive safety measure than anything else.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Create a safe place for your child to play and enjoy the peace in knowing that your child is safe and secure out in their very own play area today!</span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s10" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s10" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s10" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="x-apple-ql-id://0BF300D7-3459-4174-8500-62681E7098E4/x-apple-ql-magic/EFB3BA2B-4CC5-469B-9C3F-0E40567081AA.jpg" class="s11" style="width: 98px; height: 110px;"><span class="s12">Catherine</span><a name="_GoBack"></a><span class="s12"> Green, an environmentally-friendly individual of a beautiful </span><a href="http://www.trugreen.com/"><span class="s13">TruGreen</span></a><span class="s12"> yard. Catherine loves gardening and writing. Blogging is her newest hobby which has now allowed her to inform the public on the importance of “Going Green”. Catherine also loves to be informed on the new trends in environmentally friendly products!</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0The Herb Cottage 442 County Road 233, Hallettsville29.56041 -96.928761tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-51709180031178265602013-09-09T07:45:00.000-05:002013-09-09T07:45:35.122-05:00New Organic Gardening BookI just finished reading a new e-book on Organic Gardening. It is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7OLAAY/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img" target="_blank">amazon.com</a><br />
<br />
Here's my review:<br />
<br />
Grow So Easy; Organic Gardening for the Rest of Us<br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81CLSMrJZiL._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dQIhBnmEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline;" /> <br />
<br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"><u>Grow So Easy</u> takes the mystery out of growing vegetables without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. She gives viable alternatives to using toxic substances in and around the garden. Many turn out to be less costly than the chemicals found in garden centers and can be found in most kitchens.</span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">Pat Muccigrosso has a great wealth of experience and knowledge about gardening and growing organically. She has been gardening and experimenting with crops for some 30 years. She shares her knowledge easily with the reader. The tone of the book is friendly and encouraging, explaining how anyone can grow a vegetable garden using her methods. She is not afraid to let us in on her mistakes as well as her successes.</span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">The book can be used as a reference book where you can go to the section on Cucumbers, say, and find out what's causing your problems and how to take care of them. Or, you can read the book, as I did, from the beginning and get a good overview of her approach to gardening.</span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">While she encourages new gardeners in their endeavors and has information about planning and starting a first garden, there is plenty of useful information for seasoned gardeners, as well. Pat is like the neighbor you could go to with questions about your first garden, intelligently discuss the state of affairs in your current garden or chat about new ideas you'd like to try next season. </span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">Once you have your crop harvested, you can use the recipes at the end of each chapter to help you use your produce. Since <u>Grow So Easy</u> is an e-book, there are useful links to web sites with further information on pests and diseases you might encounter in the garden. </span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">Pat lives and gardens in the Northeastern U.S. and that is the area she is familiar with. However, even if you garden in the Southern U.S., the West Coast or a even colder zone than Pat, the information in the book is relevant and sound. You may have to adjust the seed starting and planting dates for your gardening zone, but the same pests and many of the other problems show up everywhere and can be dealt with as discussed in the book.</span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"><u>Grow So Easy</u> is a bit of a misnomer, however, since once you get into the book and learn from Pat what it takes to combat Cucumber Beetles, Stink Bugs or Vine Borers, you learn pretty quickly that gardening isn't for the squeamish or lazy. Vigilance is the key to keeping your organically grown garden healthy and bringing crops successfully to the table. Pat meets all the challenges found in growing food with aplomb and good humor and knows you can, too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;">Until Next Time, </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOauDFd2iAmOI0gUz2vW-6AyPbjdQZ95oNgkOwl4Xo3AQjTzCLMx5b20EIuNPVmuIc5XeH1yjGdLFdCGYtMvUm80dng68YkBhz8Bb1ZQKF337HP_75Ot8RlslwHaWaAlhT2LBH14opIaZ/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOauDFd2iAmOI0gUz2vW-6AyPbjdQZ95oNgkOwl4Xo3AQjTzCLMx5b20EIuNPVmuIc5XeH1yjGdLFdCGYtMvUm80dng68YkBhz8Bb1ZQKF337HP_75Ot8RlslwHaWaAlhT2LBH14opIaZ/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font: 13.0px Arial;"> </span>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-92199364908041426972013-07-05T07:24:00.002-05:002013-07-05T07:27:43.694-05:00Food Storage Information We've all had to do it- toss food out because we thought it was bad. No one wants to get sick or make anyone else sick. But, was the food you tossed really bad? We all know about those dates on packaged food- 'sell by' or 'best used by'. Those dates are more about quality than health. The milk in the dairy case needs to be sold by a particular date so it has a long enough shelf life in your refrigerator for you to use it up before it spoils. That package of cookies or pasta should be eaten by the 'Best Used By' date for freshness, before it becomes stale.<br />
<br />
So, how do we know what foods are safe to eat past such warnings? And what about frozen food that's been in your freezer for months?<br />
<br />
Here's a terrific web site to help you with these issues:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fmi.org/consumer/foodkeeper/" target="_blank">Food Keeper</a><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Enjoy your food!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-84030548062419209932013-06-09T08:55:00.001-05:002013-06-09T08:55:02.645-05:00The Olla RevisitedThis week I decided it was time to refresh the container that has the Olla in it. I had a great crop of salad greens all Winter which finally played out about a month ago. I've been thinking about what to plant in the container and finally decided on Holy Basil, aka Tulsi.<br />
<br />
I like to use Holy Basil as tea. The flavor is unique and difficult to describe. Also, Tulsi is known for its medicinal properties as an adaptogen. A adaptogen is an herb which restores balance to the body. It does not over-stimulate nor inhibit normal bodily function. Another feature of an adaptogen is that it helps us deal with stress better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I like to drink Holy Basil tea on a regular basis. It grows as easily as other types of basil here in Texas. It gets nice and big and you can let it flower without worrying that it'll die out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT2PTUdn3mmnHMJebdAavoiX3SSa9m-i0sbANdBIFFdykER1zWzoqFQ2hj-8anpfguCNbBMtzDp6g8Z6ZsOG47e4z57vEj2-m8Z2XQrvIFYL1LVZuGmHHRoyuhEMWN2SpsRpxB-nHtfdp/s1600/tulsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT2PTUdn3mmnHMJebdAavoiX3SSa9m-i0sbANdBIFFdykER1zWzoqFQ2hj-8anpfguCNbBMtzDp6g8Z6ZsOG47e4z57vEj2-m8Z2XQrvIFYL1LVZuGmHHRoyuhEMWN2SpsRpxB-nHtfdp/s1600/tulsi.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, here is what I did this week:<br />
<br />
I had already cleared out the dead plants, which also removed some of
the soil along with a mass of roots. You can see how low the soil level
is. I leveled the soil and added enough new mix to bring the soil level up to the neck of the Olla. You can see in the next picture the new soil level. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfGQ_jxW028/UbITqshJFCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/NjOa-Vcbv-I/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfGQ_jxW028/UbITqshJFCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/NjOa-Vcbv-I/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I planted 4 new Holy Basil plants of 2 different varieties: Vana and Kapoor. I'm curious as to the difference in them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlQiawn9LD4/UbIRqhnsyZI/AAAAAAAAAe8/g_WrGLsLLfA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlQiawn9LD4/UbIRqhnsyZI/AAAAAAAAAe8/g_WrGLsLLfA/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, I decided to mulch with the hay that I have been using in my potato tub. It should help conserve moisture in the Olla tub.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQNe_nTkGyE/UbITt3ssE_I/AAAAAAAAAfY/xWXdGon1Xbc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQNe_nTkGyE/UbITt3ssE_I/AAAAAAAAAfY/xWXdGon1Xbc/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And, that's it. I watered the soil really well and filled the Olla. Now, I only have to keep the Olla filled. In a few weeks I'll have enough Holy Basil to start harvesting for my tea. And, as the summer goes on, I'll have enough to dry and save for the winter.<br />
<br />
Happy Gardening to you all. Stay cool, drink lots of nice herby tea and wear your hat! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-75514071819427330562013-04-14T12:26:00.001-05:002013-04-14T12:27:52.790-05:00Old Homestead Gardens<span style="color: #38761d;">It sure has been a while since I posted from this blog site. I've been active on many other social network platforms, but somehow, I neglect this blog area. I'd like to change that behavior and to start, I'd like to tell you about a new project I'm working on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">My project involves researching plants found on abandoned homesteads and property that would indicate where a house had been located. I realize I am not specifically looking for native plants, because I think people, women especially, would have brought plants from other locations that reminded them of “home” or other family members left behind. They also would want plants that flowered, but were very low maintenance. After all, life wasn't easy in early Texas and there wasn't a lot of time for the leisure activity we call gardening!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">I’ve only just begun my research and am looking for books, narratives, even personal accounts, etc. of homestead life in Texas. If any of you would possibly know of any sources I could investigate or have information perhaps passed down from family members, I would greatly appreciate it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">So far, I've thought about Crinum Lilies, old roses, iris and reseeding annuals that would be either not native to the area or in greater profusion than would be found elsewhere in the area.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">I hope some of you have some ideas for me!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Until Later...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Good Gardening to You!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r_A-mddpUQmlCc36xRrqBQ_dN73wQZOS-x0ThIAQQpnZvMacdZX49x_nX_zkC-X0ifWADotsn6MeaPy0KHO6IDRhsuNBKvRNY8HMgQhww7ebAoT9J4os1VqC7qI0u-KQ_ve_GTSwM432/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r_A-mddpUQmlCc36xRrqBQ_dN73wQZOS-x0ThIAQQpnZvMacdZX49x_nX_zkC-X0ifWADotsn6MeaPy0KHO6IDRhsuNBKvRNY8HMgQhww7ebAoT9J4os1VqC7qI0u-KQ_ve_GTSwM432/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-50012789625617643172012-11-04T08:06:00.000-06:002012-11-04T08:06:23.888-06:00An Olla in the GardenA few months ago, I received an Olla. In my case, it's an unglazed terra cotta jug with a wide neck and a lid to close it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfALftnixJp3dsp3xhR_WlkLx0DISnJPW3FFkyUssPVGtSRf_J6qg0oSbiQmroEoND8iB-XfudExRGRCXR2gmBbvQEtmu010TtJML25AuH6viRfSCvJ3pqncQlTzwHQd91ZcHHcLby2-7d/s1600/2012-07-06+08.55.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfALftnixJp3dsp3xhR_WlkLx0DISnJPW3FFkyUssPVGtSRf_J6qg0oSbiQmroEoND8iB-XfudExRGRCXR2gmBbvQEtmu010TtJML25AuH6viRfSCvJ3pqncQlTzwHQd91ZcHHcLby2-7d/s320/2012-07-06+08.55.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This one is from <a href="http://drippingspringsollas.com/" target="_blank">Dripping Springs Ollas</a> in the Texas Hill Country. The Olla is placed in the garden bed- or container- with the soil up to the neck. Then, keep the jug filled with water, and plants to about 15" away from the Olla will be watered.<br />
<br />
On October 18, I decided to plant salad greens in a large tub with my Olla. I mixed the soil I wanted to use and started to fill the tub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl0R8xhHD_En_PvGTV7euLYPF5jzAv2n7VsawVcTXTk6PuolTDaoo1d35rdZhN2PzadHLxmtMJBY4uFPUOVdSCXnDLDdI_Eda6g1nLhAYbKZfoHNnSIWR46zkFCsHulrJ8BvGoecOQQye/s1600/2012-10-18+14.14.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl0R8xhHD_En_PvGTV7euLYPF5jzAv2n7VsawVcTXTk6PuolTDaoo1d35rdZhN2PzadHLxmtMJBY4uFPUOVdSCXnDLDdI_Eda6g1nLhAYbKZfoHNnSIWR46zkFCsHulrJ8BvGoecOQQye/s320/2012-10-18+14.14.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I set the Olla so when the tub was filled the top would be about even with the rim of the tub. Since salad greens aren't deeply rooted plants, I didn't need the tub filled to the brim with soil mix. Then I finished filling the tub and planted the transplants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDLmZh6QHcWHEDwjaoivYR39WN7UQ5h6AUFpoxxyJsz7cw5Nh9cR0saDhwO0exe75jSsRZ-bZfK5UXFOvZGi-pO_wb6G37p6Wn4EJRlL11A1KjbCjDS97OWa0XhnTQRQiANW8LCFMh5fj/s1600/2012-10-18+14.30.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDLmZh6QHcWHEDwjaoivYR39WN7UQ5h6AUFpoxxyJsz7cw5Nh9cR0saDhwO0exe75jSsRZ-bZfK5UXFOvZGi-pO_wb6G37p6Wn4EJRlL11A1KjbCjDS97OWa0XhnTQRQiANW8LCFMh5fj/s320/2012-10-18+14.30.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is how it looked upon finishing planting. I watered them in with a hose to get them situated. I found I did need
to water with a hose a couple of times for about the first 10 days. The
weather was hot with no rain.<br />
<br />
Below, is how my Olla Tub Garden looked on November 2, 15 days after planting. Now, I only need to keep the Olla filled, which I do about twice a week. Since the roots aren't very deep, I've found I need to keep the water level topped off in the jug.<br />
<br />
I've already harvested some of the greens, and they are quickly regrowing for further harvests of succulent, tender and tasty salad greens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnWqqw0NjA_XA4I0KuB9StdQD5Hwu4RZnh2a2FY2z5Ks2-bMp4xWfSTUXhJJCA9ZAZgVuVS4N4VSATnKnwg9Sb_EX3rHoQ8IAgZwjIbfi_i4zfOlNTFgnEo5MpGHqRHEWag5qpC47MDPo/s1600/2012-11-02+15.05.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnWqqw0NjA_XA4I0KuB9StdQD5Hwu4RZnh2a2FY2z5Ks2-bMp4xWfSTUXhJJCA9ZAZgVuVS4N4VSATnKnwg9Sb_EX3rHoQ8IAgZwjIbfi_i4zfOlNTFgnEo5MpGHqRHEWag5qpC47MDPo/s320/2012-11-02+15.05.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I first got my Olla, I did some reading about this method of gardening and found it's used all over the world, especially is very dry areas like North Africa, China, Central Asia, Mexico, Central and South America as well as the desert Southwest in the United States.<br />
<br />
There are varied themes on this same principle. YouTube has quite a few videos and people have posted other ways to create a self watering pot in the garden. Here are some references:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.globalbuckets.org/p/olla-irrigation-clay-pot-system.html" target="_blank">Global Buckets</a><br />
<a href="http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2008/03/24/using-ollas/" target="_blank">Urban Homestead</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0BryMMFwME" target="_blank">Olla Irrigation</a><br />
<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/unglazed-clay-pots-create-efficient-drip-irrigation-video.html" target="_blank">Tree Hugger, Unglazed Clay Pots Create Efficient Irrigation</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Until Next Time- Good Gardening to you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ3jqhiu8lQIxac8-MD8qWp_pDtOgZ3_Jdu-gvjS4qfdDdRezHf_xfiKhyiItZLAoBRL4JmnXA9ww-fDZ2p_uwqIeIiAEEX0ezSYpT1VD974nmMEKTFB2dkQA7nwEooG4wPJayoONz3dY/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ3jqhiu8lQIxac8-MD8qWp_pDtOgZ3_Jdu-gvjS4qfdDdRezHf_xfiKhyiItZLAoBRL4JmnXA9ww-fDZ2p_uwqIeIiAEEX0ezSYpT1VD974nmMEKTFB2dkQA7nwEooG4wPJayoONz3dY/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-40573192377501836062012-08-15T07:40:00.000-05:002012-08-15T07:41:44.650-05:00Luffa GourdsI planted Luffa Gourds, also known as Dishrag Gourds, in late Spring. Luffa is the gourd also used as a body scrubber in the bath or shower. When dried, the inside of the gourd turns to a tan fibrous material. When small, some people eat them like a squash... to which they're related.<br />
<br />
The flowers are a pretty yellow, with male and female flowers as in all curcubits. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvZ542fFFv8IoZ_uV8SiJtoP5ORp_tREnJ7lGpGgWGGUevqLMTOQkmRhQi4_Y7oe66m8HyYOGZJRPSr9dsR_q3Iq0DqY8nZsV1BTWxHHE6tCSJCgsUf5UXRISGJCAohP4o6WRtwO9jLT_/s1600/IMG101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvZ542fFFv8IoZ_uV8SiJtoP5ORp_tREnJ7lGpGgWGGUevqLMTOQkmRhQi4_Y7oe66m8HyYOGZJRPSr9dsR_q3Iq0DqY8nZsV1BTWxHHE6tCSJCgsUf5UXRISGJCAohP4o6WRtwO9jLT_/s320/IMG101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luffa Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The vines can be quite long and it takes a lot of water to keep them healthy looking. Our rain kind of stopped in July. We've had little amounts of rain the last 6 weeks or so, but not a lot, so the Luffa plants are suffering. I water them every day, but they need a good soaking from some rain. I am getting fruit, though, just not as much as I would get if we had more rain this summer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUVRBRGyaqprgkwlUAjt4GXK3KeWuIea_-14QvCtwKNcWUOfKYiiepawONj-z6Bxe8AoUze27esO2pB92mCtsrXujdh1_eube2y3wKs3lpKJ6TAymUsYbDH8O_9fNMy-4xcZuB-VcpKmV/s1600/IMG098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUVRBRGyaqprgkwlUAjt4GXK3KeWuIea_-14QvCtwKNcWUOfKYiiepawONj-z6Bxe8AoUze27esO2pB92mCtsrXujdh1_eube2y3wKs3lpKJ6TAymUsYbDH8O_9fNMy-4xcZuB-VcpKmV/s320/IMG098.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Luffa Gourd. (Gee... I could have removed the dead leaf behind it.) This guy is about 3 inches long right now. You can see where the flower was on the open end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidki-3WtAzb9ZCkhennpdLdsKtRGjbUWBtbN2M-Xyl1u2zffEdvBRSVgDMS5EZ0SaCF_CjYffRS25cxGaEImOMfdLlMYAHtSxOPtuZf_WpquyR4E3LcKNvIcKy7TZorJfeWBPt9qEZq6M5/s1600/IMG097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidki-3WtAzb9ZCkhennpdLdsKtRGjbUWBtbN2M-Xyl1u2zffEdvBRSVgDMS5EZ0SaCF_CjYffRS25cxGaEImOMfdLlMYAHtSxOPtuZf_WpquyR4E3LcKNvIcKy7TZorJfeWBPt9qEZq6M5/s320/IMG097.jpg" title="Luffa Gourd" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a much larger fruit. You can see how big the leaves are</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> and why they need so much water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYnpxvmw081IjrfZGvsx93VJ_AArkyeHTS4wzJYzbnj0tGzWr8uJHW-3I6Ejd9Lpv8YgvM5ibFhaeQRLENqWRu9XnbqIFvTqcEIoYdxvTawU_2FnrDYOOVUQx8zF-ObkdOkh1JlEJZh0O/s1600/IMG096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYnpxvmw081IjrfZGvsx93VJ_AArkyeHTS4wzJYzbnj0tGzWr8uJHW-3I6Ejd9Lpv8YgvM5ibFhaeQRLENqWRu9XnbqIFvTqcEIoYdxvTawU_2FnrDYOOVUQx8zF-ObkdOkh1JlEJZh0O/s320/IMG096.jpg" width="240" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a closer pic of the Luffa. Like all gourds, it needs to dry on the vine so it does not rot.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's what the dried fruit looks like before it's peeled. When you shake it you can hear the seeds rattle inside. There are lots of seeds, like a cucumber would have if it dried like this. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6sd0z-7SOPYPwsnGV_7TyxcqR3KAAlCpXA-gehnE37YOFFjpABaVci5597wVSW9gV8oEMd5nh1dNUmpf64ei-5lTG0nhszsYv3vsYoVCjnmNVPR9xTl_6degMPSC0gedKLfKk1DCBkJI/s1600/IMG100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6sd0z-7SOPYPwsnGV_7TyxcqR3KAAlCpXA-gehnE37YOFFjpABaVci5597wVSW9gV8oEMd5nh1dNUmpf64ei-5lTG0nhszsYv3vsYoVCjnmNVPR9xTl_6degMPSC0gedKLfKk1DCBkJI/s320/IMG100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried Luffa with skin still on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To peel the Luffa, I just soak the dried fruit in water for a few minutes, and the skin comes right off. To remove the seeds, cut an end off and pour the seeds out.<br />
<br />
Luffa are fun to grow and do very well in warm weather. As I mentioned, they do need quite a bit of water, like any vine.<br />
<br />
Until next time, enjoy your gardens!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6fih4t8r5TugRX_6oeU6rELLRuZ-MrnXtzJ370aIxlGKhy6gsaMIq4-AG48_7Pev43pl77wzH-QWKdC-uh9rqn71G-IEK012kZ55zA8ODL_KjRi4QsT0CP3QpceFIx0Fsd6KkT8Y_Cqa/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6fih4t8r5TugRX_6oeU6rELLRuZ-MrnXtzJ370aIxlGKhy6gsaMIq4-AG48_7Pev43pl77wzH-QWKdC-uh9rqn71G-IEK012kZ55zA8ODL_KjRi4QsT0CP3QpceFIx0Fsd6KkT8Y_Cqa/s400/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-53117839296961785072012-07-21T17:31:00.002-05:002012-07-21T17:32:55.428-05:00Mulch, Mulch... & More Mulch<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLzyLmFCgvO3wS6rnP2cJi9WkFeVWajd433uMrrfLz8tFB6SmM2ATQWfB_UYsPd6fWxvhuZm8wGHkgy2tBDkIN5PVUFtCw51u3rxBC28omTek5xMpiTUMEB8T4zNOD-dow4wai3EbgVlT/s1600/IMG073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLzyLmFCgvO3wS6rnP2cJi9WkFeVWajd433uMrrfLz8tFB6SmM2ATQWfB_UYsPd6fWxvhuZm8wGHkgy2tBDkIN5PVUFtCw51u3rxBC28omTek5xMpiTUMEB8T4zNOD-dow4wai3EbgVlT/s320/IMG073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arp Rosemary.... all nicely mulched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #38761d;">Now that high summer is upon us and my production level is low, I have time to tend to my garden beds.</b><span style="color: #38761d;"> During the height of Spring, I am much too busy with The Herb Cottage business to weed and do much other than the occasional glance at my beds. By July, Bermuda Grass and other weedy species have invaded my cultivated areas and it looks terrible. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;">
So, what to do on a nice hot summer's day but get out the garden fork, gloves, trowel and get to it! None of my beds, but one, are very big, but they are in the sun in the afternoons, so I worked in the mornings. It took about 2 hours per bed, I guess, to get all the grass, etc. out of the beds. </div>
<div style="color: #741b47;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #741b47;">
I didn't think to take any pictures of the mess before I started clearing the beds. But, here's what part of the herb bed looks like after all the Bermuda Grass is gone.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhDzGaNhzi-pFVpAaDjmWG-6pIj_1NwV7RCVp5jA7fqmsJrNkyKSduJO1-vyf0SZ21O3A0B-ANU5m_OCOyQ1dXKgPFObx0Zs35Xd22hOPYpZstZRYmAqujobC58unmfcE288xs7xFTrYe/s320/2012-07-20+10.23.02.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #741b47;">
My personal reward for clearing beds is to plant new plants! So, in the herb beds I added some marjoram, stevia and cutting celery. In the bed with lots of succulents and drought tolerant perennials I added gaura, Wine Cups and sedum. I moved some other plants around with the results much to my liking.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
The biggest bed is in front of my workshop and it has a very invasive artemisia in it, which is tamed for now, but only takes a couple of months before it's taking over the area. In that bed, I tossed lots of seed: zinnia, orange cosmos, borage, a pack of mixed seed and I'm not sure what else. The zinnias have sprouted, as have some of the cosmos and borage. I also planted some of the new salvia I'm growing: James Compton. <span style="color: #0b5394;">Pictures when the bed has filled in will be forthcoming!</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexOivhuDI-91I9OMMC2f1ZuF8rDKV2ksBUxEYq9uroQyFZW7RXEJy2dvsHk0bedmSG1K4kRgMPZ4JhvCqaRG9GIdk3KPBo1zm5N4UEw-qKFnAplRGCnUMyDS-RhomSTpRGCpTSSHYdzts/s1600/IMG083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexOivhuDI-91I9OMMC2f1ZuF8rDKV2ksBUxEYq9uroQyFZW7RXEJy2dvsHk0bedmSG1K4kRgMPZ4JhvCqaRG9GIdk3KPBo1zm5N4UEw-qKFnAplRGCnUMyDS-RhomSTpRGCpTSSHYdzts/s320/IMG083.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West facing bed with succulents and really tough perennials... before mulch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_j8XqqIpUkibTnpC_1LR5v0goRRjDzO0BwvjTAAHjBU7yvV_Ky7Oq8j7wJcPZQ6C5jY3u4mHgMysepUdeONaX42FZAfTjS-aAWJoHsf6HbkLpHRmGryCL1yFrqnkgeL6QHbAMvvrQpVj/s1600/IMG085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_j8XqqIpUkibTnpC_1LR5v0goRRjDzO0BwvjTAAHjBU7yvV_Ky7Oq8j7wJcPZQ6C5jY3u4mHgMysepUdeONaX42FZAfTjS-aAWJoHsf6HbkLpHRmGryCL1yFrqnkgeL6QHbAMvvrQpVj/s320/IMG085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same bed... after mulch. See the tiny sedums on the right? They look like little dots. They'll spread and add a nice ground cover effect. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #351c75;">
THEN- to try and keep the beds looking good and to keep the soil cool and more able to hold moisture I mulched. Yesterday and today I used up 11 bags of mulch. I like the Soil </div>
<div style="color: #351c75;">
Conditioner from Landscaper's Pride brand produced in East Texas. It's inexpensive and as it breaks down, it adds some nutrition to the soil. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvPd4mfOPLRU8Lv7lvRwHi51wvL7ymDNYpwI3aK6ed1ZHzI935X8F2M9UgWm7vUwM5E4sfnEwu6WmYBKAz1O1KgVHX6LCuFZglcbNSQOR0JpLjRQfm8AJ2h9OFCzsQn8ntp0TCmOaQxei/s1600/2012-07-20+10.23.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvPd4mfOPLRU8Lv7lvRwHi51wvL7ymDNYpwI3aK6ed1ZHzI935X8F2M9UgWm7vUwM5E4sfnEwu6WmYBKAz1O1KgVHX6LCuFZglcbNSQOR0JpLjRQfm8AJ2h9OFCzsQn8ntp0TCmOaQxei/s320/2012-07-20+10.23.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After weeding... before mulching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64yLqh3L8vNWnNwej6GV4pzRtCl2y7AVsFoM7hCsFieyD-Wx-I7KDsmaBhE1Ki0Che4_GPr8tP-3oYN7lzNw-pcd7LrCp65u9ODvjBLAGRZkNlLMxxwN38U-zVuM3xda2clvtQGbseHuR/s1600/IMG079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64yLqh3L8vNWnNwej6GV4pzRtCl2y7AVsFoM7hCsFieyD-Wx-I7KDsmaBhE1Ki0Che4_GPr8tP-3oYN7lzNw-pcd7LrCp65u9ODvjBLAGRZkNlLMxxwN38U-zVuM3xda2clvtQGbseHuR/s320/IMG079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh... the mulch looks sooo nice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
Mulching in and around established plants is hard work! Lots of bending, not to mention lifting the bags and moving them around. And, it's hot! At least 90º F by mid morning. In the morning hours I worked each day, I ended up with mulch stuck to me and my clothes. T-shirt, shorts (and, of course anything under those garments), shoes and socks... all completely sodden with good, honest sweat.</div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
Today, when I was done I came in for water and watermelon. Ummmm.... cool and refreshing! </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Boy, does the place look good. And, I have the pictures to prove it. Too bad it won't stay looking this good. Ah, well.... even though I go to Yoga at the local fitness center, gardening is a great workout. And, there can't be a single speck of a toxin left in me after all the sweat that poured out of me!</span>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-4244499628905575612012-07-06T11:10:00.000-05:002012-07-06T11:12:22.062-05:00An Olla For Your GardenYesterday a couple stopped by here at The Herb Cottage to tell me about the Ollas they are marketing from Dripping Springs Ollas. Do you know what an Olla is? I didn't, but when I saw it, I knew immediately how it functioned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgdC0mrtaMb5aiefNAfObsI9nktfGnAN1rwS9_BMXRm_xQZIcluh_nrtaMTL895rotSJe5CA5b2VO0w4_4OUWJG6jO2t8EgI4TSDkiEUSNciAohqWDaYaiGXaS61PSyXAxfi7K1ubQZX1/s1600/Olla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgdC0mrtaMb5aiefNAfObsI9nktfGnAN1rwS9_BMXRm_xQZIcluh_nrtaMTL895rotSJe5CA5b2VO0w4_4OUWJG6jO2t8EgI4TSDkiEUSNciAohqWDaYaiGXaS61PSyXAxfi7K1ubQZX1/s320/Olla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
An Olla is a pot- in this case it's unglazed terra cotta- which is buried in the ground and then filled with water. Plants are planted around it and the water seeps out of the pot as the soil dries out. It's an irrigation system!<br />
<br />
Here is a YouTube Video from Laurie explaining how it works.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fvKq5geEM-A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found lots of other videos on YouTube about this type of irrigation. A lid is important so the water doesn't evaporate and mosquitoes don't lay their eggs in the water. There are also videos showing ways to make automatic filling systems into the Ollas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is all very good for economic water usage. Apparently it's a system that has been used for centuries in North Africa, where water is very precious.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdioI3Rjpv81ijVrYzeuWnLb2UJc6MTVoNqB_pL4x2b_vYnoq0csoVJe3TPH2YSjxPe_Fe54Dhli05RQlVMurwqnIgBCqC_eq0qhUNBknWWJ6BAmMnM-AzPiFfsslGpS3K8FVUK3mDD32/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdioI3Rjpv81ijVrYzeuWnLb2UJc6MTVoNqB_pL4x2b_vYnoq0csoVJe3TPH2YSjxPe_Fe54Dhli05RQlVMurwqnIgBCqC_eq0qhUNBknWWJ6BAmMnM-AzPiFfsslGpS3K8FVUK3mDD32/s400/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-74094317692393616302012-05-14T07:28:00.000-05:002012-05-14T07:29:37.988-05:00Busy, Busy Spring<div style="color: #38761d;">
We have had the most beautiful Spring this year. Many times here, it seems like Spring lasts about 2 days then Summer sets in. But, other than some pretty hot weather a few weeks ago- a harbinger of Summer, surely- our days have been in the 80's and the nights in the 60's.... quite pleasant for Texas, to be sure! </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDzjaWzkPvfKQOIAkeC5hROxysDKePatyKi0RwtlX_wDeqDVeJneb8ZNY2sh6EdLaYAw9LIT1vW6kCPcKhG7tz8fT4Eob1ICXfdrk559onvhtPki12cpIaoPqbkhgBIkOz6f5iCCryjJ3/s1600/IMG011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDzjaWzkPvfKQOIAkeC5hROxysDKePatyKi0RwtlX_wDeqDVeJneb8ZNY2sh6EdLaYAw9LIT1vW6kCPcKhG7tz8fT4Eob1ICXfdrk559onvhtPki12cpIaoPqbkhgBIkOz6f5iCCryjJ3/s320/IMG011-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arp Rosemary. Lots of new growth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The garden herbs are looking very good, after being overrun by bluebonnets and nasturtiums earlier in the season. I've removed the bluebonnets since their seeds were flung out. And, the nasturtiums were not looking too good anymore, so I took those out, too. The rest of the little garden plot is now able to grow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The mullein I planted last year is looking great and should flower this year. I'm hoping it'll reseed and I plan to save seed, too, for planting. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhxVVEHKSM8cNQy272mw6I2lNO5eCQQXzvOtHpkKaKUwsKtaz0qeO0RYVrGSesr0gqGFhL5Z6Xx4bhxgnjsGXaDXXmMV0jiQQ4t3dKtVBmMLpBiAea4RwVlG0iz494CLSGHRIgtmfZZQO/s1600/IMG010-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhxVVEHKSM8cNQy272mw6I2lNO5eCQQXzvOtHpkKaKUwsKtaz0qeO0RYVrGSesr0gqGFhL5Z6Xx4bhxgnjsGXaDXXmMV0jiQQ4t3dKtVBmMLpBiAea4RwVlG0iz494CLSGHRIgtmfZZQO/s320/IMG010-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"> I have room now to plant basil in the garden now, and hope to do it this
week. I have several varieties of Holy Basil that I'd like to grow out
to dry for tea. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpd_F8eeUuS1445li9xi9uprCkPHqq0doYyncQPyLYVZiq0rksdMoYkMmaFTTeIpkFJwsOTKUD9F6xr9wWl3qJDqCuSTwrjOZnkCPyFzCo79cqPekk56998GMQjIL4FZjT81xxnzRQncy/s1600/IMG009-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpd_F8eeUuS1445li9xi9uprCkPHqq0doYyncQPyLYVZiq0rksdMoYkMmaFTTeIpkFJwsOTKUD9F6xr9wWl3qJDqCuSTwrjOZnkCPyFzCo79cqPekk56998GMQjIL4FZjT81xxnzRQncy/s1600/IMG009-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Yarrow just starting to flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I planted a small native, white yarrow in late winter and it's spreading nicely and blooming. Yarrow is good for staunching blood flow from wounds. It's also antimicrobial, so it disinfects as well. Yarrow Tea is a diaphoretic- it causes sweating, and has been used as a cold and fever remedy. I like it because it attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects, even though it can get a little out of hand. There are other colors of Yarrow that have been bred: yellow, red, pastels- that don't seem to run as much as the native white, but I suspect their medicinal properties have been lessened. I plan to make a Yarrow Hydrosol from the flowers when I have enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
Even with lots of positive energy and healthy plants, there is a blot on my garden. I have acquired a gopher... or mole... or some underground critter that enjoys certain of my herbs. Fennel seems to be a favorite. I've lost all the fennel plants that were so lovely earlier, and my big flat-leaf parsley was taken out, too. Tell-tale signs are wilting leaves even after a rain. When I pull on the plant, it just comes up with no roots at all! What to do?? </div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
Poison is out of the question... the cats seem totally uninterested in catching him... I don't have a dog any longer... any ideas would be welcome. </div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">There you have a quick overview of what part of my garden looks like.... I didn't take pics of the parts not yet cleaned out!! </span></div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #134f5c;">
I hope you're all having a wonderful Spring, enjoying your plants and gardens.</div>
<div style="color: #134f5c;">
Until next time, </div>
<div style="color: #134f5c;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #134f5c;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImac7pRLyMUQJ4SD7aINCUIdJpQWFFOgqUlQQCQTcfKQWt0swGNoBpZuJV8x_umqN1YSaCbXs6jBUb0qQ_39myZF8rf6EqlhApiRTD1l4vornKkd5fmHYKPwXoryUETDpnK0eslvVQRfY/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImac7pRLyMUQJ4SD7aINCUIdJpQWFFOgqUlQQCQTcfKQWt0swGNoBpZuJV8x_umqN1YSaCbXs6jBUb0qQ_39myZF8rf6EqlhApiRTD1l4vornKkd5fmHYKPwXoryUETDpnK0eslvVQRfY/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-58844405156536103582012-04-12T08:54:00.000-05:002012-04-12T08:54:18.029-05:00Guide to Growing Herbs in Texas<div style="color: #6aa84f;">
I've just posted a Guide to Growing Herbs in Texas on the <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/the_plants.html" target="_blank">website</a>. It's a primer on some of the best practices for successfully growing herbs in Texas and in other areas along the Gulf Coast.</div>
<div style="color: #0b5394;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">It's been a busy, busy Spring since my return from a wonderful, family-filled trip to California. Lots of people are replanting gardens that wilted and burned up in last year's drought. I'm so happy to be able to supply healthy, hardy herbs and native and adapted perennials for their gardens. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;">
You might also have seen me at one of the many programs I've done this month and last. I've been at the Antique Rose Emporium in San Antonio, The Enchanted Nurseries in Richmond, Bloomers in Elgin and today I'm going to the San Antonio Herb Society meeting to present a program on container herb growing. </div>
<br />
This Saturday, the 14th, I'll be presenting <span style="color: #38761d;">How to Choose Herbs for Your Garden</span> at the <a href="http://myenchanted.com/calendar.php" target="_blank">Enchanted Nurseries</a> in Richmond. <a href="http://myenchanted.com/calendar.php" target="_blank">Go to their website for the schedule.</a><br />
<br />
And, I'll be at the <a href="http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/events" target="_blank">Antique Rose Emporium in San Antonio</a> for a program to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Pep Up Your Garden With Peppers!</span> on the 21st.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I'll be back at La Centerra with the Katy Farmers' Market on April 28. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
Whew!! That's all for now... I have to go water some plants! </div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
Until later... have fun in your gardens... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BKAibkMBtaJxrv1HYd5yg4rSoW3UwoPmdeZpcVP611bxChm5oNVx1Gr937YzioIhegzNqIS8qu95w-ucalSUqf0lM4yjsggMZYixl2XgLWgLe2w1JGA2kkfdsra78JZgaSYBVJLPbZd0/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BKAibkMBtaJxrv1HYd5yg4rSoW3UwoPmdeZpcVP611bxChm5oNVx1Gr937YzioIhegzNqIS8qu95w-ucalSUqf0lM4yjsggMZYixl2XgLWgLe2w1JGA2kkfdsra78JZgaSYBVJLPbZd0/s400/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-90631967605037657442012-02-29T20:52:00.001-06:002012-02-29T21:01:07.661-06:00California, Here I Come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
I'm off to California to visit my family for a week. I've been working hard, along with my helper, to get lots done before I leave. We have almost all the tomato seedlings potted up and I even delivered some today to a local feed store. Then, we planted warm season veggies: several varieties of cucumbers, summer squash, acorn squash, watermelon, including the heirloom Moon & Stars, and even some corn and broom corn which is wonderful for a decoration and for the birds to eat the little seed.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
I planted lots and lots of basil: Genovese, Lemon, Lime, Thai, Cinnamon, Serata, Holy and African. There will be basil plants everywhere in a few weeks!!</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #7f6000;">The herb beds look so good right now with the rains we've had and the warmer temps, too:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYloMrdXdanENCMBwKILFhJ2lGV4OAa6gRxVEPQqMiBgvT4EQNDl4-9JZ6GJC2XwGPWusga7bJUWs8JnLBVORYE5tk2Hg5Gu5TCOlQI2rgFfYuRb_Jmai8c3BU5rNNefTcFie6B7bEpx6/s1600/herb+bed3+2-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYloMrdXdanENCMBwKILFhJ2lGV4OAa6gRxVEPQqMiBgvT4EQNDl4-9JZ6GJC2XwGPWusga7bJUWs8JnLBVORYE5tk2Hg5Gu5TCOlQI2rgFfYuRb_Jmai8c3BU5rNNefTcFie6B7bEpx6/s400/herb+bed3+2-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: blue;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just love this bed with the nasturtiums, green and bronze fennel, bluebonnets peeking through- almost ready to bloom, garlic chives and the cilantro blooming in the background.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DD3YzDpUcie3_B-rJnznwoBwVj16vWTKjy0-fW7oMBI1s2niDEImpuUHkBs-HU_zJcKtArBkv0fEMVZrVIP2fmp4XkW-YM9Q30_IqizPsRJp2G0KOXNnMM65SFGdiQN9F8gXTqjZX8FY/s1600/Herb+Bed+2-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DD3YzDpUcie3_B-rJnznwoBwVj16vWTKjy0-fW7oMBI1s2niDEImpuUHkBs-HU_zJcKtArBkv0fEMVZrVIP2fmp4XkW-YM9Q30_IqizPsRJp2G0KOXNnMM65SFGdiQN9F8gXTqjZX8FY/s400/Herb+Bed+2-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is parsley with a sorrel and a Syrian Oregano on the right. The Syrian Oregano came through the heat and drought like a champ with very little additional water. The new growth is a nice light green. This is a very flavorful type, too! You can see some Calendula flowers in the background, if you look very closely.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZyuLutKEmU9yu-xbuu47LxOEcTEg8jkOJMTRsZNHMbcDteO8rikr7m-9zHaX-mjRWE346u1N3j2CCijx3lsoiurqv8XPZfHOaLwDtsPHWIPuqol_I8lGuzVe1A5N8i90-GZER4U1UQ9I/s1600/herb+bed2+2-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZyuLutKEmU9yu-xbuu47LxOEcTEg8jkOJMTRsZNHMbcDteO8rikr7m-9zHaX-mjRWE346u1N3j2CCijx3lsoiurqv8XPZfHOaLwDtsPHWIPuqol_I8lGuzVe1A5N8i90-GZER4U1UQ9I/s400/herb+bed2+2-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">This Arp Rosemary has done beautifully here. It's actually planted in a one gallon pot with the bottom cut out of it. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
And, just to show we're not all workaholics around here, Miss Ruby Begonia taking a nap on the pots of Chamomile and Mint. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6Pb7p4pI68dEkP4IRhEiv8CgBub9rJwWkx_xTMk0BeMZO14SnrXQ-lbEpsLddjDdMtTKQBqbvo_XSv9zGE93hcOUpEQYEh8em-39GBFvX4eyU2QRPf9GVJ-eLvu12VRGhKtuncbC-ENb/s1600/Ruby+on+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6Pb7p4pI68dEkP4IRhEiv8CgBub9rJwWkx_xTMk0BeMZO14SnrXQ-lbEpsLddjDdMtTKQBqbvo_XSv9zGE93hcOUpEQYEh8em-39GBFvX4eyU2QRPf9GVJ-eLvu12VRGhKtuncbC-ENb/s400/Ruby+on+pots.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;">Must be nice! She didn't even open her eyes when I called to her... </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="color: #7f6000;">
So, I leave my little nursery in the capable hands of husband, Mike. Even though he's not into the plants much, he does a great job watering and monitoring everything. He might even chase a cat away now and then! </div>
<div style="color: #7f6000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #7f6000;">
Upon my return, maybe I'll have some exciting new pics and a story to tell about a horticultural adventure in California.</div>
<div style="color: #7f6000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #7f6000;">
Bye for now. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPsb8sN91ID7iIPkom7mNiGECcZqucVbDIGFdCR8gjmMr9rqovuC_-ZN86CkRd3lO-RXgnp6Qso9LcWU6qS7zrxmio1xIIhiUz_9Ld0D6IdgCng0kfX7psTFxM-ECpXolhyphenhyphen4zxETai8ol/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPsb8sN91ID7iIPkom7mNiGECcZqucVbDIGFdCR8gjmMr9rqovuC_-ZN86CkRd3lO-RXgnp6Qso9LcWU6qS7zrxmio1xIIhiUz_9Ld0D6IdgCng0kfX7psTFxM-ECpXolhyphenhyphen4zxETai8ol/s400/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-23731978310810408072012-01-30T17:16:00.000-06:002012-01-30T17:17:23.544-06:00New USDA Hardiness Zone Map!!<div style="color: #990000;">
In one of my nursery magazines today, I learned we now have a new, updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map!! </div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;">The old map has been in place since 1990. Now, you can focus on your state up close. Here's what the USDA has to say: </span><br />
<br />
<i>"This is the most sophisticated Plant Hardiness Zone Map yet for the
United States," said Dr. Catherine Woteki, USDA Under Secretary for
Research, Education and Economics. "The increases in accuracy and detail
that this map represents will be extremely useful for gardeners and
researchers."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAb8TaKHkwL6RrQ14TGQjpjDjqVmSIDZmdIyeVPSPEchoH-CGKpKAS_C9lh39-8dV4wVtOZfKxPlo66WMTf9NOZWisaEx0KBHY1hWv8N3eRV3C71K9ac06C7HmUGaoWISJ7-IRUY_kIv4/s1600/USDA_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAb8TaKHkwL6RrQ14TGQjpjDjqVmSIDZmdIyeVPSPEchoH-CGKpKAS_C9lh39-8dV4wVtOZfKxPlo66WMTf9NOZWisaEx0KBHY1hWv8N3eRV3C71K9ac06C7HmUGaoWISJ7-IRUY_kIv4/s320/USDA_map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the link to the new map: <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/#" target="_blank">http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/# </a><i></i><br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Check it out!!! </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c6r000uxN02iztDWaB-oXLGr6qI3-D-IDLuaHrQDKt_3DDozMIhkZ3dAuW44oi3hnwZ7kyC5RcFTkdqozWdAxzk5uOdVaBXarY3IRaa3kjK_I8BEbB7lSedKGDhJqcxN7DB4ih_jssVm/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c6r000uxN02iztDWaB-oXLGr6qI3-D-IDLuaHrQDKt_3DDozMIhkZ3dAuW44oi3hnwZ7kyC5RcFTkdqozWdAxzk5uOdVaBXarY3IRaa3kjK_I8BEbB7lSedKGDhJqcxN7DB4ih_jssVm/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-45194795620874621172012-01-30T17:10:00.000-06:002012-01-30T17:20:30.712-06:00January Newsletter- Winter Gardening<div style="color: #38761d;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've published the January 2012 Herb Cottage Newsletter. It's all about gardening in Winter. Whether you live where winters are mild or cold, there's something for you!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theherbcottage.com/1-12_winter_garden.html" target="_blank">2012 Newsletter</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Hope you enjoy it!! </span>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-2628779503241615762012-01-03T18:05:00.005-06:002012-01-03T18:06:28.677-06:00December Newsletter from The Herb Cottage<span style="color: #38761d;">I published The Herb Cottage December Newsletter on Dec. 31!! Better late than not at all, right! I don't quite know what kept me from writing the newsletter earlier in the month. So, one of my Resolutions for 2012 is to write the monthly newsletter in a more timely fashion.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
If you'd like to read the Newsletter <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/12-11_prepare_for-spring.html" target="_blank">here it is</a>. The title of the Newsletter is Prepare for Spring... and it's all about ... well, preparing your garden and your plans for Spring.</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
I hope you enjoy it! </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Happy New Year and may this year be your best gardening year yet!</span>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-6033719058027273052011-12-29T21:02:00.001-06:002011-12-29T21:02:17.038-06:00Time to Plant SEEDS!<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">It's
time to plant your Tomato, Pepper and Eggplant seeds for Spring
growing. Especially if you're in the Houston area, take advantage of the
great seed selection on-line at <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/">theherbcottage.com</a> and at the <a href="http://icm71.com/" target="_blank">Industrial Country Market</a>. Or visit with me at the <a href="http://www.lacenterra.com/FarmersMarket/tabid/81/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Katy Farmers' Market</a> in La Centerra. I'll be there this week, 12/31 and throughout the winter.</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Count back from your last average frost date. <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/hardiness_zones.html" target="_blank">Find your Gardening Zone.</a> Find your <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates/" target="_blank"> average last frost date</a></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Allow 6-8 weeks for seedlings to gain size and vigor. Start your seeds indoors with plenty of light and warmth. These seeds like at least 70ºF soil temp for good germination. Then, they can stay cooler to grow out into sturdy and healthy seedlings. </span></span></h6>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZPmVrRtHw/Tv0mNaJH8jI/AAAAAAAAAKM/58rMeZ7W3MU/s1600/Eggplant_long_purple_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZPmVrRtHw/Tv0mNaJH8jI/AAAAAAAAAKM/58rMeZ7W3MU/s200/Eggplant_long_purple_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGWGXJurKs/Tv0mMfpj2GI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gYXrsvmbMj8/s1600/Eggplant_black_beauty_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGWGXJurKs/Tv0mMfpj2GI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gYXrsvmbMj8/s200/Eggplant_black_beauty_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-f5oLVVxQ0/Tv0mN0UWFzI/AAAAAAAAAKU/ZJneOm2AQqU/s1600/Pepper_chile_early_jalap_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-f5oLVVxQ0/Tv0mN0UWFzI/AAAAAAAAAKU/ZJneOm2AQqU/s200/Pepper_chile_early_jalap_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTitHcFNwzU/Tv0mPWzHAeI/AAAAAAAAAKk/wI4NTdtmdeg/s1600/Pepper_Or_Sweet_Calif_Wond_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTitHcFNwzU/Tv0mPWzHAeI/AAAAAAAAAKk/wI4NTdtmdeg/s200/Pepper_Or_Sweet_Calif_Wond_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KAalrBAaP4/Tv0mOR4L3KI/AAAAAAAAAKc/r4mIozwui8k/s1600/Pepper_hot_cayenne_blend_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KAalrBAaP4/Tv0mOR4L3KI/AAAAAAAAAKc/r4mIozwui8k/s200/Pepper_hot_cayenne_blend_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwu20jFZiFY/Tv0luWKnm5I/AAAAAAAAAJY/Wrzk0KvcNa0/s1600/Tomato_beefsteak_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwu20jFZiFY/Tv0luWKnm5I/AAAAAAAAAJY/Wrzk0KvcNa0/s200/Tomato_beefsteak_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVZy1_AbjaA/Tv0lvDZHGPI/AAAAAAAAAJo/pLP7U5seg8g/s1600/Tomato_bush_green_zebra_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVZy1_AbjaA/Tv0lvDZHGPI/AAAAAAAAAJo/pLP7U5seg8g/s200/Tomato_bush_green_zebra_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q00BhZpF2GQ/Tv0luzShBgI/AAAAAAAAAJg/1pbqMY2AgpA/s1600/Tomato_blk_krim_org_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q00BhZpF2GQ/Tv0luzShBgI/AAAAAAAAAJg/1pbqMY2AgpA/s200/Tomato_blk_krim_org_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe0ikRUEWo8/Tv0lxTMvG0I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/NvsFgIKSdT0/s1600/Tomato_pole_yellow_pear_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe0ikRUEWo8/Tv0lxTMvG0I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/NvsFgIKSdT0/s200/Tomato_pole_yellow_pear_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brOUjLhkVoI/Tv0lwCHnVkI/AAAAAAAAAJw/nwmIb4d793A/s1600/tomato_pole_cherokee_pur_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brOUjLhkVoI/Tv0lwCHnVkI/AAAAAAAAAJw/nwmIb4d793A/s200/tomato_pole_cherokee_pur_lg.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> Lots of heirlooms, open-pollinated,
NON-GMO SEEDS! Stay tuned for links to a series of videos to help you with Spring
growing. The first one will be on sowing seeds! </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> <span style="color: #351c75;">Until later- Happy New
Year to You!! </span></span></span></h6>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAfUW8fl2sw/Tv0lb3--yYI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/MsGRSRc0Pao/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAfUW8fl2sw/Tv0lb3--yYI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/MsGRSRc0Pao/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span></span></h6>Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-81070020316107098602011-12-08T16:05:00.001-06:002011-12-08T16:40:33.042-06:00Brrr.... it's cold in Texas!<div style="color: #38761d;">
We had our first hard freeze of the season the other night. It got down to about 27ºF for at least 8 hours. Since I always watch the weather forecast, I knew it was coming and had propane ready for my heaters, frost blanket to cover hardy vegetables in the greenhouse so I didn't have to heat both houses and <i>most</i> the tender plants were already in the greenhouse. </div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
Here are some pictures of the herb beds after the freeze. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sXOmsjOfnKXW5e7Ou1zjTjSLTc1XkCn57_r6LPuQo0wXSb6Dnsto6lsnazQ4mN2FGodOBKJ1NeP2MAP_0YKUFTnf_FYpGZsmnKE417WXZTruLzDzzOj7V51vjrWJQvPgIOYtOisaSPXp/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sXOmsjOfnKXW5e7Ou1zjTjSLTc1XkCn57_r6LPuQo0wXSb6Dnsto6lsnazQ4mN2FGodOBKJ1NeP2MAP_0YKUFTnf_FYpGZsmnKE417WXZTruLzDzzOj7V51vjrWJQvPgIOYtOisaSPXp/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Mullein - on the left - laughs at the freeze, while the stringy dead looking stems to the right are from the lovely Nasturtiums I had growing. I thought about covering them, but they're so tender and it's only going to get colder. I have lots in the greenhouse, some even with flower buds on them, so I'll enjoy them in there and plant more out in the Spring!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3wORngTECS3Zp3l1c1_4h9AyJRrqf7GWuP-O-_-eNleXmsfIL90FcNbJV97FDIm6BGlPfbS-KDHvKFqOTfTDtIB70LJves3he9wDzD4iyC7rNC6Umdq492OHpQ2IwRuO-1gD7REreduE/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze-herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3wORngTECS3Zp3l1c1_4h9AyJRrqf7GWuP-O-_-eNleXmsfIL90FcNbJV97FDIm6BGlPfbS-KDHvKFqOTfTDtIB70LJves3he9wDzD4iyC7rNC6Umdq492OHpQ2IwRuO-1gD7REreduE/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze-herbs.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">As a contrast, here's a strawberry jar I planted with various varieties of Thyme and a Lemon Verbena in the top. Behind you can see the rosette of a Salad Burnet and in the upper right is a Curry Plant- Helichrysum italicum- all unaffected by the cold. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMqXSP1Z_bhj37IlG8Vj0mUMiCejJ0DjwVwePqgzhXnWtXEBk2wnx9EZctusR2Ea4IQ5UgBfVPG8biDUfJFKu9Okqt9gfBpb1P4UH2b5tDcuRw7NNBZT_0_Mzy3LFGTgB50reQK5Vfhhd/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMqXSP1Z_bhj37IlG8Vj0mUMiCejJ0DjwVwePqgzhXnWtXEBk2wnx9EZctusR2Ea4IQ5UgBfVPG8biDUfJFKu9Okqt9gfBpb1P4UH2b5tDcuRw7NNBZT_0_Mzy3LFGTgB50reQK5Vfhhd/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Another Mullein with the remains of a big Basil plant- inside the circle. I think this one was Cardinal Basil - a Thai type with red stems and nice big green leaves. Ah, well.... </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_oPt9E8DSX16NJkhx1dxxtl2GlK0jAn9Y2BEVxpLEd3r5RTerDCLPSDqEUXnUJgSPvL691erFBY5daj7M9dWWueZQn5rd7p93a6TQS1tEpB0U5S9jvA8i4GR62zw0run50-ZI5ma1t5W/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_oPt9E8DSX16NJkhx1dxxtl2GlK0jAn9Y2BEVxpLEd3r5RTerDCLPSDqEUXnUJgSPvL691erFBY5daj7M9dWWueZQn5rd7p93a6TQS1tEpB0U5S9jvA8i4GR62zw0run50-ZI5ma1t5W/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #3d85c6;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside this circle, another Basil - an African type - froze, too. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5pxJhLHy0u7KNBCuswSkmEk9-aY3Pv9hYQPTvm6FjeS6qv_Qt3DzryybRS-KghsJzHQ_hTDBsoDyFp49b8rwkzF9hSwa_nY4gYaZWgP4lUCyfFMKOuZNK9iNiI1zn-FCbZxK8k2YJ7Ts/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze-fennel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5pxJhLHy0u7KNBCuswSkmEk9-aY3Pv9hYQPTvm6FjeS6qv_Qt3DzryybRS-KghsJzHQ_hTDBsoDyFp49b8rwkzF9hSwa_nY4gYaZWgP4lUCyfFMKOuZNK9iNiI1zn-FCbZxK8k2YJ7Ts/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze-fennel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">On the other hand, here's a beautiful, healthy Fennel plant that's been growing here about 3 years</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> - also unaffected by the freeze</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">. I have lots of little Fennel plants</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> coming up</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> near it and in the adjacent bed. The red arrow is pointing to a stalk of Licorice- </span></span><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Glycyrrhiza glabra. I have Licorice coming up all over the place. It spreads by underground runners like Mint or Passion Vine. I don't really mind. I kind of like it. And, I can easily dig up a piece to chew on if I like.</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJenQEp5cblQEBS3odv1QDSzGL5kdavh4CH3b7W3_j8TBg6DooFRiS4EVedyzZKCkhNpUscFTzTZ41n_MxtRxsnB8emvs3OVkCvKV1_PCCQsAlB4Gkc4Z1H-a6E8Gtogpp3wGy_rkNn3FG/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze-rosemary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJenQEp5cblQEBS3odv1QDSzGL5kdavh4CH3b7W3_j8TBg6DooFRiS4EVedyzZKCkhNpUscFTzTZ41n_MxtRxsnB8emvs3OVkCvKV1_PCCQsAlB4Gkc4Z1H-a6E8Gtogpp3wGy_rkNn3FG/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze-rosemary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Of course, Rosemary is another tough as nails plant unaffected by the freeze, heat, drought, hail, snow, humidity, dogs, deer, and perhaps even tornadoes... although I don't need to find that out for myself! Anyway, yes, Rosemary is hardy summer and winter - in the southern half of the state.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUEQBNROrYEGgNuptuyIngto234lrJuoNGLRWJkDGtCq6g9H-G402IhVFxwOLXG93KuLgO-Tz1CHTEB6XDqWUG0Z4I2SKIF9qxQD5aNbK8KTb9ii-XQiWH2LvGE9XOeZ7QzfPPmN8GZ7_/s1600/12-11-afterthefreeze4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUEQBNROrYEGgNuptuyIngto234lrJuoNGLRWJkDGtCq6g9H-G402IhVFxwOLXG93KuLgO-Tz1CHTEB6XDqWUG0Z4I2SKIF9qxQD5aNbK8KTb9ii-XQiWH2LvGE9XOeZ7QzfPPmN8GZ7_/s320/12-11-afterthefreeze4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This little grouping has a native white Yarrow in the front. To the upper right of the Yarrow is Hyssop which will bush out by Spring and have lovely dark blue flowers which attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Then, there's a big Garlic Chive cluster in the middle which also seems impervious to the freeze. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
So, there you have a little peek at the Herb Beds at The Herb Cottage after the first major freeze of the season. I've decided to plant Calendula where the Nasturtiums are now. They're cold hardy and will bloom cheery yellow and orange flowers. I'd like to distill some into a hydrosol when I have enough flowers. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
Until Next Time... Good Growing to you and stay warm!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn4W2C9J_641sTyunze4G7RRBhv9PyR0j0biphigfmnrrLJbXLCNdUxa2RQNM20p9oH593cahltyPFl3y00fSrDbWkIFdxyQqBnloEgHSYGsyEbM4wuDhtxtuwZBxNcngmQRtMbnfXsUm/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn4W2C9J_641sTyunze4G7RRBhv9PyR0j0biphigfmnrrLJbXLCNdUxa2RQNM20p9oH593cahltyPFl3y00fSrDbWkIFdxyQqBnloEgHSYGsyEbM4wuDhtxtuwZBxNcngmQRtMbnfXsUm/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-68925636932717547062011-11-26T07:51:00.001-06:002011-11-26T07:57:30.991-06:00I have posted my <a href="http://theherbcottage.com/11-11_books.html" target="_blank">November Newsletter on the website</a>. It's all about books for herbies and gardeners.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">And.... IT'S RAINING!! YAY!! YIPPEE!! My plants are being watered while I'm sitting inside at the computer. What a deal! </span><br />
<br />
Here are some of the titles I've reviewed:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N8R0AWFTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N8R0AWFTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QKCB011HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QKCB011HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UMFGbYq8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UMFGbYq8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And there are more! I hope you enjoy the Newsletter...<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear about your favorite books for herbs and herb gardening.<br />
<br />
Until Next time.... Good Growing to you,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN5GZ10S6Y4lbJ4E1TdBKD9r6GsIXpYn2k-VCxHEX7FdugMCSc5ght-GjksBfNOXcGP9VCa_L_1G6RuN-zYH2sYaWHOdJebLZ1brByIYHg4k-rIm9dWkwZchujGix-6ra1AIDGRVQKQxG/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN5GZ10S6Y4lbJ4E1TdBKD9r6GsIXpYn2k-VCxHEX7FdugMCSc5ght-GjksBfNOXcGP9VCa_L_1G6RuN-zYH2sYaWHOdJebLZ1brByIYHg4k-rIm9dWkwZchujGix-6ra1AIDGRVQKQxG/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-87492605175868112122011-11-03T09:53:00.000-05:002011-11-03T09:53:35.472-05:00Autumn in Texas<span style="color: blue;">A norther- that's a cold front... -</span> <span style="color: blue;">blew in this morning around 4 a.m. The wind is strong and the temperatures dipped into the 50's. It's quite chilly outside. It's not cold enough for the plants to suffer, and I believe they're enjoying the cool temperatures. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
We've had <i>a little</i> rain in the last several weeks, and the place has really greened up. Compare the photos in this issue with the ones from a month ago. What a difference!</div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRgRJX5ffPrHGzTkzUhbgHgwJOn5ZbqXNr1yUJJGOgbzuJNvhVVNllvTeZ3Nk2FnQKCUPEytMh51slmdy__m-Sy7T-5bhDWvWpE0mW1WmFaVGzWWPyM8e_rpaTm6lRf4ecDctJSyto00n/s1600/Photo0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRgRJX5ffPrHGzTkzUhbgHgwJOn5ZbqXNr1yUJJGOgbzuJNvhVVNllvTeZ3Nk2FnQKCUPEytMh51slmdy__m-Sy7T-5bhDWvWpE0mW1WmFaVGzWWPyM8e_rpaTm6lRf4ecDctJSyto00n/s1600/Photo0292.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Grass!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcOtZAOCBt_bmQPD1MUT2wdJ00xhNIBjeAMrmIPLqR0-GeydQXoUNF17l0gpKT1vSNhnVrmxOAYTS_OAa6QSSbD5y5H7neSpySXZYsfHxJ-1-_zmQVjl4ms82tcKjPNTNf-E6F9wAOiiY/s1600/Photo0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcOtZAOCBt_bmQPD1MUT2wdJ00xhNIBjeAMrmIPLqR0-GeydQXoUNF17l0gpKT1vSNhnVrmxOAYTS_OAa6QSSbD5y5H7neSpySXZYsfHxJ-1-_zmQVjl4ms82tcKjPNTNf-E6F9wAOiiY/s1600/Photo0293.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the pasture greened up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
Since the weather has cooled off, I've been refurbishing and replanting my herb beds. So far I've added Salad Burnet, Winter Savory, Lavender, Nasturtiums, Bronze Fennel, Mexican Mint Marigold, Cilantro, Parsley, Sorrel, Butterfly Weed and White Yarrow... I think that's it. Oh, and I seeded some Dill.</div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg42y_m6pCcKvaOeDwQDM6Dl1SBuhqfM9dFlSJy593CcO65L-0nBgClJKOlkInis_QcmD-I4s9q9zxaAqj7UN8FXmWW90TZ_3Go3PN0yoXOBdCRH8YztD7RAB83HbuQZNpMum1N1p9kgo/s1600/Photo0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg42y_m6pCcKvaOeDwQDM6Dl1SBuhqfM9dFlSJy593CcO65L-0nBgClJKOlkInis_QcmD-I4s9q9zxaAqj7UN8FXmWW90TZ_3Go3PN0yoXOBdCRH8YztD7RAB83HbuQZNpMum1N1p9kgo/s1600/Photo0294.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly planted herb bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
A new-to-me herb I planted is Moujean Tea, <i>Nashia inaguensis</i>, a lovely, fragrant shrubby herb with tiny shiny green leaves that is native to the east Caribbean islands, in particular the island of Inagua in the Bahamas, after which the species is named. The fragrance has been described as a mix of pineapple, citrus and vanilla. It is hardy to Zone 9a, so I'll have to protect the one I planted in the ground when temps dip into the 20's. The plant, also does not like to dry out, so I've been keeping it nicely watered. It's not very big yet, but it's supposed to grow to at least 3 feet or more.</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3uMUgWszt8HMo0GTXbUH_S1E8PrYqBA_Tkjy-d_kg68V7rqsvVz4UQLbgs1ptsr7pJXJ9AWhftE3MlAAeFYfxf-z-aRFb1PS6574gjPxlu2AwvLXt6VqSB2cjegG5k3ZoLMHb6_-Crx/s1600/Photo0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3uMUgWszt8HMo0GTXbUH_S1E8PrYqBA_Tkjy-d_kg68V7rqsvVz4UQLbgs1ptsr7pJXJ9AWhftE3MlAAeFYfxf-z-aRFb1PS6574gjPxlu2AwvLXt6VqSB2cjegG5k3ZoLMHb6_-Crx/s1600/Photo0295.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nashia inaguensis- tiny, but strong!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
To make tea from this herb, since the leaves are rather tough, the fresh leaves need to be steeped longer than most herbs- about 15 minutes. It dried well and is best then pulverized or ground for tea.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
Fall is a great time to plant herbs if you're in an area with moderate Winter temps. Even with the lack of rain in our area, everything I planted the last several weeks is looking good. Of course, I am watering almost daily until the small plants are established. The, during the Winter, once or twice a week should do it. These plants are in the ground, of course, so any containerized herbs need to be watered more often and given more protection on very cold nights since the roots in a container are not as well protected as ones in the ground. </div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
Until Next Time,</div>
<span style="color: blue;">Good Growing to you... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGWfU03WcfL0ewJFysZTzReuoivC0D734ITCOb69OlnbcnZIlWgE75nOOim1P1-wsmGD4t_EaBepxUIs6v0WYYrf1_bXdUXiP7YpZ4qH4yeakG08P9USQ234mv4lmpH3kIo0mT3dlqOdQ/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGWfU03WcfL0ewJFysZTzReuoivC0D734ITCOb69OlnbcnZIlWgE75nOOim1P1-wsmGD4t_EaBepxUIs6v0WYYrf1_bXdUXiP7YpZ4qH4yeakG08P9USQ234mv4lmpH3kIo0mT3dlqOdQ/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-2804534788220306232011-10-04T16:10:00.001-05:002011-10-04T16:10:14.919-05:00Now, I know it's Fall. Not only are the mornings cool, days shorter (I have to put the chickens up earlier in the evening...), the cat is sleeping on the bed instead of outdoors all night, and.... the Schoolhouse Lilies are blooming!! These lilies are found all over Texas, not only in gardens, but in abandoned homesteads, school houses and cemeteries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i71TFJIwLn-wcIns4KwVeinejIaS4WzAckEtVdmWfEx9RzQOza8MbPdL-Oues2zIIGjnj7m-h9pLEB10tHterQ6alBYmD4SzORuY5R5711Vp5ar0UWbamY8hPNSCRppY3F8AmxgT18y_/s1600/Schoolhouse_lilies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i71TFJIwLn-wcIns4KwVeinejIaS4WzAckEtVdmWfEx9RzQOza8MbPdL-Oues2zIIGjnj7m-h9pLEB10tHterQ6alBYmD4SzORuY5R5711Vp5ar0UWbamY8hPNSCRppY3F8AmxgT18y_/s320/Schoolhouse_lilies1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknYssjUqnx5S_6282_3dh33YDoroBNemMEa0wyEZ8q5s9w3WnWpbh9RdOkAtFnD550xlne4_UXBv1o_YsnWI1uVxGQv9Ic6mVwTb2R3Zrsf73vmv4CLCcGc-0JnZhy5htq8B9J3CybLv9/s1600/Schoolhouse_lilies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknYssjUqnx5S_6282_3dh33YDoroBNemMEa0wyEZ8q5s9w3WnWpbh9RdOkAtFnD550xlne4_UXBv1o_YsnWI1uVxGQv9Ic6mVwTb2R3Zrsf73vmv4CLCcGc-0JnZhy5htq8B9J3CybLv9/s320/Schoolhouse_lilies2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the Fall, they shoot up "naked" stalks and open up their dark red, "ox-blood" color flowers. Another name for these is Ox-blood Lilies. They are so hardy and reliable. In beds that have had no supplemental water in my landscape, they have come up and started blooming in the last couple of days. Of course, we did have 0.8" of rain the other day, which, I suspect, sparked them to bloom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT_U0WdwbI3Cv3eW9HrW9Ls1iUw8FhBHx6O3Aj9zIHPx1VrOCOJUsCXE3HhkPnavGJF8MKwlw-Xz6odMSGRE_2Er_tXXrKcIqx5nyDGRl2PyH5x7iy4dF839bTBe9hve8ATbN_SshKTjf/s1600/Schoolhouse_lilies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT_U0WdwbI3Cv3eW9HrW9Ls1iUw8FhBHx6O3Aj9zIHPx1VrOCOJUsCXE3HhkPnavGJF8MKwlw-Xz6odMSGRE_2Er_tXXrKcIqx5nyDGRl2PyH5x7iy4dF839bTBe9hve8ATbN_SshKTjf/s320/Schoolhouse_lilies3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's hoping for more rain this fall. I've been seeding lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower for fall/winter crops. Ever the optimist!!<br />
<br />
Till next time... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiAoIQNK2RvbFtht4X6aTO5lzwWgv6svp6GW2-HM6dQ5DHhsUAa4NI4d3rWSq5hcIErICLEvkBXI8pG98rdeyGYLm6-WykX7MjvafpWdlA9LufsCusNvgeBTPrYSmpYMps_Xgk9lQ7lZJ/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiAoIQNK2RvbFtht4X6aTO5lzwWgv6svp6GW2-HM6dQ5DHhsUAa4NI4d3rWSq5hcIErICLEvkBXI8pG98rdeyGYLm6-WykX7MjvafpWdlA9LufsCusNvgeBTPrYSmpYMps_Xgk9lQ7lZJ/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-29420538560567951652011-09-28T07:46:00.000-05:002011-09-28T07:46:56.821-05:00Urban Landscaping GuideFor those of us in Texas living with drought, here's an excellent guide from Texas A&M on Urban Landscaping solutions. There is a section for Home Gardening, Landscapers and Nursery Professionals. All the information is free and easy to comprehend. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://urbanlandscapeguide.tamu.edu/index.html">Urban Landscape Guide</a><br />
<br />
For the record... we had a brief, and I mean brief, shower yesterday. Then, rain all around us later in the evening with not one drop here on the farm. Very disappointing. <br />
<br />
Here are a couple of pics from our front porch--<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSL_u3OVVRT9rUyWwcv85GvWuoKUoTSu-DSIXF4Tb3WctzJ91LdU5nyzXzWR5xeeMzvFq9r9ft0uK99pjcbvvRX4A8WyOSofFMg6SqcSt6rfZ2P5fzf4ZcYs66auO4yVHhfnbPdCQ58lh/s1600/dry_field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSL_u3OVVRT9rUyWwcv85GvWuoKUoTSu-DSIXF4Tb3WctzJ91LdU5nyzXzWR5xeeMzvFq9r9ft0uK99pjcbvvRX4A8WyOSofFMg6SqcSt6rfZ2P5fzf4ZcYs66auO4yVHhfnbPdCQ58lh/s1600/dry_field.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing East. You can see the little rosemary bush in the planter... and the lump in the center of the photo is cat, Amity. She's almost the same color as the dry grass now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP866d9VhhTXsYhisIbYUCPWEDilBpuaQgBhw2X422APIXrhXFF6nm6DqLBPkrk2y_rTaslFvf8aRd0HhI6OCAzlMWU-veOMQdnmLFBQttR96ifgtftTwspNjFz_KJbbB6k5v2ac3ixAj/s1600/dry_field2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP866d9VhhTXsYhisIbYUCPWEDilBpuaQgBhw2X422APIXrhXFF6nm6DqLBPkrk2y_rTaslFvf8aRd0HhI6OCAzlMWU-veOMQdnmLFBQttR96ifgtftTwspNjFz_KJbbB6k5v2ac3ixAj/s1600/dry_field2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing South... just so desolate looking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In the almost 25 years we've lived on this farm, we've never seen it this dry. This, too, shall pass... the question is, when? Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4287643480218534595.post-43263941871641685452011-09-18T08:21:00.002-05:002011-09-18T09:06:40.544-05:00Some Rain<b><span style="color: #38761d;">IT RAINED! I can hardly believe it!</span></b> <span style="color: #45818e;">Yes... only about 0.18 inches so far, but it's cloudy, dark and very humid this morning, so I believe we will get more rain today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Even though it's been dry, the days are shorter and a little cooler than August. The plants can tell the Autumnal Equinox is near. Plants that have refused to bloom during the searing summer temps are putting on buds. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9vo2_0gYrKgg0S97Bxnj_AzPcCUtxpxsG-g9P8WCisL0H89cf3uudjMWxIvURMIihdsQQD60a585SqX2MJ8l1mVUiRCseE1SKh2znp74vuxQAoTIFfvCna4JKlp5N1LZGon3IaXESh7i/s1600/Clero_musical_notes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9vo2_0gYrKgg0S97Bxnj_AzPcCUtxpxsG-g9P8WCisL0H89cf3uudjMWxIvURMIihdsQQD60a585SqX2MJ8l1mVUiRCseE1SKh2znp74vuxQAoTIFfvCna4JKlp5N1LZGon3IaXESh7i/s320/Clero_musical_notes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clerodendron 'Musical Notes'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIjWMgK5uD1II8LAX_JARDtFmYUOJcWuWMJQ1t8FgrexsZsFPRj0jo6mEgFhseI6VfoOZEsXOUUWu29qSZUjl7nMO5KDOnWqbD_reE6ZWORii-S5tQWfZvwNREF9lufpzKNeQWXCH-Imy/s1600/Clero_mn_close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIjWMgK5uD1II8LAX_JARDtFmYUOJcWuWMJQ1t8FgrexsZsFPRj0jo6mEgFhseI6VfoOZEsXOUUWu29qSZUjl7nMO5KDOnWqbD_reE6ZWORii-S5tQWfZvwNREF9lufpzKNeQWXCH-Imy/s320/Clero_mn_close.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clerodendron 'Musical Notes'- This plant usually blooms off and on all Summer with bright white flowers which resemble musical notes... hence the name. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">New leaves are showing up on stressed basil plants </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4CPG7lQMlX4vb7FBjRv4pLDp_QCVPMsnLzta0IjKM6zjCYb8MOXfw7k0GsNWZlcyDyJvGKR3RGfd860AvvWni6-yPdQ0B7IpTSv_urNRc4eagrW8i3_d50-pafxZsbSdV99trLgmNytN/s1600/New_basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4CPG7lQMlX4vb7FBjRv4pLDp_QCVPMsnLzta0IjKM6zjCYb8MOXfw7k0GsNWZlcyDyJvGKR3RGfd860AvvWni6-yPdQ0B7IpTSv_urNRc4eagrW8i3_d50-pafxZsbSdV99trLgmNytN/s320/New_basil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil, showing new growth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2frR5TPHejyIDoaNBf-J4ERpAAZd_oc8c8azTO0KfTyDjpxiSII4RG9-g1hcio1uM5Qs9hGlZn3YtuHLhyUy2OdhhCKWp_nP4KAffBWGKu26FyI4W88GiYxifVlKpv_UgGsN7g1kisoj/s1600/comfrey_9-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2frR5TPHejyIDoaNBf-J4ERpAAZd_oc8c8azTO0KfTyDjpxiSII4RG9-g1hcio1uM5Qs9hGlZn3YtuHLhyUy2OdhhCKWp_nP4KAffBWGKu26FyI4W88GiYxifVlKpv_UgGsN7g1kisoj/s320/comfrey_9-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stressed out Comfrey with new growth showing in the leaf litter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">and even my comfrey which is a mere shadow of its Spring Time self is perking up. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
With a little more rain, who knows, maybe the Passion Vine and Queen's Wreath on my fence line will perk up. It's been a very long and hot summer here in Texas, but as with all things, this, too, will change. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
Until Next Time, </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s1600/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKfs7kx5NqohnyH9W-mWT4wzmBUFAx56UF7s8GDkmMmZ1lWtxuRTaPz6g0vqwBb0m3HuMig5aANubxeWeISq5HTGQZ1zhu1XkTn-fuGNyr_K4G7cu7RvMbmnoxvhaOGPuZc4G0G-0Vma/s320/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Herbiecotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10324010114933175021noreply@blogger.com0