Herb Garden Plants
HERB GARDEN PLANTS – SEASONS OF FLAVOR, HEALTH, AND SPLENDOR
Herb garden plants, just like any other plant, can be annual, biennial, and perennial. ‘Annual’ has the same connotation as annual meeting or annual sports. Biennial in botanical terminology refers to those plants that take two (Bi) years (ennial) or seasons to complete its life cycle; growing as a rosette in the first season and producing flowers and then dying in the second season. The word perennial has its root in Latin where ‘per’ is ‘through’ and ‘ennial’ means ‘year’. It refers to those plants that are present ‘through the years’.
There are so many different types of herbs and each one is unique. It is worthwhile to collect as much information about the herbs you are interested in before making it part of your herb garden. Data on the care each herb needs and the different ways the herbs can be used is precious information that will help you grow and use your own herbs effectively. This article will help you understand different types of herb plants and their uses.
Annual herb garden plants such as cilantro, basil, and summer savory cannot withstand frost and most die when exposed to it. Every year these herbs have to be planted from a seed or a small plant. Biennial herbs like parsley, angelica, or caraway is best sown directly into the garden in late spring, as they survive only for two seasons like the name suggests. First step in planting the seeds is to prepare the soil by working it into a fine texture and then slightly wetting it. Next step is to plant the seeds in shallow rows and then firm the soil on top of them. To make the fine seeds spread more evenly, they can be planted in a mixture of sand. Wet burlap or paper can be used to cover the bed in order to keep the soil moist during germination.
Herbs are useful in various wonderful ways and they are categorized into different groups based on their uses. Herbs are predominantly used for culinary purposes across the world. Herb gardeners gain a lot from culinary herbs. Herbs like chives, thyme, basil, savory, sage, and marjoram are generally used in small quantities to add flavor to the dishes because of their strong flavors. Parsley mostly finds its place on several delicacies as a garnish. Aromatic herbs smell divine as they have pleasant smelling flowers and foliage. It is no surprise then that oils from aromatic herbs such as mint, loyage, and rosemary are used to produce toilet paper, perfumes, and scents. Certain parts of aromatic herb plants kept intact can be used to scent linens or clothing in your homes. Dried herbs make their way into potpourri enabling them to retain their aroma for a long time. Lavender and lemon verbena are the ones that are mostly used for potpourri. Some herbs are known for their medicinal uses. From time immemorial, it has been believed that herbs have the ability to cure the body, a fact that is validated by modern medical science, which also states that few of the herbs are overrated while some are extremely beneficial to one’s health. Extra care has to taken while using herbs for medicinal purposes as some herbs are harmful if consumed.
Besides being used for their flavor, and power to heal, some herbs are known for their beauty. Ornamental herbs have flowers and foliage of vibrant colors. Some have whitish or light colored flowers while few like valerian have crimson blossoms and borage and chicory boast of beautiful blue flowers.
There are herbs that have multiple uses. For instance, mint is used for cooking, tea, and pest control. The reason you are interested in any herb may be varied but gaining adequate knowledge about herb garden plants will make it easy for you to pick the right herbs for yourself.
