Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme

I love herbs.
I love to grow herbs.
I love the smell of herbs.
I love the look of herbs.
I love to cook with herbs.



I grow several different herbs in my kiddie pool gardens. Right now I have cilantro, flat leaf parsley, marjoram, sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and lavender.




I grow and use a lot of basil but the cold weather killed it off.
I've been very sad.
Basil is like crack for me.
Sort of like catnip is for JR's cat.
Basil makes me roll around on the floor and drool.
Okay, not really but it's basil power over me is pretty complete.
I need to plant some basil this weekend. I have the seeds I'm just not sure whether I have the patience to wait for it to grow. I know myself too well. I just know that I'll break down and buy a basil plant at Lowes or Home Depot. I'm weak. Weak when it comes to basil.



A couple of weeks ago I cut 4 sprigs of rosemary off my plant. I stripped off the lower leaves to use on bread or potatoes. I can't remember which. The springs that were left I put in water. All four have now rooted. They are sitting in clear glass bud vases on my kitchen window. They have lovely spidery roots. They make me happy.

I plan to plant them in pots placed near my front and back doors. The smell that wafts up as I brush by is so pleasant. I'm a big believer in planting good smelling plants by the doors of your house. I don't know what it is but there is just something welcoming about it.

At the last house that JR and I owned we lined both sides of the walk from the street to the house with rosemary and lavender plants. They created a lovely fragrant hedge.

Do you plant nice smelling plants next to your doors or am I the only weirdo?

Love,
M

Golden Gate Park - Botanical Gardens - Part 1

I was drawn to the fragrance garden within the botanical garden. I likes me some smelly flowers and plants. I thought you would like to join me on this little walk.

Here is the stone marker at the entrance.
When I loaded this onto my computer it sort of looked like a headstone to me.
It is actually laying on the ground which doesn't
preclude it from being headstone-esque.

Lovely, huh?

Lavender
I love lavender.
I love to cook with it.
I love to smell it.
I would love to roll in it.

If it wasn't so spiky.

The garden had about 4 different types of lavender.
The top picture is Yellow Lavender
The second picture is English Lavender
(I think. The picture is too small on the netbook)
The third picture is Spanish Lavender

Statuary is tucked into corners and buried deep within the shadows.
I'm not sure you can see it but there is
water falling from the monks (or possibly a saint. Let's just call him a guy in a robe) hands.
It was so lovely.

So tranquil.

The next two photos are of scented geraniums.
Have you aver planted any of this?
No?
You must do so next summer.
I plant mine by the front and back doors of my house.
That way my guests, family and myself are
greeted with the wonderful spicy scent.

I can't think of a better way to welcome people into my
home but with a lovely scent at the door.
Unfortunately, it usually raises their expectations of what's inside.

I'd roll in this.
Speaking of rolling in herbs.
Our first dog enjoyed rolling in the lemon thyme
at our front door.
She smelled all lemony fresh.
It's a nice memory.

Rosemary is another plant that usually finds a
place at my front door.
Rosemary is also a great plant to bring into the house.
Beyond it's wonderful cooking potential.
It makes a great add-in to floral arrangements.
Strip off the leaves that will be in the water so it doesn't rot.
They will also root in the water.
Then you'll have even more.
(good grief, I have to turn everything into a learning event. Sorry)

Love,
M