Enjoying My Herb Garden

I am watching my container herb garden from my kitchen window and it gives me such pleasure to watch them grow. A couple of days after planting, we were (cursed) blessed with abundant rainfall for 3 days. It did give my little babies a good start and when the sun came out I could see they were happy and looking very green and lush already. I like to just pinch a leaf or two and enjoy the fragrance my herbs provide. It is restful to cut a sprig of lavender and breathe in the soothing aroma in the evening before turning in for the night. I like to cut a sprig of mint to add to my iced tea enjoyment. In the June/July issue of Semi-Homemade, Sandra Lee provided a list of herbs and how important they were in Victorian times. When one would want to convey a certain message, a particular variety of plant would be sent. I really like this idea and I am going to keep this handy. What a nice hostess gift idea it is to put an herb in a pretty pot, tied with a ribbon and a note. Here is the list of herbs and meanings for you....along with some virtual Basil and Parsley from me to you. I hope you find it interesting!

BASIL......................Love, Good Wishes

BAY.........................Fame, Victory (Think Olympic wreath!)

CORIANDER..........Hidden Worth (Also known as Cilantro)

CHIVES..................Usefullness

DILL..........................Lust, Good Cheer, Survival (??????)

FENNEL.................Grief, Endurance, Strength

GARLIC...................Courage, Strength, Get Well (As in wearing the bulb of garlic around your neck when you are sick?)

GINGER.................Strength

HONEYSUCKLE..The Bond of Love

LAVENDER...........Love, Devotion, Luck

MINT........................Virtue

MARJORAM..........Joy, Happiness

OREGANO.............Joy of the Mountain (Now this I have to research!)

PARSLEY...............Useful Knowledge

PEPPERMINT.......Cordiality

ROSEMARY...........Remembrance

SAGE........................Wisdom, Great Respect, Domestic Virtue

TARRAGON..........Permanence

THYME...................Emblem of Courage, Daring