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Ocimum basilicum Origins possibly India now known throughout Europe and Indonesia with a unique slightly anise flavour. Used cooked or raw and well known for main ingredient of Pesto. All basils need heat to flourish so plant seed when soil is at least 24C for germination in trays or direct. -
Anethum graveolens Best grown as annual as it will not survive the winter in Victoria. Tall wispy plant up to 75cm tall harvest around 8 weeks after sowing. Eat leaves, then flowers, then seeds. Plant direct .5cm deep close together in warm soil between 10-20c Spring-Autumn. Dill doesn't enjoy transplanting. Suggest successive plantings every 3 weeks. -
Coriandrum sativum Cilantro or Chinese parsley is an annual herb native to Europe, Africa to Asia. Soft plant growing 50cm tall with fern like leaves. All parts of plant are edible and unique with pungent yet delicate flavour. Best sown direct and rarely transplant to avoid or slow down bolting. -
Geranium robertianum Of the Geranium family feathery leaves with pretty pink flowers this remarkable little annual will spread through your garden. And let it. "Herb Robert is a supreme, therapeutic herb. This herb’s action is one of the most outstanding herbs that we can use regularly, as an enhancer of the immune system. Research has revealed herb Robert is a source of germanium, a valuable element to the body, as it has the ability to make oxygen available to the cells. More oxygen, at cell level, means the body has the opportunity to fight disease by its own powers, and healing can take place quickly. Lack of oxygen, available to the cells, can be caused by free radicals and a toxic state around the cells: meaning the cells cannot get the required oxygen, or the nutrients, to regenerate." Quote Herbs are Special. Refer to Isabell Shiphard for more. -
Matricaria recutita Daisylike flowers on this erect annual with green feathery leaves, looks great in any cottage garden. Chamomile flowers are used for a medicinal tea known amongst many things as a calmative and soothing on the stomach. Very fine dust like seeds can be broadcast in the garden or carefully planted on seed trays from Sept onwards when soil is warm. Seeds need light to germinate so sow on surface and water well. -
Petroselinum crispum Native to the Mediterranean & naturalized all over the world. Well known herb to be side picked for garnish in all things European. High antioxidants. -
Allium tuberosum Perennial herb with garlic flavour. Use finely chopped raw or cooked to enhance a wide range of dishes. -
Ocimum basilicum Mostly used in Asian dishes and an essential ingredient used fresh or only very slightly braised as cooking destroys its unique taste. More anise than regular basils with deep aromatic flavour. -
Artemisia absinthium Tall bush with dusty green feathery leaves wormwood is grown in cottage gardens as a beautiful backdrop to the more colourful flowers. Known as an effective wormer amongst its many medicinal qualities. Often grown just outside the pen so chickens can self medicate. Plant on surface of trays sparingly ( Wormwood needs light to germinate) & water till germination in 2-4 weeks. Transplant 70cm apart. -
Salvia officinalis Perennial shrub with woody stems, greyish leaves & bee attracting purple blue flowers grown for culinary & medicinal use. Flavour & aroma unique. Enhances meats & vegetable. -
Ocimum basilicum Compact plant forming almost perfect spherical bush with all the sweet basil flavour in its tiny soft leaves. Can be used much like sweet basil raw or cooked and handles cooler weather better. Perennial used for all things except for pesto. Great on pizza. -
Foeniculum vulgare dulce Italian variety with feathery green leaves and white full delicious bulbs. Sweet with anise flavour can be eaten raw or baked. -
Oreganum vulgare Perennial originally from & used in most Mediterranean cooking. Plant up to 80cm tall with 4cm long leaves. Unique flavour & essential part of ‘mixed herbs’. Grow in drier open position. -
Borago officinalis Fresh flowers can be used in drinks and food decoration. It was once used to reduce fever, colds, a decongestant and to restore vitality. It is an excellent bee attractant. -
Melissa officinalis Growing up to 150cm tall the leaves have a gentle lemon scent with small white flowers in summer. In traditional Austrian medicine used for gastrointestinal disorders and calms the nervous system. Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy. Great bee attractant.
