Page 7
SWEET CICELY (Myrrhis Odorata)
Perennial
Height: 2’ — 3’
This is a very attractive herb with fern—like leaves. All parts of
the plant are used and all are sweet, indeed, one of its main uses is in
cooking to reduce the amount of sugar needed.
TANSY (Tanacetum vulgare crispum)
Perennial
Height: 2’
Tansy is a very beautiful herb with green fern leaves and yellow button
flowers. Also called ‘Poor Man’s Cinnamon’ it is regaining former popularity,
especially in Tansy Cakes — traditionally served at Easter. It is also
a useful insect repellant.
TARRAGON (Artemisia dracunculus)
Perennial
Height: 2’
There are two type’ — French Tarragon and Russian Tarragon. The French
Tarragon is the one for use in the kitchen, but it is not as hardy as the
Russian, which survives both hotter and colder climates. The flavour of
Russian Tarragon, which has a coarser flavour, improves the longer it grows
in one place, whereas French Tarragon ideally should be divided and replanted
every third year.
TREE ONION (Allium cepa proliferum)
Perennial
Height: 2’
An interesting herb which produces small onions at the tips of the
leaves. It gives a fresh onion flavour the whole year round.
VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis)
Perennial
Height: 3’
Nature’s own tranquilliser — long known to be a sedative and to have
several other valuable medicinal properties but it should not be taken
in large doses over an extended period of time so administration of Valerian
as a drug is perhaps best left to professionals, however it is also a useful
addition to pot—pourri.
VERVAIN (Verbena officinalis)
Perennial
Height: approx 3’
Another old medicinal herb with many properties eg Roman soldiers used
to carry it in their packs for protection and it was once believed to ward
off the plague. lt is used to treat depression and, in conjunction with
other remedies, to treat skin complaints. In general a tisane made with
the leaves and sweetened with honey is good as a mild sedative.
WALL GERMANDER
Perennial
Height: I’
An attractive plant vith glossy dark green leaves and small rosy flowers.
It was once a popular medicinal plant but now it is apparently only used
as an ingredient of liqueurs and tonic wines. It also makes a good edging
plant.
WELSH ONION (Allium fistulosum)
Perennial Height:
I’
Use as you do chives for a mild onion flavour but Welsh Onion is available
all the year round whereas Chives die down for the winter.
WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria vesca)
Hardy evergreen Height: 10"
An attractive little plant with the miniature fruits appearing throughout
summer and autumn. The fruits can be eaten fresh or used for jams, cakes,
pies, syrups and cordials. The leaf can also be used for many purposes.
|