So much going on lately!

We finally got a good portion of our plants in the ground.  We've still got quite a bit that we need to deal with, but we're getting there. 

I've recently realized that chewing a bit of ginger is wonderful for sore throats, so I think I'll make some ginger honey throat syrup in a bit.  I've been trying to figure out the best way to get the ginger out of the honey after it's done, but maybe I can just leave it in there.

Our roses have begun to bloom, which is awesome because I can harvest about half of them for rose honey, and leave the other half for rose hips later on.

We've got honeysuckle getting ready to bloom soon as well, and lilacs that are flowered now, which kind of makes me wonder if either of these plants are herbs, so I'll be looking at that later on.

Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia

Requires a very well drained soil and a sunny position.  Can be propagated via seed or heel cutting in February or March.  Gather flowers and flower heads before flowers open, June to August.  Fasten bunches with rubber bands and hang to dry in a warm, airy place out of the sun.  When dry, rub the pips off the stems over an old sheet and store in tins or glass jars.  Lavender is used to calm nerves, as a mild sedative, and is also useful for tension headaches, insomnia, depression and PMS.  It has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, making it a great gargle for throat infections and bad breath.  A strong infusion added to bath weather helps to sooth irritations and relaxes muscles.

Basil - Ocimum basilicum

Basil needs moist, well drained, medium rich soil and full sun.  Propagated from seed in late May.  For best results, sow indoors in two week intervals, starting in mid March.  Harvest herb at the start of flowering mid-late June.  Pinch off just above the third set of leaves.  Small bunches of basil can be hung to dry in a warm, airy place.  Store in a tightly sealed glass jar away from heat and light.  Basil can be used as an antidepressant, and an antiseptic.  Can also be used to sooth nerves.  Fresh leaves relieve itching (as a poultice).

German Chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla

Full sun and average sun.  Plants reseed easily.  Seeds can be sown late February indoors, transfer to the garden once they hit about 2 inches.  Harvest flower heads from May to August.  Spend a few minutes each day picking the ripe ones and dry them at room temperature on newspapers.  Put them in the freezer for 2-3 days to prevent insect damage and then store in a glass jar.  Can be used as a tea, poultice, bath, gargle, steam, salve or an oil.  Use for cramps, stomach aches, sore throats, sinus infections, bleeding gums and gynecological disorders.

Lemon Verbena - Aloysia triphylla

Needs lots of sun and rich, well drained, moist soil.  Needs help surviving cold winters.  When harvesting, clip plant back to 2/3 the original size, preferably just before flowering.  To dry, hang bunches of stems, place the leaves on trays, or use a dehydrator.  Make a decoction of leaves for cols, sinus congestion, fevers, nervousness, insomnia, dyspepsia, cramps, or as an antibacterial.

Catnip - Nepeta cataria

Grows best in rich moist soil.  Full sun or partial shade is great.  Can be propagated by division (in spring), cuttings (in summer), and can be sown in soil at or above 60F. Leaves and flowering stems can be harvested and used for teas.  When flower heads are opened, grasp a handful of stems and cut them back almost to the ground.  Hang them in bunches of 6-8 stems.  when the leaves are brittle, strip them from the stems, rub them between your palms and seal tightly in glass jars.  Catnip is sedative to humans and their nervous systems.  It helps calm digestive upsets, dispels gas, helps relieve fevers, insomnia, diarrhea and the restlessness of teething children.  Herb can be used as a tincture, infusion, or tea.

Calendula – Calendula officinalis

Plants grow best with moderately rich soil, ample moisture and full sun.  Sow seeds indoors, February to March, out doors March to June.  Calendula reseed's freely.  When harvesting, do so in the heat of the day and harvest flower heads, leaving the stems.  Use for skin problems.  Therapeutic for burns, scalds, sun burns, bruises, wounds and slow healing sores.  Brings down swellings, and can be used for athletes foot and conjunctivitis.  Internally, it is a menstrual regulator and relieves cramps.