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| Calendula and Borage: Herbs for Summer Color |
by Jackie CarrollCalendula and borage add color to your herb garden throughout summer with a succession of long-lasting blooms. These are two of the prettiest herbs you can grow, and they are relatively carefree. Both are annuals, but once they are established in your garden they are eager reseeders. BORAGE I bought my first packet of borage seeds many years ago, and grew the plants as a companion to tomatoes. Borage actually helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby. I was mislead by an error on the seed packet that said that the plant should not be consumed because it is poisonous, and grew the plant only for it's properties as a companion and it's appearance.
CALENDULA Calendula is also called pot marigold, but don't confuse this plant with the marigolds grown in your annual bed (Tagetes). Pot marigolds are smaller and more delicate in appearance than the more familiar Tagetes, and they have a number of medicinal uses. Calendula is said to encourage healing, aid digestion, fight fungal infections and cure diaper rash. These properties alone are enough to make the plant an essential addition to your herb garden, but it also has a number of cosmetic uses. Calendula petals can be used to make a nourishing skin cream or cleanser (see recipe below,) and a strong infusion made from marigold petals can be used to lighten hair. Creamy Marigold Cleanser 4 tablespoons olive or almond oil 2 tablespoons dried pot marigold flowers few drops of violet, orange blossom or rose water Warm the oil in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot water. Stir in the dried flowers and continue to heat gently for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and stir in the flower water.
 Recommended ReadingNew Herb Bible : Growing and Knowing Your Herbs - And How to Use Them by Caroline Foley, Jill Nice, Marcus A. Webb, Carol Foley New Herb Bible, full of the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, offers sound advice on how to grow herbs easily, for both decorative and practical purposes-almost anywhere from windowsills to flower pots to beds and borders. It covers every stage from preparing and planting to harvesting and drying. A full directory of the best known and most popular herbs explains which are best for culinary use, which relieve common complaints or cosmetic problems, and which delight the senses with their lasting aroma. Included are recipes and remedies, a complete guide to cooking with herbs, and a special medicinal section by an expert in the field. Each herb is photographed in full color for easy identification, rendering New Herb Bible as beautiful as it is informative-ideal for both the longtime enthusiast and anyone who, intrigued by their increasing popularity, longs to be initiated. (courtesy: Amazon) |
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