Herbs are just one of those things that I can never get enough of. I love the strong aromas, the textures, the usefulness and variety in these beautiful plants. Just the smell of any herb brings me back to my girlhood and the herb garden I was so passionate about in my yard growing up. After 4 years of trying to grow herbs and failing, I finally came up with a workable plan. It was definitely not easy, but I dug out 9 inches of red, clay and rocks from my small garden bed. (Most of our yard is tile with a few grass patches.) I replaced it with bags and bags of dark topsoil and organic compost. Then, the fun part. Shopping for herbs and planting them in the garden. I am proud to have 14 different herbs growing: aloe vera, fennel, rosemary, dill, lavender, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, sage, mint, tarragon, and lemon balm. Keeping them alive is another task that I do lovingly. Most of these herbs are not naturally tropical so I have had figure out how to shade them and water them as they get a lot of rain from tropical storms. In any case, it is a fun hobby. I have used the herbs to make arrangements, soaps, braided bread, lots of different butters, in cooking, oils, vinegars and tea. Next I am going to try hanging them and drying them for various things.
There are no stakes here; or Home Depot. That would make life too easy. We have bamboo poles and a plastic mesh to help filter the sun.
During the summer, I started a project for our bed. We have never had a bed frame and I had this idea to create a canopy with silk and arrange these photos of my ancestors behind. It was fun collecting the frames this summer in the US (and then trying to get them here without breaking all that glass.) My brother gets the credit for doing the research and coming up with all these photos and dozens more. Five generations on both sides are represented on the wall. There are so many genealogical lines to explore, it is impossible to represent them all. I love looking at the pictures though as I get ready for bed. They remind me of the great heritage I have, a noble progeny that have gone before me and set good examples of faith and courage. As I worked on this project, it inspired me to learn more about my ancestors and their lives; and I believe they are angels looking over me and my family now. This has also led to many conversations with my kids about who these people are and how they relate to them. I love these types of questions and conversations. I want to continue the project and learn more about Joseph's family. I'll need help from Joseph's parents to do that and they are occupied right now on their mission. Oh, and I made the pillows on the bed with my mother's help a couple of summers ago. I just bought two bedspreads and cut one up for pillows.
3 comments:
I love the photo wall and herb garden. I think the bamboo poles make it look especially cool.
What do you do with your lemon balm? I have tons of it growing wild in my yard and haven't a clue how to use it.
I use lemon balm for tea. It makes the most refreshing tea. You boil about 1.5C water and pour it over a handful of leaves. Wash the leaves first and bruise them by tearing them a little to release the oils. After the water has seeped for 5 minutes, covered, it is ready. I add a bit of honey to my cup. Also, you can add them to a salad for a light lemon taste with your lettuce. Good with a french dressing.
I'll have to try those. Thanks for the ideas.
Post a Comment