New Herbs For 2009

03/02/2009
We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the following new herbs in the upcoming season:

Calamint (Calamintha nepeta): a bushy perennial with upright stems, peppermint scented ovate leaves, and pink flowers in the summertime. Originally native to Russia, this herb grows up to 18 inches tall in well drained, sunny locations and is hardy to Zone 5. In colonial times, this herb was used to cause abortion in women. Today, the leaves, which have a minty flavor, are used to flavor roasts, zucchini and mushrooms.

Nutmeg Scented Geranium (Pelargonium fragrans): a bushy shrub with small, gray green nutmeg scented leaves and white flowers hardy to Zone 8. Growing up to 16 inches tall, this geranium does well in a sunny, cool and dry environment. Cold hardy to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Fresh leaves are sometimes used as a rub for aching feet, while the dried leaves are popular in potpourris.

Lavender Kew Red (Lavendula stoechas): a fast growing, fragrant variety of Spanish lavender with red flowers and gray green leaves growing up to 12 inches tall. Native to Portugal, this lavender prospers in a sunny, dry and well drained and acidic location. Hardy to Zone 8.

Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium): A perennial shrub with gray green leaves, and white and yellow summertime flowers native to Albania. Grows up to 30 inches tall in a sunny, well drained location; hardy to Zone 4. The dried leaves make an effective organic insecticide while the flowers make a nice addition to an herbal bouquet.

Rosemary Gorizia (Rosmarinus officinalis): stout, upright variety with large leaves and medium blue flowers native to Slovenia. Hardy to Zone 7, grows up to 30 inches tall. Highly recommended culinary variety.