Tisane Time

I'm writing this little blog entry as I sip the Stash brand green/white tea blend. Even though I have these herbal tea concoctions sitting right here. Guess I'm feeling lazy today.

In my inbox arrived a few articles on growing "tea herbs" - just in time as I'm planning garden beds for the BCC garden and Swansons Nursery has a perennial/herb sale August 17-Sep 3. The mint planted next to the house is doing alright (of course it is) but I'm moving out of here in 20 days. Once the tomatoes and corn get harvested in the community garden there's going to be a lot of space to work with. We currently have oregano, sage, curry and rosemary in the garden. There are also four round containers filled with strawberries that would perhaps be better suited to herbs.



But the question is what herbs can be planted now that will be hardy to overwinter? I won't be growing anything indoors. Don't really have space for that, or don't want to bother, or something. Tilth's Maritime Guide doesn't list anything except cilantro. An article from 2006 in Seattle Times recommends bay, rosemary and parsley. Swanson's recommends veggies, cilantro and garlic. Perhaps I should focus on the "Top Ten Herb" list designed by Herb Society of America. If the plant is a perennial, it's worth a try, I guess. Not that I would drink those regularly for tea.

Perhaps each container can have a theme... Hmm... Tisane's gonna be one of them.

Day 2 News

I think I'm detoxing because I'm bored. Started the dandelion brew. Researching online how to make herbal salves.  Will be nice because I can't help myself from gardening without gloves, often times. Here is at least one resource although there are many. http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/natural-remedies/herbal-salves-how-to-make-a-healing-salve.aspx I will make a medium-sized batch from plants around the North Beach property to distribute to Dita, a few family members and friends. Before I mow the lawn. Also making a batch from dried Motherwort herb, Calendula, and grapeseed oil. Motherwort was traditionally used by midwives as a uterine tonic. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards it as a blood tonic. Calendula is a key herbal ingrediant in most natural wound healing products available at stores. Flower power!

I've also got this quarter oz of Eyebright herb sitting here. Someone I know happens to be dealing with some eye inflammation so I will make some tea today. But other than that - what to do? Not only is Eyebright happy for the eyes, but also allergies. Another compounded tea is on the way, with Stinging Nettle and Rosemary. All from dried plants although now is certainly the time to harvest baby nettle.