Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but are cold-hardy, long-lived perennials. It is also called Cranesbill because of the shape of the seed pods once the petals have faded. Seed heads snap open like bird beaks to release the seeds. Geraniums bloom for months beginning around May and continuing until October or November. If the cup shaped flowers fade in the summer heat trim the plant back and water deeply to encourage repeat blooming. Geraniums prefer light shade and well-drained soil.
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Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but ... more

Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but are cold-hardy, long-lived perennials. It is also called Cranesbill because of the shape of the seed pods once the petals have faded. Seed heads snap open like bird beaks to release the seeds. Geraniums bloom for months beginning around May and continuing until October or November. If the cup shaped flowers fade in the summer heat trim the plant back and water deeply to encourage repeat blooming. Geraniums prefer light shade and well-drained soil.
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Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but ... more

Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but are cold-hardy, long-lived perennials. It is also called Cranesbill because of the shape of the seed pods once the petals have faded. Seed heads snap open like bird beaks to release the seeds. Geraniums bloom for months beginning around May and continuing until October or November. If the cup shaped flowers fade in the summer heat trim the plant back and water deeply to encourage repeat blooming. Geraniums prefer light shade and well-drained soil.
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Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens. Perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums, but ... more

Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy or anxious, or consume much of the plant. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing properties. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Catnip oil is a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
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Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy ... more

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. In mid-summer, they produce round, pink flowers similar in appearance to clover. Chives prefer a full sun location and are tolerant of a wide variety of soils but will grow best in soils that are high in organic matter. Chives are most commonly propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring. Clumps should contain about 4-6 bulbs. Plants that are harvested frequently benefit from supplemental fertilizer during the season. Chives can self-sow and overtake a garden unless flowers are removed before they fade. Chives also make attractive edging in the perennial border and flowers can be cut for arrangements.
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Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about ... more

"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, "Phenomenal"'s spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) A superior plant for hot, dry slopes and banks, rock gardens, and natural rocky outcroppings. Good in Mediterranean style gardens, traditional mixed borders, and large artistic pots. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained, alkaline soils in full sun. Used in perfumes, sachets, oils and for medicinal purposes. Used to deter insects when placed in a closet or room. Attracts butterflies. Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune to shape in spring after new leaves appear. Prune back to 8” in spring every 3 years to control plant size and to promote robust, new growth.
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"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance ... more

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, & improve appetite. Nowadays it is used extensively as a mosquito repellant and to attract bees. Chewing a leaf will freshen your breath, or you can soothe a bug bite by placing a leaf of lemon balm on it. It's delicious sprinkled on fruit salad, mixed into muffins, or made into tea. Use it to flavor water or butter. Vigorous grower with scent of lemon.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far ... more

Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your first frost and have beautiful well-established, rapidly growing plants come up in the spring! It is easy to grow, & spreads rapidly. Water regularly until well established and provide about a half day of sun. When first frost approaches mulch to protect from the winter weather. The leaves of the Chocolate Mint plant die back in winter, and the plant resprouts early the next spring. It is virtually care-free. This is a very strong mint used for teas, with a smell like a peppermint patty. Add fresh leaves to strawberries for a special treat! It's great dried and added to black tea or used by itself.
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Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It’s fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas. Lemon mint grows to about 30 inches (76 cm.) and produces tight, spike-shaped clusters of lavender flowers. There are several good reasons to grow lemon bee balm plants in your garden. Many gardeners choose this plant for its ability to attract pollinators and for its delightful, lemony aroma. As an herb, it also has some culinary uses. The leaves add a lemon flavor to cooked foods, salads, and teas. They can also be used in potpourri mixes.
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Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 feet when growing in full sun to part shade. Leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge. White and pink flowers in short spikes bloom from mid to late summer. Very fragrant, citrus-like scent. Orange mint thrives alongside water gardens or in damp spots in the yard, but will also survive in drier soil. Lushest growth occurs in moist soil in partial shade, where you may want to leave it in its pot to help curtail its wandering ways. Crush fresh leaves into water for a refreshing beverage, or add to iced tea or cold drinks. Use fresh leaves in salads or to make mint sauce for fish or lamb. Try making orange mint jelly and orange mint vinegar. Pick leaves frequently. Plants open pink blooms in late summer.
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This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 ... more

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use. Peppermint is often used as tea and for flavoring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory. For companion gardening, it is recommended that you grow mint near roses, to help keep aphids away. It may also repel rodents.
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Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a ... more

Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone and cineol. It's a spreading plant great for containers and tolerant of light frost. Its leaves are harvested just before flowering stage for culinary purposes, or gathered in full flower for distillation of essential oils. Wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry with absorbent paper, & store in vegetable compartment of refrigerator for use in near future. Dried spearmint is used in teas & drinks. To dry, spread leaves on a plastic sheet, allow to dry under shade, & store in airtight container in cool place away from sunlight. It’s the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea.
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Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is ... more

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves of this plant are used to flvor tomato dishes, meat dishes, stews, stuffings, and pasta. It grows 6-12" tall by 18-24" wide. It grows well in a rock garden, border, mass planting, and as a ground cover. It grows best in full sun and will even tolerate light foot traffic. It grows well in full sun in zones 4-9.
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Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves ... more

In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. It is also used to prepare a tea that is believed to be a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and to stimulate menstruation. As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. You can begin harvesting when plants have reached 4-5 inches in height. Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems and a fuller plant. The stems tend to get woody, and the easiest way to strip the leaves is to hold the stem by the top, uncut end and run your finger down the stem. Greek oregano also makes a nice edging plant and ground cover, requiring little maintenance.
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In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables ... more

As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican dishes, spicy salsa, and chili dishes. A good substitute in recipes calling for common oregano, though reduce amount by half of what the recipe calls for. The rich green rounded foliage and pink summer flowers also look great in the herb garden or mixed border.
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As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican ... more

NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and will need some growing time before you can harvest. This slightly peppery and bright herb is so much more than a bit of green on the side of your plate. Parsley is a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and fiber. Raw parsley also acts as a breath freshener and has anti-inflammatory properties. To store parsley, rinse with cool water and then wrap in a slightly damp paper towel in a resealable plastic bag and keep in the fridge. You can dry your fresh parsley by tying a bunch together and hanging it upside down in a cool, dry place. When the parsley is completely dry, remove the stems and store the dried leaves in an airtight container. You can also dry out your parsley in a slightly warm (100 degrees F) oven or in a dehydrator.
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NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and ... more

Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said to improve the memory, and is a symbol of remembrance at weddings and funerals. The leaves are used to flavor various foods, like stuffings and roast lamb, pork, chicken and turkey, as well as barbeque. Rosemary contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, some of which may be useful in preventing or treating cancers, strokes, and Alzheimer's Disease. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean area and to Asia, and can withstand prolonged droughts. It can grow quite large and retain attractiveness for many years, can be pruned into formal shapes and low hedges, and has been used for topiary. It is easily grown in pots, and since it may not be reliably hardy in this area, it is recommended that you plant it in a container which can be brought inside, at least into a sunny garage window for some protection, in winter.
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Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said ... more

Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage butterflies & improve the flavor of cabbage. It can be grown in containers. This aromatic and slightly bitter herb is noted for its use in stuffings for poultry, rabbit, pork, & baked fish. It also can be used in sausage or meat loaves. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle & hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry & brittle, remove the leaves & store in airtight containers. Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal uses include: *insect repellent *fragrance in potpourris *infusions to color hair silver *stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions. *flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. *fresh sage added to salads. *herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. *said to have some medicinal qualities.
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Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage ... more

Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall with a wide, rounded form, short leaves, and bright red, long, spiky flowers that give it a Christmassy look. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, blooming from late summer to early fall when other food sources are scarce. The crushed plant leaves smell like pineapple, hence comes the common name of the pineapple sage plant. The leaves and flowers of the pineapple sage plant are edible and very aromatic, a great garnish, flavoring agent and decorative element for food. Their rich flavor goes well with breads, sandwiches, smoothies, salsa, fritters and chicken dishes. It makes good teas and jellies. The flowers contain anthocyanins, which have antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, to lower blood pressure and to treat insomnia, anxiety and nervous system disorders.
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Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to ... more

Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage butterflies & improve the flavor of cabbage. It can be grown in containers. This aromatic and slightly bitter herb is noted for its use in stuffings for poultry, rabbit, pork, & baked fish. It also can be used in sausage or meat loaves. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle & hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry & brittle, remove the leaves & store in airtight containers. Uses include insect repellent, fragrance in potpourris, hair coloring, skin stimulant, flavoring, salad ingredient, herbal wreaths and nosegays. It is said to have some medicinal qualities.
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Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage ... more

Tricolor Garden Sage is a form of regular culinary Garden Sage. The irregular pattern of variegation in the grayish-green leaves, marbled with white, pink and purple, is stunning in the garden. This plant can replace Garden Sage in any recipe, and is a worthy garnish for any poultry dish. Lavender blue flower spikes appear in summer. Strongly aromatic foliage may be used fresh or dried in cooking. The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies, making it ideal for herb gardens, mixed borders, and containers.
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Tricolor Garden Sage is a form of regular culinary Garden Sage. The irregular pattern of variegation in the grayish-green leaves, ... more

Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green leaves with a hint of gold edging. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon flavoring. Lemon Thyme added to marinade is great with fish or chicken. Lemon Thyme's glossy green foliage can be sheared to form one of the knots in a traditional knot garden. Easy to grow, lemon thyme needs only a regular light pruning after the first year. It tolerates drought and deep freezes well. It is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil with a pH of about 7.0; it prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Add lime to raise the pH if needed, and a slow-release fertilizer at or before planting and again each spring. Mulching with limestone gravel or builder’s sand improves drainage and prevents root rot. Plant thyme in your herb garden, at the edge of a walk, along a short garden wall, in containers, along a walkway and between steps. The flowers open in spring and summer and are attractive to bees. Harvest leaves as you need them, including through the winter. Strip the tiny leaves from woody stems before using.
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Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green ... more

This giant cultivar variety (28" tall x 44" spread) features massive thick blue-green leaves with an intense creamy-yellow center. Mature leaves are puckered. This hosta is slug resistant, and can also tolerate a bit of sun. Good for planting in mixed containers or tubs. Sunlight requirements of different hostas vary widely, depending on foliage color, which ranges from a deep blue to a light chartreuse to a soft creamy white. In general, the lighter the foliage, the brighter the sun. The deeper darker foliage retains it color best in moderate shade, while the variegated varieties need more sunlight to keep their white and gold stripes. All hostas need some shade and few, if any, will do well in strong direct sunlight. Plant in rich organic soil with a slightly acidic pH. Dig the planting hole about a foot deep, and wide enough to accommodate spread. Hostas are rugged and tolerate almost any soil. Drainage is most important, to prevent dormant season crown rot. When newly planted, keep the roots moist, not wet. Once established, hosta plants aren’t fussy. Fertilize each spring and again in summer. Granular fertilizers should never sit on the leaves. Deer find them tasty, and you might try planting daffodils around your hosta to keep them away from the emerging shoots. Slugs leave unsightly holes in the leaves, but a light scattering of sand around your plants will help keep them away.
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This giant cultivar variety (28" tall x 44" spread) features massive thick blue-green leaves with an intense creamy-yellow center. Mature ... more