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The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 01:26 PM
...and no Jack, not the kind you're thinking of! :ha:



I'm talking about the culinary type! :chefnaner:


Feel free to talk about and show shots of your herbs here also. ;)



Here's my Bay Laurel tree today. It's been growing nicely all winter long...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02634.jpg


Here too is my sweet Genovese Basil in my aero-garden...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02635.jpg


What herbs are you guys growing ???


: )

Jack Daw
03-12-2011, 04:51 PM
omg. :)
How do you pronounce "herbs". With or without the "h"?

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 04:58 PM
Too funny! :ha:


Ok, the culinary kind we pronouce without the 'h', but the other kind we pronounce with it. ;)


So Jack, whick kind are you growing?


: )

musaboru
03-12-2011, 05:08 PM
Cool. The Bay Laurel looks like a tropical plant...like a ficus.

I don't really grow herbs aside from catnip and basil. I should grow more though because some herbs are really expensive or difficult to find here. Chives for example is like $3 for half a dozen stalks in a package. And it sucks that chives with the purple flowers have been replaced by garlic chives now at the garden centers. So the only way to grow them is to start from seeds here. My mom has always grown those garlic chives though so I've grown tired of them lol. It's used like a vegetable, so I got to eat tons of it as a kid, it's tough to chew and the smell is not as great as regular chives IMO.

Jack Daw
03-12-2011, 05:22 PM
Too funny! :ha:


Ok, the culinary kind we pronouce without the 'h', but the other kind we pronounce with it. ;)


So Jack, whick kind are you growing?


: )
Yeah, I know how Australians pronounce it, but have never heard a Canadian pronounce it in my life... wow. :)

Dunno. I'm more into Bonsais. Trying Hyssop at the moment. It's an easier plant for starting. ;)

nannerfunboi
03-12-2011, 05:29 PM
great basil ya got going there hollyberry!!
i will start my basil soon.. i plant out in gardens.. then puree..freeze
and use that way.. sure saves on the $$ ya have to pay for fresh
basil.. sigh..

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 08:24 PM
Plus too, sometimes store-bought Basil is flavorless & gross! :eek:


It's so easy to grow, why not have a pot onhand. ;)


I'm thinking of starting some Stevia seeds...it's the herb people use to replace sugar. I grew it before and dried some of the leaves. Sweet isn't even the word for it...it's beyond sweet. :eek:


I also might sprout some Spearmint & Peppermint seeds to grow along with my Mint in a pot.


: )

drew leonard
03-12-2011, 08:36 PM
Aero Garden really coming along there Sherry!

Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 09:57 PM
You know what I want, Chocolate Mint. It makes the BEST tea. It smells heavenly. I have had some at my previous home and didn't get some starts of my plants before I left and when I asked the lady we sold the house to if I could get some she told me no. I'll get some again though. The stores don't seem to sell it though, I've always gotten a start from someone else. Like any mint it can get out of hand in the ground but you can control it in a pot.

You know what I have growing, but I will show my beautiful little basil too.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110312012.jpg

I think I am going to start some purple ruffle basil too. I'll get a little list and post here again with my "herbs".

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 10:13 PM
Yes, I have purple ruffles too but I was disappointed in it compared to other basils.


I think your purple basil is just gorgeous, JaNan. So purple and pretty. ;) Mine is still just too small yet, but the first leaves are now developing.


I'd love to have some of that chocolate mint too, if you ever get some again. That would be so totally delicious. :08:


I have other purple basils like 'dark opal'....which my mom loves but I'm not a huge fan of. There's more, but I just can't think of them offhand.


Have you tried cinnamon basil? I have seeds for it and it's quite nice, if you enjoy cinnamon. I have Thai basil too and it's smells and tastes like black licorice.


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 10:32 PM
You know I wonder why the AeroGarden people don't have their stuff "named". I would love to know what my little guy's name is, does it look like any you know? Was it just the flavor of the purple ruffles you didn't like? I would be just growing it for the color and the ruffles! :)

I'll get some chocolate mint! I have a source. :) It is delicious, if you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, or Andes mints - that's what it reminds me of - it is my favorite mint.

This is a pretty herb I grow that is also in the mint family:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=27324&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=27324)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=27325&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=27325)

Mint scented plant with purple-spotted tubular yellow flowers. One of the best sources of thymol, an immune stimulant, germicide and bactericide. Historically used for upset stomachs, colds, diarrhea, neuralgia and kidney disease.

Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 11:16 PM
This sounds interesting. I would not have made this combination at all:

Purple Basil Pomegranate Jelly | She Simmers - Thai Food Et Cetera (http://www.shesimmers.com/2008/12/purple-basil-pomegranate-jelly.html)

I do like cinnamon a lot but don't like licorice at all. I don't like anise either because to me it tastes like licorice. So cinnamon basil actually tastes like cinnamon? That sounds like it would make a tasty tea.

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 11:18 PM
I can't recall if it was the flavor or the growth habit of the ruffles that I didn't like, but it was something. Too funny that you grow the herbs for looks instead of flavor...just like my mom. :ha:


I have seeds for a type of basil called "osmin dark red" and it's quite pretty also. Maybe I'll start some in a pot to show you.


Yes, herbs have many medicinal qualities and years ago when there were no drug companies, people turned to herbs to heal them. They say herbs should be eaten in moderation...except basil of course! :ha:


JaNan, that Mint is just gorgeous. The smell must have been incredible. I am stunned that you will get some Chocolate Mint. How cool it will be to grow that. I can just imagine how delicious it'll be. Mmmmmmmm.


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 11:23 PM
Wow, is that ever neat...purple basil pomegranate jelly! Who would have thought.


I guess it's just called 'purple basil' JaNan...I've never seen an exact kind like it before so it looks like a good one. If you rub the leaves you'll be able to smell the fragrance. It sure is beautiful, that's for sure. I was jealous of it as soon as your first sprout popped! :ha:


Yes, the cinnamon basil tastes just like cinnamon! :08: I can share some seeds with you, if you like.


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 11:40 PM
I accidentally tore of a leaf of my little purple basil when I took the label off, so I ate it. It was tasty. Had a good strong flavor though it was a very young leaf. I was surprised by it. It left a good clean taste in my mouth. Don't you have to let it flower to go to seed? Maybe I could let ONE of them flower and I could get some seeds for you of this one.

Here's another interesting recipe for some basil flower tea:

Purple Sweet Basil Flowers and Orange Zest Tea (http://healthfoodlover.com/hfl/2010/05/purple-sweet-basil-flowers-and-orange-zest-tea/)

I know you like sipping on teas, and I love making herbal teas. I am always looking for things that have healthful benefits naturally.

Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 11:45 PM
I have a humongous rosemary bush that is blooming right now. It is about 3 1/2 feet tall by 5 feet wide. It is surprisingly hardy, the umpteen days of cold that we had did not phase it in the least! Every time I walk by it, I pet it so I can smell the scent.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110309071.jpg

I need to find some things to use it for, the scent is so stout I just don't think I would like the taste in anything.

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 12:13 AM
The key to using rosemary, like many herbs, is moderation. It can overtake a dish if too much is used.


What a lovely shot, JaNan! :goteam:


I have an herb book that tells about all the herbs and their uses in recipes. I also have another book that reveals each herb's medicinal properties and values.


Yes, basil must flower to produce seeds. Thanks for offering to save some seeds for me. I'd love some. :D


That tea looks so delicious...love the pictures.


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 12:25 AM
I have a few medicinal herb books too! We probably have very similar if not the same books! You mentioned one a while back in another thread that told of the "lore" of plants and herbs. When you get a chance I sure would like to know the name of that one, maybe I can get a copy of that at Amazon or eBay. I don't think I have anything like that in my collection and it sounds fascinating.

The huge rosemary was already planted here when we bought this house. It has grown to twice the size it was though. I guess I should "prune" it, right? I really never realized they got this large.

Richard
03-13-2011, 02:01 AM
Here's the herbs I'm currently growing:

Culinary Herbs
* Arugula: Roquette (annual), Sylvetta (perennial)
* Aztec Sweet Herb
* Basil: African Blue (perennial Basil), Sweet Genovese (annual), Thai (annual)
* Calamint: Cretian, Mentuccia, Nepitella
* Chive: Fine, Garlic, Onion
* Cilantro: Standard, Vietnamese
* Dill: Bouquet
* Flat Parsley, Curled Parsley
* Fennel: Green (non-bulbing), Bronze (bulbing)
* Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
* Hyssop
* Lavender: Intermedia, Sweet
* Lemon Balm
* Lemon Grass
* Lemon Marigold (perennial)
* Lemon Verbena
* Mint: Apple, Candy, Chocolate, Cordifolia, Corsican, Curly, Egyptian, English, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mojito, Orange, Peppermint, Spearmint, The Best, Yerba Buena
* Moujean Tea
* Oregano: Greek, Cuban, Hot & Spicy, Italian, Mexican, Syrian
* Parsley: Curled, Flat-leaf
* Rosemary: Spice Island, Tuscan Blue
* Sage: Berggarten, Cleveland's, Dwarf, Purple
* Salad Burnett
* Savory: Winter, Summer
* Sorrel: French, Red Veined
* Taragon (aka French Taragon)
* Thyme: Caraway, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mint, Mother Of (standard), Orange, Orange Balsam
* Water Cress
"Medicinal" Herbs
* Alumroot (Heuchera hybrid "Hairy Crevice")
* Balm of Gilead
* Betony
* Costmary (aka Alecost)
* Chamomile: German, Roman
* Catmint
* Catnip
* Echinacea
* Feverfew
* Fo Ti (aka Elixer Of Life)
* Hawaiian Ti (Cordyline fruticosa)
* Horehound
* Lady's Mantle
* Lavender: Tuscan, White Spica
* Lesser Galangal (aka Thai Ginger, Alpinia officinarum)
* Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare)
* Mugwort
* Patchouli
* Rue
* Self Heal
* Tiger Grass
* Valerian
* White Sage
* Yarrow
* Yerba Buena

Jack Daw
03-13-2011, 05:28 AM
Plus too, sometimes store-bought Basil is flavorless & gross! :eek:


It's so easy to grow, why not have a pot onhand. ;)


I'm thinking of starting some Stevia seeds...it's the herb people use to replace sugar. I grew it before and dried some of the leaves. Sweet isn't even the word for it...it's beyond sweet. :eek:


I also might sprout some Spearmint & Peppermint seeds to grow along with my Mint in a pot.


: )
I have some very bad experience with Stevia. It didn't taste well enough. Although I must say, that in sufficient amount, it really could replace the sugar. But not qualitatively. It tasted different. I couldn't get used to it. And the preparation time... phew.
Back to square one.

Sugar Cane is your option, Holly, if you have no problem eating sugar. ;)

Regarding the spearmint... Holly, I once planted a spearmint chewing gum seed and it didn't sprout. :/ I was so disappointed. :D

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 12:58 PM
Wow, that's a lot of herbs, Richard! :eek:


Are they all in the garden, or do you have some in pots? Feel free to show some shots, as it would be amazing to see so many herbs growing at once like that. Do you ever share your herbs and spread them around to others?Thanks for posting your list. :D


Jack...

I know what you mean about the Stevia herb. It's just too damn sweet is it's problem. :ha: I wonder if it might be better tasting in baked goods, and I might try to use it in this way also. It's said to be 10 times sweeter than actual sugar! :eek:



JaNan...

the book you're thinking of is called 'Old fashioned Garden Wisdom"...tips, lore, and good advice for creating a beautiful healthy garden. It's by Larry Maxcy. I got it 6 years ago and it's a very unique little book with advice and things that are kind of different. :)


I'll let you know about my other books that are more specifically about herbs and nothing else...


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 05:12 PM
Another herb I'm really interested in growing is Sweet Woodruff...because the leaves smell like Vanilla when dried.


The seeds are very fussy though and prefer 12°C (53°F) to germinate. I could never succeed at getting them to pop, but then it was a few years ago now that I tried.


I noticed too, it's an herb that actually isn't on Richard's huge list...unless I missed it.


I might try to germinate some seeds this season, now that Spring is coming. I believe it produces tiny white flowers. Hopefully I can get the seeds to sprout this time...


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 06:38 PM
I transferred my adorable little mint seedling from aero-garden and into soil...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02559.jpg


It's so cute tonight in this new little pot and saucer, after it's shower, and it's starting to grow again...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02690.jpg


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 08:48 PM
Oh and I sowed some Osmin Dark Red Basil tonight. :08:


Here's my tiny "Violetta" Basil sprout...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02699.jpg


Here's the Genovese tonight...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02692.jpg


Did you know that Strawberry plants are herbs? Yup, and hot chili peppers too! :eek:


Here's my little Woodland Alpine Strawberry herb seedling...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02596.jpg


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 10:59 PM
This is one of the most amazing HERB books I've ever owned...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02702.jpg


I once moved into an apartment years ago and the tenant who lived there previously, left it there! It was a $60 book! :eek: I have enjoyed it for many years...and I still do. It's totally incredible. :08:


It's a hardcover book and the pages are beautifully illustrated...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02703.jpg


Any herb you can think of is in this book, with pictures galore...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02704.jpg


Who would leave a book like this behind?!!! :eek:


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02707.jpg


It tells you how to use herbs you've never even heard of...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02708.jpg


It reveals history and uses for flowers and many others...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02705.jpg


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02706.jpg


Even the pictures I've shown, don't do this book justice. It's too amazing for words! If anyone is interested in a certain herb, I can take a picture of the page for you and you can blow it up to read it. ;)


: )

r3tic
03-14-2011, 09:57 AM
I have recently picked up starts of sugar cane, pepper corn, lemon grass, rosemary and bay laurel. In the summer I grow basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro and parsley. I also have corsican, chocolate, pineapple and orange mints.

Jananas Bananas, I would love to get a start of this plant, do you know how hardy it is?
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=27324&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=27324)

nannerfunboi
03-14-2011, 12:40 PM
hollyberry.. i totally agree..i have the book too.. theres
always something new to learn..and some new herb i get a
hankering to try to grow.. :08:
planted some wheat/oat grass for my cats the other day.. they
go nuts over it.. :goteam:
i'll start my basil in a month.. then transplant out into sunny area in
garden..
crocus..and dutch iris are up.. guess that means spring is sort of here
yea !!!!

The Hollyberry Lady
03-14-2011, 04:02 PM
Cool that you have the same book! :08: I just love it. It's a coffee table book in my living room! :ha:


I want to grow St. John's Wort next but I hear it's a dangerous herb if it's not used properly. :eek:


Chamomile is another personal favorite that I'd love to grow again this season...great for making delicious tea and the flowers are cute.


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-14-2011, 06:15 PM
Jananas Bananas, I would love to get a start of this plant, do you know how hardy it is?[/url]

Hi Dave! It came back for me every year in East Texas zone 8a. I can give you some seeds - the plants aren't up yet (very easy from seeds). I have it in white also.

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady
03-15-2011, 04:52 PM
I was thinking of sowing some Chervil seeds tonight...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02743.jpg


What about this one...anyone ever grown it?...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02744.jpg


I'd like to. :D


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-15-2011, 07:23 PM
Sherry, the Monarda Punctata that I grow is also known as Spotted Bee Balm, Dotted Bee Balm, and Horsemint. My favorite is the lavender color that I have pictured below in the other posting, but I also have it in white.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/whitemonardapunctata.jpg (pulled this gorgeous photo off the internet)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/Monarda-punctata-Spotted-Bee-Balm-flower.jpg

I also have seeds for a dark purple and a red which I have not grown yet. :)

~J

The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 11:24 PM
Gorgeous, JaNan! :08:


Alright I confess I've been eating it, but here's what's left of the Genovese basil after a shower tonight...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02836.jpg


: )

Dean W.
03-19-2011, 11:40 PM
I planted this basil/ mint today. Not sure what it is? Grew from cuttings.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40914&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40914)

The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 11:47 PM
What does it smell like Dean, when you rub the leaves?


: )

Dean W.
03-19-2011, 11:49 PM
I guess like peppermint or spearmint.

The Hollyberry Lady
03-20-2011, 12:13 AM
If you prune it, it'll bush out for you. ;)


: )

Dean W.
03-20-2011, 12:15 AM
That's what I was thinking about. It's leaning to one side. I may just cut on it tomorrow. :2738:

The Hollyberry Lady
03-20-2011, 12:31 AM
I can tell it hasn't been pruned much because the stems have turned woody.


Be sure to dry the leaves and add them to anything you'd like to add a minty flavor too...including hot chocolate! :08:


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 11:28 AM
I'm looking forward to harvesting some of my "Violetta" Italian purple Basil soon...



http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02891.jpg


: )

Jananas Bananas
03-23-2011, 11:57 AM
Yours is looking just like mine!

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323016.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323018.jpg

~JaNan

Richard
03-23-2011, 12:17 PM
Got Horehound?

http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Horehound_400x400.jpg

The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 02:09 PM
No, but I'd like some Richard. It has a lot of medicinal qualities.


You mean there's actually an herb you don't have on that list?!!! :ha:


: )

Richard
03-24-2011, 10:54 AM
There are at least two different species with the common name "Wood Betony": Pedicularis canadensis (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?419845) and Stachys officinalis (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?35407). Here is the latter ...

http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Betony_400x400.jpg

Richard
03-25-2011, 04:28 PM
Cutting grown Moujean Tea (Nashia inaguensis) in 4-inch pot:

http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/MoujeanTea_400x400.jpg

The Hollyberry Lady
03-25-2011, 04:49 PM
I'm just about dying to get a taste of this stuff...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02947.jpg


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02950.jpg

Violetta Italian purple basil. I'd have some tonight if I could! :ha: It smells delicious!


I also can't wait for this type to start growing either...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02967.jpg


"Osmin" Basil.


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 10:32 AM
Gonna sow some of this today, so I can make tea...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02999.jpg


I've grown it in a pot in my window sill in previous years and it performs quite nicely. :D


: )

Richard
03-28-2011, 06:59 PM
Here is an afternoon picture of two Chamomiles.

(left) German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?23475)). This plant is not in the botanical Chamomile genus, but it is the plant used throughout the ages for its beneficial properties and is used commercially to make Chamomile tea.
(right) English or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?104133)). This is a true botanical Chamomile and it does have a sweet smell, but it is mostly void of the beneficial essential oils present in German Chamomile. However, it is often sold as "Chamomile for tea" in both seed and live plant form.


http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Chamomile_Duo_400x300.jpg

The Hollyberry Lady
03-29-2011, 11:11 AM
Gonna sow some of these too! What a great Basil...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03098.jpg


: )

Richard
03-30-2011, 02:22 PM
Speaking of Herbs, here's 240 varieties of herbs and veggies just prior to unloading from my van and trailer at the Mira Mesa Farmers Market (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/MiraMesa_Farmers_Market.html).

http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Van_Rack_with_Flats_300x400.jpg http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Trailer_Racks_with_Flats_300x400.jpg

Dean W.
03-30-2011, 03:38 PM
That's a lot of different varieties, Richard!:eek:

The Hollyberry Lady
04-01-2011, 04:58 PM
Hurry up and grow! :ha:


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03182.jpg


Osmin red basil. ;)


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
04-09-2011, 08:35 AM
Here's my Osmin Basil, on this sunny Saturday morning...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03390.jpg


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
04-09-2011, 12:46 PM
New growth on my sweet Bay Laurel tree...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03469.jpg


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
04-15-2011, 06:45 PM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03793.jpg



: )

Jananas Bananas
04-17-2011, 09:33 PM
WOW! That is a beautiful thing! You know how to yank my chain don't you?!!!! :ha: You need to put all those gorgeous colorful basils that you have in one big pot. I think that would just be stunning!

OK Here are a couple of shots of my chocolate mints:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110417050.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110417051.jpg

NOW, when you use your mint for tea - how do you fix it? How many leaves do you use, or is it ground? Do you sweeten it with anything? Isn't it delightful??? I have to say it is my favorite of the mints, and I love it!!!

~JaNan

Richard
04-18-2011, 10:18 AM
OK Here are a couple of shots of my chocolate mints ...

Growing indoors, they look very different from the chocolate mint we cultivate outdoors year-round here.

The Hollyberry Lady
04-18-2011, 11:34 AM
I've always grown my mints in pots because it's too invasive otherwise.


I just cut the shoots and make bundles to dry upside down. Then I tear the dried leaves off the stem and stuff them into my tea ball. I don't use sugar in my tea but you can if you prefer, JaNan. ;)


I steep the leaves for around five minutes before removing the ball. The leaves are more flavorful when dried.


Your chocolate mint looks delicious, JaNan. Can't wait to try it. :08:



I knew you'd like the basil...it's "Osmin" basil and it came out kind of speckled, unlike the others. Hope it continues to grow like that.


: )

Richard
04-18-2011, 11:59 PM
Here's a photo of Chocolate Mint which we propagate by cutting. It is an F2-3 hybrid and will not come true from seed.

http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/image_gallery/Chocolate_Mint_300x400.jpg

Jananas Bananas
04-19-2011, 04:03 PM
I'm drying some leaves right now to try Sherry!

I have always used it fresh. Pluck a few good sized leaves and put them in my cup and pour the hot water in. Then bruise the leaves with the spoon and add honey to taste (because I like it a tad bit sweet). I usually eat the leaves or at least chew them too.

Here is a pretty runner getting new leaves and some color on the stems. The more this mint is in the sun the more color it will get.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110419015.jpg

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady
04-19-2011, 04:17 PM
It's just gorgeous, JaNan!!! :goteam:



I can't wait to grow it. ;)


I think the sun makes the stems darker and that branch you've shown there looks like it will darken up nicely.


So yeah, mint tea can certainly be made with fresh leaves, but if you tried them dried JaNan...you'd never go back! :eek:


Dried herb leaves have a much more intense flavor. They have to be dried properly though...not too fast, not too slow. Lots of air circulation is best so make the bundles small that you'll be drying. Keep the sun off them while they're drying too. If the leaves turn black before or after drying...discard them.


: )

Richard
04-20-2011, 01:14 AM
... Here is a pretty runner getting new leaves and some color on the stems. The more this mint is in the sun the more color it will get.

Yes, that runner looks a lot more like the real deal.

xavierdlc61887
04-21-2011, 05:54 AM
Yeah, I know how Australians pronounce it, but have never heard a Canadian pronounce it in my life... wow. :)

Dunno. I'm more into Bonsais. Trying Hyssop at the moment. It's an easier plant for starting. ;)

I thought canadians talked like americans and always thought thats why they can come to the U.S as they please...because they know english....dont wanna sound racist but that was always my theory :P

MissStress
04-21-2011, 12:12 PM
I thought canadians talked like americans and always thought thats why they can come to the U.S as they please...because they know english....dont wanna sound racist but that was always my theory :P

Over one and a half billion people speak English world-wide and there are only about 34 million people in Canada (less than the state of CA). Us Canadians have to go through customs and show our passports like everyone else. There are a good percentage of Canadians who don't speak English.. we have two official languages and tonnes of immigrants you know! :)

xavierdlc61887
04-21-2011, 05:45 PM
well i am hispanic and because alot of "Us" dont speak english get stopped and questioned....even some hispanic americans dont speak english get stopped and checked...i am just saying.....nevermind i am not saying....I dont want to stray from the topic of HERBS!!! Woooo thanks Sherry for the great hook up on herbs!!!! cant wait for that package to arrive at my mail box and start growing!!!!

xavierdlc61887
04-21-2011, 05:49 PM
i take back the part of me saying "come to the U.S as they please" after reading it....it did sound pretty ignorant my bad :( anyways this is a HERB thread and we shall resume talking about Herbs!!!!!

Dean W.
04-21-2011, 07:46 PM
Double mint? actually think it's basil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=42023&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=42023)

Richard
04-21-2011, 08:05 PM
Trying Hyssop at the moment. It's an easier plant for starting. ;)

Hyssops are easy to grow and there are several varieties to choose from:
Anise Hyssop: Agastache foeniculum (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?312121)
Bible Hyssop (Ezov): Origanum syriacum var. maru (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?448310)
Blue Hyssop: Agastache foeniculum (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?312121)
Culinary Hyssop: Hyssopus officialis (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?19644)
Pink Hyssop: Hyssopus officialis cv.
Water Hyssop: Bacopa (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?1218)

xavierdlc61887
04-26-2011, 04:45 PM
Hey Sherry just wanted to post a pic of what i got going :P...cant wait to get some more types from you though!!!!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=42185&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=42185&ppuser=1111)

The Hollyberry Lady
04-26-2011, 09:36 PM
They're in the mail...as of today. ;)


I sent ya everything on your list. Enjoy.


: )

xavierdlc61887
04-26-2011, 09:46 PM
wooooo.....cant wait!!!! thanks thanks thanks thanks!!!!!! i cant wait to start growing some herbs!!!!!

The Hollyberry Lady
05-03-2011, 09:49 AM
Fernie, did you get those seeds yet?


: )

xavierdlc61887
05-03-2011, 11:54 AM
Nope still waiting patiently :P..can't wait... I need to move my herbs to some sun they r growing tall but skinny...n e tips ?/

The Hollyberry Lady
05-03-2011, 11:59 AM
Don't worry, they'll be there. It's just that Easter really slowed our mail service.


Yup, get those herbs into some sunlight, for sure. If you pinch the tips, they'll grow more dense and bushy for you. ;)



: )

xavierdlc61887
05-03-2011, 12:44 PM
I need to upload another picture :)

The Hollyberry Lady
05-03-2011, 07:32 PM
Look what I got my hands on today, JaNan!


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/DSC04397.jpg


Chocolate Mint!!! :eek:


It's even got the chocolate colored stems...



http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/DSC04398.jpg


I was shocked to come across it. :goteam:



Picked up a couple broken "orange mint" branches that were gonna fall off the plant anyway...and the lady said it was ok. ;)


I was actually just going to buy the whole plant, but my mom talked me out of it. It didn't really smell like orange to me, and in fact I didn't find it all that appealing really.


I do have cuttings that will root though, if you want some JaNan? It smells like spicey citrus, or something, but it's called "orange mint". My mom said it smelled like bug spray! :ha:


: )

Jananas Bananas
05-03-2011, 08:11 PM
YAY! :goteam: Now we can sip chocolate mint tea together! :woohoonaner: I knew what it was before I even read the description. :)

Sure I want some, Sherry! Probably that citronella stuff for mosquitoes! :ha:

The next mint I am trying to find is the Pineapple Mint, the variegated. I haven't found it locally so I will probably have to order some.

Bonnie is the same supplier we have here at Lowe's, but as much as I go I haven't ever seen Chocolate mint there. That's a SCORE as far as I'm concerned!

~J

The Hollyberry Lady
05-03-2011, 08:34 PM
I got it at "Canadian Tire"...of all places! They're the only place in London that has it though. I really was shocked to come across 10 gorgeous chocolate mint plants...and then the orange one too.


When I first saw the orange type I was delighted, but as I bent down to smell it, I was so disappointed. I was hoping it would have that candy-like sweet orange scent, but it didn't at all. In fact if the tag didn't say orange on it, I wouldn't have even known what scent it was. It was also from Bonnies too. They only wanted $2.99 each for them, but I only actually bought the chocolate variety. The orange cuttings will root so easily though.


Yup, I'm so looking forward to drinking tea from the dried leaves. So cool I found some. I even bought a cute chocolate colored pot to re-pot it into! I'll show you later how adorable it is.


: )

xavierdlc61887
05-06-2011, 09:03 PM
hey sherry just got the mush anticipated package!!!! here is the pic :D

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/xavierdlc61887/herbseedsfromsherry.jpg

The Hollyberry Lady
05-07-2011, 10:44 AM
Very cool that you got them finally, Fernie!!! :08:


Now you can sow them all and grow tons of herbs! Those seeds are all brand new and fresh, so you'll find them to be super viable with an excellent germination rate. Enjoy, and please feel free to post shots of your growings in this thread. ;)




Ok so about my chocolate mint...


Last night I cut off a small shoot, so I could dry it for tea. Here's the shoot, and notice the chocolate colored hue on the back of the leaves...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/DSC04458.jpg


This morning though, as the shoot is drying more, the chocolate color is turning purple, much like how my lemon balm looks when it's dried...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/075.jpg


Here's the small chocolate mint shoot this morning. As it dries, the back of the leaves gets more and more purple...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/DSC04462.jpg


: )

cherokee_greg
05-07-2011, 10:56 AM
have you all tried apple mint ? I have some it smells so good.

The Hollyberry Lady
05-07-2011, 11:01 AM
Boy would I love some of that...apple mint! JaNan says there's pineapple mint too! :goteam:


I have orange mint.


: )

gander54
05-07-2011, 11:29 AM
I found some variegated rosemary yesterday.

cherokee_greg
05-07-2011, 03:07 PM
Boy would I love some of that...apple mint! JaNan says there's pineapple mint too! :goteam:


I have orange mint.


: )

hey check this mint out its so cool
https://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/ProductCart/pc/Mint-Peppermint-Variegated-Herb-Plant-p545.htm

cherokee_greg
05-14-2011, 12:04 AM
Boy would I love some of that...apple mint! JaNan says there's pineapple mint too! :goteam:


I have orange mint.


: )

Today I got orange mint
pineapple mint
verigated peppermint

The Hollyberry Lady
05-15-2011, 08:52 PM
Did you know there's "Banana Mint"?! :eek: I want this one most of all!


Here are my Sweet Bay Laurel trees...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_0285.jpg


: )

cherokee_greg
05-15-2011, 09:01 PM
Did you know there's "Banana Mint"?! :eek: I want this one most of all!


Here are my Sweet Bay Laurel trees...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_0285.jpg


: )

nice and thanks for telling us about banana mint :08::08::08:
ill be searching now :2738:

imclueless17
05-15-2011, 09:05 PM
Mentha arvensis Banana Mint (http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/menarvensis.htm)
Banana mint. =)

cherokee_greg
05-15-2011, 09:42 PM
Mentha arvensis Banana Mint (http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/menarvensis.htm)
Banana mint. =)

thanks that place you have to buy a quanity of plants. I did find some tho thanks

cherokee_greg
05-15-2011, 09:45 PM
nice and thanks for telling us about banana mint :08::08::08:
ill be searching now :2738:

i found some banana mint and I also have some of this coming
MENTHA BERRIES & CREAM - a compact variety with dark green textured foliage and lavender flowers during summer. It is sweet and fruity, great for summer drinks, use leaves chopped or as a garnish. Likes sun. :08::08::08:
Help im addicted !!!!!!!!!!:bananajoy::bananajoy::bananajoy::2182::2182::2182::27 47::2747::::twonanners::twonanners::bananarow:

Jananas Bananas
05-15-2011, 09:58 PM
Help im addicted

Just like the rest of us! Bwah, ha, ha! :2705: (she laughs wiggling her eyebrows up and down with a sinister look on her face!!!)

~J

The Hollyberry Lady
05-16-2011, 01:55 PM
I'm getting some of that Banana Mint soon too. I guess it smells like total ripe bananas.


I read about another kind called "sweet pears" and apparently it smells like real pears! How cool is that?!


Now if only they'd invent "Strawberry Mint"!!! :goteam:


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
05-16-2011, 04:44 PM
I was noticing how red the stems are on some of my Bay trees...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_0336.jpg


Check out how big & beautiful the leaves are...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_0341.jpg


Can't wait to harvest some leaves. :D


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
06-12-2011, 10:22 PM
A brand new red branch came up over the last few weeks from the base of one of my Bay Laurel trees. Here it is today...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_0845.jpg


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
06-19-2011, 01:43 PM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_1073.jpg


Brand new shoots growing on chocolate mint. ;)


: )

Jananas Bananas
06-19-2011, 05:21 PM
Here's a pot of Basil sitting out front of our favorite Mexican restaurant, that larger leaf may be a pepper too - not sure (sorry about the quality - cell phone shot):

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/IMG_20110619_153627.jpg

A couple of my chocolate mint are flowering. I hope I can collect seed for it! :)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110618068.jpg

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady
06-19-2011, 05:31 PM
I read that chocolate mint doesn't come true from seed because it's a hybrid, and that cuttings are the only way to propagate it. I was hoping the seeds would be true though, but I'm told they're not. :(


Great shots though, JaNan. ;)


: )

Jananas Bananas
06-19-2011, 06:10 PM
I think I've read that several times too, Sherry! But I got out the paint brush just in case!!!! :ha::ha::ha::ha:

~J

The Hollyberry Lady
06-22-2011, 12:42 PM
I've been enjoying many herbs this season...especially different basils.


This "Orange Mint" is really growing on me though (no pun intended :ha:). It's even taking on an orange/bronze hue...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_1142.jpg


Before I knew how the smell was described I wasn't sure if I liked it...but now I can't get enough of it! It smells like Earl grey tea and orange bergamot. I really love it and I've been creating new plants from cuttings.


: )

Jananas Bananas
06-29-2011, 04:28 PM
Isn't this pretty? My purple basil is flowering......

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110629021.jpg

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady
06-29-2011, 06:22 PM
You do realize though JaNan, that if you leave those flowers on your plant, it will soon die?! :eek:


Basil is an annual and allowing it to flower signals it to die. If you want it to keep growing...cut off the flowers.


They sure are pretty though. :)


: )

Jananas Bananas
06-29-2011, 06:50 PM
No Sherry I did not! :( I don't know beans about this stuff. Anything I know I learned from you. So, I can't get them to seed? Do I cut it off right at the start of the flowers or take some of the regular stem?

The Hollyberry Lady
06-29-2011, 10:41 PM
Oh yes, you can still get them to produce seed JaNan...but the plant will die afterwards. :(


But you'll have seeds! :D


Also, if there's more than one plant in the pod, you could allow one plant to flower but cut the rest off. Maybe you want to grow something else anyway, and you don't mind your basil saying g'night? This is all up to you, of course. ;)

Jananas Bananas
06-29-2011, 10:45 PM
Actually I like having the purple leaves in there with all the green. I like my basil.

Where do I need to cut it? Just right below the flower or more?

The Hollyberry Lady
06-29-2011, 10:48 PM
Yeah, cut one or two nodes beneath the flowerhead and you'll soon see more branches and leaves developing. Keep the flowers trimmed off and it will live on for awhile.


: )

Jananas Bananas
06-29-2011, 11:20 PM
Can I root the part I cut off?

I did cut off the green part on my desert rose the other day. :) It pained me to do it. I let it scab over then I stuck it in some seed starter. I hope it will root.

The Hollyberry Lady
06-29-2011, 11:42 PM
It's no longer in the vegetative growth stage, and it has a flower on it, so it likely won't root. Even if it does though, if the flower is left on, it will die shortly afterwards. :(


Just throw it away but use the leaves in your next plate of food. ;)


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
07-06-2011, 12:06 PM
This Bay Laurel tree is doing amazingly. The lime greenish growth is all new and it has yet to 'leatherize', but the tree has been sending up new red branches from the base for the past couple of months...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_1634.jpg


It's heading for nearly two feet tall and I couldn't fit it all in the picture but the very top of the tree is gorgeous and sprouting more and more leaves each week...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_1637.jpg


What an attractive & appealing herb! :D


: )

The Hollyberry Lady
07-09-2011, 12:08 PM
Chilies are an herb and so is Bay Laurel. Here are both of mine today...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/3rd%20album/100_1723.jpg


Check out the vibrantly red stems on the Bay leaves! :D That's a different Bay tree than the one I showed in the previous post, by the way.


: )