Ellen Zimmerman introduced us to Ellen's Dynamic Dozen herbs, and
spoke of the idea known as 'Doctrine of Signatures,' where parts of
plants actually resemble the parts of the body that they can help to cure.
Lung-shaped Mullein leaves, for example, have been used for centuries to
help lung congestion: doctrine of signatures

Amanda Moon ended the afternoon with culinary herbs. We learned
about the use of parsley as a natural 'breath-mint' to neutralize onion
and garlic flavors: "It's not just a decoration on the side of the plate,"

said Amanda. She also suggested that when cooking with herbs, it's best
to add them at the last minute, for maximum flavor and effect.

On Sunday, Michelle Hernandez spoke about using chicken manure
within the compost pile, and also using chickens for bug control in the
garden. We were also warned to keep poultry away from young plants
with netting.  

_______________________________________________________

        Six Gift Ideas for the Mom who Loves to Garden

                                by Chris Winslow

 

As a nurseryman, please allow me to make an observation: mothers are
enthusiastic gardeners! They make up a huge part of our customer base.
With that in mind,  and with Mother's Day upon us this Sunday, I have
assembled a few gift ideas for readers, with assistance from my wife Diane.

 

1. Mixed plantings of culinary herbs  This simple project makes a won-
derful gift for any gardener who likes fresh herbs for the kitchen. Just pick
a beautiful ceramic pot or hanging basket.  Fill it with good potting soil,
and then plant four 4” potted herbs. Pick some that will cascade from the
top of the pot. Creeping herbs like thyme, oregano and rosemary can also
be mixed with popular, upright herbs like parsley, sage and chives. Tie a
bow around the top of the pot, add a card, and you will have made a unique
and thoughtful gift.

2. European basket. Start with a nice woven basket with a
handle. Then place potted flowering herbs and tropical plants inside. Add
some packets of flower seed, a hand trowel, and some colorful (and
useful) gardening gloves, some ribbon, and a card. Another beautiful home-
made gift.

3. A living rose bush. There are some magnificent roses available that
bloom all year and require little attention. Look for the Knock Out series,
and Home Run. They will add beauty to the landscape all year.

 

4. Finding Magic in theMundane by humorist and friend of the nursery,
Mary Gordon Spence. Stories about growing up in 1950s Brownwood,
Texas, happily making do, for example, on her wedding night with burgers
and fries from Storm's Drive-in. This comedian has been acclaimed by Liz
Carpenter, Ann Richards, Molly Ivins and Sarah Bird.

Purchase on-line at www.askmarygordon.com/book/testimonials.html

 

5. The Herb Garden Cookbook by Lucinda Hutson (Gulf Publishing, 1992).
Lucinda goes through the culinary herbs one at a time and tells you how to
grow and cook with them. It is  filled with great recipe ideas and tips on
how to be successful with growing these garden gems.

6. Tomorrow (Saturday, May 8) you have the chance to take your mother
to visit some of Austin’s finest gardens. The self-guided Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center Gardens Tour lasts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Tickets: $25
for all gardens, $6 for individual gardens.
Visit  http://www.wildflower.org/gardentour/ for more details.

 

(We also have some beautiful hanging baskets for $13 - $17.)

  

            Happy Gardening, and Happy Mother’s Day!

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