Just a quick update, because of the rubbish weather we have had this year so far I have hardly any c...
Just a quick update, because of the rubbish weather we have had this year so far I have hardly any crops to write reviews about. I have therefore decided to write a lot of rants this year!!!
Member since:21.09.2006
Reviews:14
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The evergreen leaves of this shrubby herb are about 1 inch long, linear, delicate, dark green above and paler and fury underneath, with an fragrance that reminds me of my Grandmas house on a Sunday lunch time. The flowers are small and pale blue. There are silver and gold striped varieties, but the green-leaved variety is the kind used medicinally, and the one I find has the strongest flavour.
Rosemary grows best in my garden when it is in full sun I have two or three bushes at the moment that are doing fantastically well, I have planted them in quite a loamy soil (not clay), although you can grow them in sandy soil. They have a good mulch, made up of one layer of grass cuttings and a layer of bark chippings over the top. I find that this keeps the water
in brilliantly and I have hardly had to water them during the dry summer months we've had this year.
Don't forget though this plant can get big so give it plenty of space to grow, or if your space is limited make sure you trim it back every year. I usually do this around September well NOW (if at all I like them quite wild looking), with the warmer winters this gives the cut off ends time to seal them selves before the frosts start in a few months. Don't throw away the trimmings though, hang them upside down in your shed and use them when dried. (Or plant some cuttings)
I have found that the best way to propagate rosemary is from seed, you can take cuttings from them but I have had more success from seeds. The cuttings may root but I find the seeds produce a much stronger plant.
To grow from Seed: Once the Rosemary has flowered keep your eye on it, you want to collect the seeds when the flowers turn slightly brown. If the seeds aren't dried properly don't worry just leave them on a piece of kitchen roll in a window sill, they'll be ready to store in a couple of days. I plant my Rosemary seeds under glass around March-April depending on how quickly spring starts to appear. (I would think if you have a heated greenhouse you would be able to sow them anytime.) I sow them in a mixture of my own compost, loam (from the garden) and a bit of grit/vermiculite. I would aim to plant them into the garden for the next summer, around 15 months later. (This gives them a really good start)
To Grow from Cutting: Cut off the young growth that appears in spring. Pinch out the end of the sprig and pot in some good compost mixed with grit. You can use rooting powder but I have never found it necessary. I always keep these cuttings in a greenhouse for the first few months, I do have friends who just stick it in a shelter part of the garden in the ground and that seems to work for them.
And what is the point of all this growing? So you can eat it of course, I think we all know that Rosemary is traditionally used with Lamb. It can also be used with Rabbit, Sausages, even Pork.
My favourite thing to do with rosemary in the summer is break of a handful of sprigs and throw it on the barbecue charcoal as everything is just about cooked. The smoke smells wonderful and this gives the contents of the barbecue a real smokey aromatic taste.
Some Interesting Facts About Rosemary
Rosemary oil is said to prevent premature boldness apparently rubbing it into the scalp is said to stimulate the hair follicles. (I have read this in many places but unfortunately have no proof!) Rosemary wine is said to be good for a weak heart.
The new leaves and flowers can be made into an infusion, called Rosemary Tea, if you drink it warm, is supposed to be a good remedy for removing headache, colic, colds.
This concoction is also said to be good for anxiety and depression.
Rosemary and Coltsfoot leaves are considered good when rubbed together and smoked for asthma and other affections of the throat and lungs. (I don't think I would do this if I had asthma though)
Rosemary is also one of the ingredients used in the preparation of Eau-de-Cologne.
You may also wish to know that Rosemary is said to be used in many a witches potion or spell. It is thought that this stems from Pagan religions who used to burn bunches of rosemary sprigs at ceremonies such as weddings.
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Advantages: A wonderfully versitile herb which has many uses. Disadvantages: Can take a little while to get established, likes good drainage and a sunny position.
phoenixgreen 07.11.2006 (07.11.2006)
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Review of Rosemary
Sep 27th, 2006
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