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Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
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CALENDULA AND BORAGE: Herbs
for Summer Color |
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Calendula and borage add color to your herb garden
throughout summer with a succession of long-lasting
blooms. These are two of the prettiest herbs you can grow,
and they are relatively carefree. Both are annuals, but
once they are established in your garden they are eager
reseeders.
BORAGE
I bought my first packet of borage seeds many years ago,
and grew the plants as a companion to tomatoes. Borage
actually helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes when
grown nearby. I was mislead by an error on the seed packet
that said that the plant should not be consumed because it
is poisonous, and grew the plant only for it's properties
as a companion and it's appearance.
In truth, borage is not poisonous. The leaves have a
refreshing cucumber taste, and can be used in salads and
chopped up for herb butters and dips. Borage greens are a
little too plain-tasting when cooked alone, but when
combined with other greens, particularly cabbage, they add
a unique flavor. The flowers can be used as a garnish or
candied to decorate pastries.
CALENDULA
Calendula is also called pot marigold, but don't confuse
this plant with the marigolds grown in your annual bed (Tagetes).
Pot marigolds are smaller and more delicate in appearance
than the more familiar Tagetes, and they have a number of
medicinal uses.
Calendula is said to encourage healing, aid digestion,
fight fungal infections and cure diaper rash. These
properties alone are enough to make the plant an essential
addition to your herb garden, but it also has a number of
cosmetic uses. Calendula petals can be used to make a
nourishing skin cream or cleanser (see recipe,) and a
strong infusion made from marigold petals can be used to
lighten hair.
GardenGuides
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