THE HERBAL HARVEST-CRAFTS FROM THE GARDEN


© Connie Krochmal
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Herbs are so versatile. In addition to bringing beauty to the landscape, they have many practical purposes. They can be used to create any number of ornamental and useful craft items. Fall is a great time for herbal crafting. Crafts can be used for home décor during the autumn months. They also make wonderful Christmas gifts.

Let's start with culinary items. Why not make a wreath using dried herbs? For this, you can use culinary species, such as oregano, lavender, chili peppers, bay laurel, and even roses. For a touch of color, add some dried yarrow. Yellow and pink seems to make a nice combination. Other kinds of everlastings can be added for a festive touch.

Create a living herbal wreath. Teddy Colbert pioneered and popularized these amazing container gardens. She wrote a book, published by Gibbs-Smith Publisher, entitled "The Living Wreath".

These living wreaths can be created in several different ways. The traditional way is to use a wire frame, add some soilless potting mix, and wrap all this in sheet moss. Then, the herbs are inserted into holes made into the moss.

An easier and quicker way is to use special living wreath forms. One brand is made of high quality plastic, and has holes in which you insert the cuttings or seedlings. Once the plants begin growing and spreading, they completely hide the plastic.

Other culinary herbal crafts include flavored oils and vinegars. These are always very popular, and will be wonderfully received if you give them as Christmas gifts. For a special touch, add a beautiful label to the jar. These can often be printed on the computer using home publishing software programs.

Many kinds of fragrant items can be made with herbs from the garden. Potpourri and sachets are the most common. For the sachets, choose fabrics with a garden-related theme. I've noticed Jo Ann Fabric and Craft stores have many beautiful ones that would be suitable.

Roses are considered herbs by most herb gardeners. These can be made into many useful and ornamental items. It is very easy to create gifts using dried rose petals and rosebuds. Use the rosebuds to decorate picture frames, mirrors, or other practical things around the house.

Rose petals are especially useful. They are used for baths, potpourri, and sachets.

Rose petals can also be used for home décor. For this I use a beautiful clear glass container with a tight fitting lid. I add the petals one layer at a time, using alternating colors. The more colors of roses you use, the richer-looking the final product will look.

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