Herbs – gifts from the garden

Posted by Jacqueline Church May 26, 2006

Okay, maybe not completely life changing, but simple things like growing something you can eat or give to others can be an unexpected joy.

I was once walking through the community gardens in Boston and stopped to admire a plot a man was tending. He was so pleased I think that someone admired his garden he offered me some of his fresh thyme - beautiful big bunch. I was delighted! The offer from his garden was a gift far precious than the $5.00 I would have paid in the store it was another example of a connection made through food.

And simple pleasures like fresh thyme, one of my favorites. I have found even my "urban garden" (AKA my fire escape) can provide wonderful herbs all summer long. I remember summer days when my mom came home from work, noting the time that passed between her coming through the front door, to the time she headed out the back door to the garden. The shorter the time; the worse the day was. Her garden was a reliable friend that never failed to help her unwind.

Farmers' markets are opening up and I can barely contain my excitement. See, Well-traveled tomatoes?

• Try tarragon in your mayonnaise;
• slip some sage leaves under the skin of the next chicken you roast;
• A few springs of lavender is beautiful to scent tuck into the linen closet, wrap in a bow on a gift, place in small bottle on the bathroom shelf.
• Chives are easy to grow and lovely to add to salad dressings or eggs.
• Basil now comes in so many varieties. Thai basil is one I hope to try this year. Basil in the stores is expensive and too often, what you find has already blossomed which makes it more bitter.
• Rosemary is hardy and a great addition to roasts, tomato dishes. Tuck some into a napkin at dinner for a fragrant surprise.
• Dill is beautiful to look at and brightens up everything from egg salad to chicken soup, or avgolemono.

You'll be surprised what a difference fresh herbs can make in your food and how growing them can change your day.