The Herbs

The first thing I planted when I got here was herbs.

The herbs are thriving!

In the bed by the screen door, I have rosemary, sage, two kinds of thyme, chives, and lavender.

I purchase fresh dill at the local grocery store–and it lasts for a good 10 days. Dill is harder to grow (for me anyway) for some reason.

I just moved the three rosemary plants from the big container on the porch to the outside as I thought they needed actual dirt.

The mint, basil, Italian parsley, and now one of the rosemary plants are around by the back hose–where it is easy to give them water. The yellow leaves are an indication that they need water and less heat. (It was 102 on my screened porch late yesterday afternoon.)

My grandmother’s mint is growing well on the other side of the house–at the end of the long bed there in a spot that is sunny for most of the day. It’s happy there.

I can’t imagine cooking without fresh herbs, especially in the summer.

A friend sent me this article about plants that repel bugs. I was amazed at how many of these plants are in my gardens here.

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/outdoor/plants-that-repel-bugs

Here’s the big container pot on the porch now.

The Asiatic Jasmine (which is not jasmine) is spreading well. It will cover that bed by next summer I think. My grandmother’s mint is at the far end. Recall that my SIL in Maine had some mint from my Maine garden, and she mailed some to me about a month ago.

This plant was installed by the builder. It’s a Chinese Holly and is very hardy here. I have about 5 of these plants around the front of the house. This one has been loved. I’ve watered it and fertilized it.

Here’s one that was waiting for its house to be occupied by renters and has not had any care. I was interested in the difference between the two plants in color and in the presence of mold, or whatever that white stuff is.

Part of what sold my house in Maine was my beautiful gardens there. And the healthy habitat I had created. It’s too bad landlords don’t realize that an investment in plantings will help sell a home for more money.