Smile...I can almost taste the basil!

Here is an update for the herbs that we have started for Seedy Saturday in Calgary, along with some others.

*You have to listen to this song while you read the rest of the blog...* (just open it in a new tab )

LOOK!
They're so beautiful! Imagine, its almost summer, well, spring maybe...but almost there!

This is Sweet Basil

Dark Opal Basil (even now you can see the beautiful purple colour)

Lemon Basil- has an amazing lemony scent and flavour (makes an unusual and tasty pesto)

Pretty much all the herbs are well on their way, including the lavender (which we literally had NO luck with last year!)

We are starting two kinds of Lavender: Dwarf Munstead and Lady Lavender (its a little stretched, but it will recover)

So, lots of herbs, especially different kinds of Basil, to look forward too! YUM! Herbs are an absolutely amazing way to spice up your life...and not just in the kitchen... ( many herbs have have medicinal properties as well- with all sorts of benefits from adding them to your food!)

For example, did you know basil is a very rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron, containing 3.17 mg/100 g of fresh leaves (about 26% of RDA) source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/basil-herb.html

To learn more about the health benefits of herbs I would recommend checking out any books by a woman named Rosemary Gladstar, who is an herbalist. ("herbalism" is simply a word for the the study or practice of the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants.) Many people consider her to have pioneered western herbalism as we know it. To learn more click here Also, we have a local herbalist in Red Deer who is a fantastic source! To learn more about herbalism right here in Red Deer, click here

And don't forget about Seedy Saturday in Calgary, or Seedy Sunday in Red Deer. They're great events to find seeds (from locals!), and some plants that have been started early for maximum production. Also, if you're new to gardening, its a super way to get introduced to various ideas and to talk to people who LOVE to talk about gardening! We will be there with our Country Thyme Booth and will have herb plants available for sale for you to get a head start in your herb garden.

Cheers!!