Herb Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition in Visual Studio .NET

Generation European Article Number 13 in Visual Studio .NET Herb Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition

is the common name, the first part capturing its aroma (more medicinal than most lavenders, however) and the second, its soft, silvery white leaves Hardy in Zones 6 to 9, these plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and up to twice as wide Lavender cotton is crowned with little yellow button flowers from early to midsummer, although many gardeners whack them off Lavender cotton is also called santolina

Lavender cotton germinates somewhat unevenly, so sow more seeds than you think you ll need when the temperature warms to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and give them up to a month to sprout Starting with plants is easier, especially for a knot garden, because they spread slowly This herb prefers slightly alkaline soil but drainage is the crucial factor, because lavender cotton abhors dampness in the soil or the air Prune in early spring and again after flowering so that the plants maintain their shape and don t become too woody Even if you don t have a knot garden, you ll find lavender cotton the perfect edging plant, ideal for creating a low hedge or defining a path The delicate gray leaves contrast becomingly with almost anything else you might grow

Lemon Queen is a dwarf cultivar with lemon-colored flowers, whereas Pretty Carol , another dwarf, has silver foliage and bright yellow blooms Santolina chamaecyparissus var nana is extremely small only 6 inches tall Rosemary santolina (S rosmarinifolia), looks a lot like rosemary and smells a little like lavender cotton The cultivar Primrose Gem has pale yellow flowers, and is hardy in Zones 7 to 10

Lavender cotton, or santolina, has such a knockout camphor aroma that you wouldn t be tempted to eat it, but would guess it had medicinal uses Yet the ancient herbals are strangely silent about this herb, except to note its brief fling with treating bites, dispelling worms, treating skin problems, or discouraging moths (Try a sprig of lavender cotton or a bag of clippings in your drawers and closets) Blame the Elizabethans for dandifying lavender cotton Noting the pleasing shape of its foliage and its amenity to pruning for it will abide to be cut in what forme you think best they used it by the cartload to tie up their knot gardens

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

This scraggly perennial grows up to 18 inches tall Its leaves are somewhat heart-shaped with toothed edges, and make it look like a diminutive nettle Sporadically through summer it produces the small clusters of yellow or white flowers that bees love so much Let your fingers check for the signature scent of lemon and mint

It s hard to go wrong with lemon balm It s happy in any ordinary soil, although your plants will have bigger, plumper leaves if you add generous amounts of organic matter and water during a drought Hardy in Zones 4 to 9, this herb needs midday shade in the South If it gets beat up in hot weather, shear it back to the ground; it will regrow Lemon balm doesn t spread rampantly like other mints but does self-sow Remove the spent flowers if you don t want more lemon balm or more bees You can start lemon balm from seed, but it s easier to take stem cuttings or divide an established plant (its shallow roots are thick and matted) Space plants about 18 inches apart

If you want a lemon balm you can show off to friends, look for one of the variegated cultivars, such as Aurea , or the appropriately named All Gold (These cultivars need protection from hot sun even more than the species) The balm of Gilead, Cedronella canariensis, has a balsam rather than a lemon scent It s appropriate for potpourri but not for the teacup Vietnamese balm (Elsholtzia ciliata) combines lemon and floral flavors it s not our cup of tea, but you might feel differently Beware, it s quite invasive