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Herbs - Sage to Sweet Cicely

Sage

(Salvia officianalis)

This perennial shrub grows to 2ft (60cm). The leaves are a grey/green colour and hairy, the flowers are purple. It will grow in any soil but prefers a sunny position and dislikes too much moisture. Sow seed in spring or take cuttings by pegging down runners. Trim to keep in shape and renew the plant when it gets woody.

Harvesting

Pick leaves as required they are at their best before flowering. Dry slowly in a dark place for storage.

Uses

Best known for its use in stuffing but goes well with most meats, especially pork.

Salad Burnett

(Sanguisorba minor)

This perennial plant grows to 2ft (60cm). It has rosettes of leaves and pink or white flowers. It is fairly hardy and can produce leaves all year round. It will grow in any soil. Sow seed in spring. Once established, it is freely seeding. Pinch out flowers if using the leaves regularly.

Harvesting

Pick leaves as required. They are at their best before flowering. Young leaves have a more delicate taste.

Uses

The cucumber-flavoured leaves add flavour to cool drinks salads and sauces.

Savory

(Satureja spp)

This is an aromatic herb that resembles Thyme. There are two types of Savory -

Summer Savory

(S. Hortensis) A bushy annual that grows to 18" (45cm) and has pink flowers. It will grow in any soil in a sunny position. Sow seed in late spring.

Winter Savory

(S. Montana) A hardy dwarf evergreen that grows to 18" (45cm) and has white or blue flowers. It will grow in any soil in a sunny position. Sow seed in late spring. Young plants may need protection from frost.

Harvesting

Cut sprigs before flowering for use fresh or dried. Uses Usually used in bean dishes.

Sorrel

(Rumex scutatus)

Sorrel is more of a cross between a herb and a vegetable. It grows to 18" (45cm). It prefers a well-drained, slightly acid soil in a sunny position although it will tolerate light shade. Sow seed in spring or take root cuttings in spring and autumn.

Harvesting

Pick fresh leaves as required.

Uses

Fresh young leaves can be used in salads. Older leaves are cooked like spinach.

Southernwood

(Artemisia abrotanum)

Warning - Do not eat the leaves of this plant, they are poisonous.

This plant was traditionally grown in herb gardens to keep witches out. It is a small perennial shrub with feathery grey/green leaves that are covered in a down. It prefers a well-drained, light soil in a sunny position. Propagate by cuttings in spring.

Harvesting

Cut branches at the end of summer and dry.

Uses

Mostly decorative but some old cake recipes include using shoots. Dried branches can be used as a moth repellent in cupboards.

Sweet Cicely

(Myrrhis odorata)

A decorative perennial that takes several years to reach its full height of 5ft (1.5m) it has feathery leaves and white flowers. It prefers a rich, well-drained soil in a shady position. Sow seed in spring. Once established it will freely seed and can take over if not kept under control. Propagation can also be done by root division in spring or autumn.

Harvesting

Pick leaves as required. If drying, pick the leaves in spring.

Uses

The taste is similar to aniseed. Chopped leaves are added to salads or fruit. The roots can be used as a vegetable.