Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Origin: East Mediterranean, central Asia
Plant description and cultivation:
The genus agastache has thirty species. Anise hyssop is a very aromatic plant with a sweet, licorice-mint flavor. This is a tall, many-branched plant with lance-shaped leaves. The violet blue spiked flowers attract bees and butterflies. Plant in fertile soil in sun; water moderately.
Uses:
Leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried for salads, teas and garnishes. Young flowers are nice in dried flower arrangements.
Origin: Tropical Africa
Plant description and cultivation:
One of the most popular annual culinary herbs, Genovese basil has strongly scented dark green leaves and white flowers. There are over 150 varieties including purple ruffles, lemon, cinnamon, globe, and mammoth. Basil grows well in pots in a hot, protected area. Pinch tip and flower heads to promote bushiness.
Uses:
Basil is wonderful as the base for pesto, in salads, and Italian recipes. Chop and add just before serving as the flavor dissipates during cooking. The leaves dry well for use year-round.
Origin: Europe, North Africa
Plant description and cultivation:
Borage is a highly ornamental plant that grows well in rich soil and full sun. It is covered with blue, star-shaped flowers, and the bees love it. It grows easily from seed, but does not like to be transplanted. It will re-seed freely. It is very ornamental and makes an unusual specimen plant.
Uses:
Harvest young leaves to steam or sauté or to use fresh adding a cucumber flavor to salads, or scatter the blossoms over fruit cups or drinks. They are pretty frozen in ice cubes to use in drinks. The leaves lose their flavor when dried or frozen.
Burnet, Salad
Sanguisobia minor
Origin: Europe, Asia
Plant description and cultivation:
The fern-like foliage and low-growing habit of burnet make this an attractive border plant. The russet flowers are curiously attractive. Don’t remove them if you want the plant to self-seed. Burnet is a hardy perennial preferring full sun and moderately dry soil. It grows to about 12” tall.
Uses:
The young leaves have a mild cucumber flavor and make a nice addition to salad greens, potato salad, dressings and herb vinegars.