Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous Labour Day, which saw me spring cleaning the garden. My medicinal herb garden got a general weed and several species avoided strangulation by the kikuyu, St John’s wort and violets which are running mad. The calendula got tidied up and the chamomile is doing well. And it’s really nice to see my bloodwort, comfrey, goldenrod and marshmallow making stellar returns.
I planted out my shallots and transplanted the Jerusalem artichokes to somewhere a bit more agreeable.So they don’t interfere with my more valuable root crops – good garlic is extremely important.
I have angelica Angelica archangelica going crazy in random places all over the garden so I need to find some uses. I might need to try this angelica liquer and all 17 of these angelica recipes to try to get it back under control. Now is time to harvest the stems, but I’ll keep plenty on to get some of the roots in autumn. Plants for a Future has a great write-up on it. I love that project!
More gardening adventures after the jump…
Teepees have been made for the peas and for some of the bush beans because I’m just not sure how much support they’ll need. They’re right next to an area where the angelica and mint are growing nicely together, so I’ve left them and thrown in some marigold and parsley seedlings. This should provide a nice little companion planting area to get those precious insects into the garden (angelica attracts bees) and keep the not so desirables out. Also, it’ll look sweet.
I’m planning on some rows of carrots and beetroot to fit in snugly beside the peas and beans too. I also had time to sort out my seed raising plan for the next month, still on the 10 lots theory. And I think I’ll direct sow these two.
It’s the first year I’ve grown Brussel sprouts. They’ve been in the ground for some time now and they’re starting to do their sprouty thing. Perhaps a little too much. I don’t really know what to expect here but it’s like they’ve hit teenager-ness and have hair suddenly sprouting out of their armpits. I’m hoping they aren’t going to seed, I’ve got some great recipes lined up for those little blighters.
Image: Garden Angelica, from Koehler’s Medicinal-Plants 1887. Public Domain image courtesy Wikipedia.
What medicinal purpose does Calendula have? I’ve got some sprouting in my glasshouse right now, but only because I’m a sucker for a yellow daisy… Can I heal the sick with them too?
Jared – short answer heaps. Long answer will come in a special post I’ll put together for you. Should be here within the week. As to whether you can heal the sick…..I wouldn’t like to make ascertains as to your nursing skills. Although I feel you may have had a lot of practice with those this year!