Ashwagandha   $3.00
(Withania somnifera)  Legendary Ayurvedic herb originating in India. "Somnifera" means literally "sleep bearer" and Ashwagandha has been renowned as a medicinal herb for centuries: as a sleep aid, and as an all-around tonic on the order of ginseng, as well as to treat post-partum ailments and a host of others. Plants may reach to nearly 5 feet in height in their native land, where they flower almost year-round. Stems and branches are covered in a fine down, and bear leaves to 4 inches in length. Small green to yellow flowers appear in clusters, then give way to quarter-inch round red fruits, borne in an inflated calyx reminiscent of a miniature tomatillo. It is the roots that carry the reputed medicinal effect. Expect to harvest roots the following spring after overwintering in very mild conditions. For a fascinating study, see http://www.herbalnet.org/SHRUBS/withania_somni.asp

  

A medium-sized culinary basil, with some purple coloration, though not showy. Cinnamon doesn't really describe it in our opinion--perhaps clove-or anise-like, or maybe it just tastes like itself. In any case, it's indispensible in Mexican dishes, being from that country. A fine, unusual addition to fresh salsas.

Basil, Dark Purple (Opal)  $3.00
A uniform, rich Roman purple on fairly large plants. Very attractive and grown as much for its appearance as for culinary use; flavor only so-so, but definitely basil and can certainly be used as such.

Basil, Fine Verde    $3.00
Culinary. Compact plants, delicate little leaves, big on real Italian basil flavor. Good in pots, and a good choice for overwintering on your window sill!

Basil, Genovese  $3.00
Culinary. Another traditonal Italian variety, so you can be sure it tastes like it should!  Large plants, large leaves, easily grown to perfection. A good all-around choice, and the standard by which we judge other European basil flavor.

Basil, Greek Dwarf  $3.00
Very small, shrubby plants to about 12 inches tall, work very well in pots, which is how they're often grown in Greece. Good, rich culinary variety, excellent for overwintering indoors. (Since these plants are quite dwarf, the seedlings we ship will be proportionately smaller as well.)

Basil, Lettuce Leaf  $3.00 
Culinary. The leaves are 3-5 inches in length and very wide--you could stuff them with your favorite doulmada stuffing! True basil taste and aroma. Originated in Japan.

Basil, Lime  $3.00 
Culinary.
It's basil, all right, but with an aromatic suggestion of limes. Use it with abandon in Thai dishes, since it originated in Thailand. Recommended.

Basil, Siam Queen  $3.00
Another Thai culinary variety. To us it has the classic Thai basil taste, reminiscent of cloves in some way. Plant has elongated, relatively narrow green leaves. Use along with some hot chilis, coconut milk, and lemon grass, and you're well on your way to an authentic Thai meal. Large plants.

Basil, Spicy Globe  $3.00
A wonderful dwarf type that we were accidentally intoduced to in 2007. This culinary variety reaches about a foot tall for us, with small leaves and compact form which make it ideal for pot culture or the front of a border or bed. The flavor and aroma are intense, pure basil with a heady vanilla overtone. We grow numerous basils in our own garden every year, but this is one that we choose never to be without.

Bloody Dock $4.00  NEW for 2012
Description pending...

Borage, Bianca  $3.00  New for 2012
Description pending...

Borage, Blue $3.00
(Borago officinalis) Venerable annual heb which originated in the Middle East but has been grown in European cottage garden for many centuries. Sky-blue starlike flowers, perched atop wooly stems, are the parts most frequently used. The plant reaches two to three feet in height and a bit less in breadth, and when clothed in blossoms cuts quite a figure in the garden. In addition to reputed medicinal uses, the flowers are used fresh as a garnish for salads, where their mild cucumber-like flavor is appreciated. Or, for a charming old-fashioned touch, the fresh blossoms are dipped in beaten egg white, gently dredged in granulated sugar, and air-dried to make an enchanting decoration for cakes and desserts, a delightful if not strictly necessary culinary value. This plant self-sows amiably where contented in the garden. Once grown the garden need never lack for this charming plant, nor should it.

Echinacea, Narrow Leaf  $4.00  New for 2012
(Echinacea angustifolia) Several Echinacea species are regarded as possessing powerful medicinal, immune-stimulating compounds, but E. angustifolia is reputed to be the strongest. This plant originated in and around the Great Plains from Texas into Canada. The species is considered endangered in Missouri, and our stock comes from cultivated seed. Perennial herb reaches occasionally to 2 1/2 feet tall, and in its native environment frequently grows alongside small grasses and into oak woods. Needs half to full sunshine, adequate water. Blooms for about a month from late June to mid-July. Flowers are attractive but not especially showy, highly recurved purple daisies with very prominent brown centers.

Goji Berry (Chinese Wolfberry )  $4.00 
(Lycium barbarum) Perennial shrubs to 9 feet tall, but usually much shorter, and bearing fruit from their second year on. Plants have naturalized in England, having been grown there since the Eighteenth Century, and known there as Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree. Goji plants appear tolerant of a wide range of soils, so long as these are well drained, preferring full sun for best production, and are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. The plant is said to tolerate temperatures down to -15 degrees F., which should mean they are hardy to Zone 5. Small lavender flowers appear in June through September, yielding sweet, juicy, small scarlet berries, which look not unlike small wild peppers, a month or two later. The wrinkly dried berries are often marketed as "Tibetan goji berry," which appears to be a misnomer since there is no history of commercial cultivation in the Land of Snows. Most commercial cultivation has been in China, where the fruits are esteemed as a medicinal for reputed health benefits, and now their use is becoming popular in the West as well. The berries and their juice have been touted for their vitamin C and anti-oxidant content, anti-cancer and many other qualities, most of which have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Feverfew    $3.50
A shrubby perennial herb to 4 feet in height, studded with hundreds of one-inch, white daisies. Dies back to the ground in winter. Reputed remedy for migraines and arthritis; we can attest to its medicinal utility for the latter. Very ornamental in the back of an herb bed or border.

 

Lemon Balm  $3.50
(Melissa officinalis) Bright green very scalloped leaves add a true lemon flavor to drinks, desserts and more. The plant is a hardy perennial at least to Zone 5. Often self-sows, but seldom gets out of bounds.

Lion's Tail or Wild Dagga   $3.50 
(Leonotis leonurus)  Native to South Africa, this member of the mint family is used as a folk medicinal among the native peoples as a purgative and vermifuge and for numerous ailments.  The evergreen plant grows tall and produces lovely orange flowers. Caution: This plant can produce a mild narcotic effect.

Mexican Mint or Sweet Mace  $3.00 
(Tagetes lucida)  Sweet-smelling member of the Marigold clan, that has enjoyed a variety of uses for centuries, but in cooking mainly as an admirable true-tarragon substitute, as its other  common names attest: Spanish, Texas, or Mexican Tarragon.  The plant eventually forms a small shrub, hardy in Zone 8 and warmer climates, but leaves are harvested at any stage of growth.  The foliage, preferably used fresh, do have a similar taste to the true tarragon, with an added hint of licorice or anise, but are sweeter and not peppery, and can be utilized even in deserts! Cheerful, single daisies, may appear on the plant where the season is sufficiently long. Preliminary studies indicate possible anti-bacterial qualities as well.

Oregano, True Greek   $3.00 
(Origanum heracleotum) There has been much dispute among horticulturists regarding which is the "true" culinary oregano, but we've cast our vote for this one.

Summer Savory  $3.00 New for 2012
Description pending...

Thyme, Common  $3.00 New for 2012
Description pending...

Zaatar $3.50
(Origanum syriaca) Unique Middle Eastern herb that is seldom available outside of specialty  stores in the larger cities.  Absolutely indispensible culinary herb for truly authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The plant is a distinctive blend of oregano, marjoram and thyme. This plant is one of several referred to collectively as "za'atar."  Plant grows to 3 feet and is covered with flower spikes which are used as well as the leaves for seasoning. Grows best in full sun, and prefers a dry, very well drained poor to moderately fertile soil.  A tender perennial in zones 8 - 10.  An annual or container plant in all other zones.  As described in the 2008 Summer Heirloom Gardener Magazine. A good choice for pot culture.