Give rosemary a try.
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“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”
— Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Ophelia
When we moved almost 2 years ago, to a new home with no landscaping, we had our work cut out for us. It seems like the first year all we did on the weekends was plant, transplant, change our minds and re-transplant. A few winners stood up to our fickleness and are really thriving. Rosemary is one of them.
Rosemary is pretty easy to grow. It tolerates drought, likes good drainage, a sunny spot and neutral soil. Rosemary offers many varieties, and while some varieties are susceptible to frost, others might work in your area. Of course with any plantings be sure to check zone requirements.
Did you know that rosemary is extremely high in iron, calcium and Vitamin B6? It’s a great choice to have on hand to add to many recipes or homemade spa products. And it’s not just for the herb garden. We’ve used it in many areas of our landscaping. We planted a prostrate variety around our patio and it’s growing like a weed, plus it smells great when lounging close by – and it’s so darn purdy!
Here are a few random tidbits about rosemary you may have not known…
Did you know that rosemary has long been known for improving memory? I didn’t (or maybe I did know it but forgot). A study in recent years tested this theory by pumping the rosemary fragrance into cubicles where people were working. They showed improved memory as well as a real hankerin’ for roasted lamb. Lately I can’t get from one room to the next without forgetting what I was getting ready to do. Maybe I should put some rosemary around the house?
Along with its reputation for improving memory rosemary has long been a symbol for remembrance, friendship, loyalty and fidelity. It’s long been used in weddings, funerals and other ceremonies in Europe and Australia for what it represents. Come to think of it, it would make a lovely addition to a bouquet.
There’s plenty of good reading and other information on medicinal use, recipes and other historical facts about this old cultivar. Be sure to check it out the next time you’re at your local garden store.
Loved all the information on rosemary! I’m ready to plant it all around the house… any thing to come up with a better memory these days. I’ve always loved the way it smells and now I love the symbolism of it. It’s my new favorite herb!
When you purchase rosemary it’s normally in a very little pot. About 3 years ago, I planted some in a 3″ container along with some other herbs and it took over. I should have researched the plant first. We kept trimming it and it kept growing. We tried to transplant it but it died. I never thought about using it as a landscaping plant but I think I’ll try that. It definitely smells yummy.
I meant 3′ (foot) container and not 3 inches.
Amy, I have a very large Rosemary bush.
Cooked with it one evening and Bud came home raising my roof…
What the hell is that smell…it’s all over the house!!!Needless to say, he didn’t like the aroma…and didn’t eat dinner that evening.
I love Rosemary and will continue to grow it and use it in my landscaping.
Like your hats!!!
Oh, we have had as many as 13 deer in our yard. They never eat Rosemary so that’s good.
see ya
Brenda
I have two LARGE rosemary bushes behind our house. I didn’t know they got so big. They also tolerate the cold we have here. The snow we had this year kind of broke a few branches but otherwise it does well. I love the smell it gives off.
I’ve grown rosemary for a few years. It smells great and I use it in cooking. To keep the smell in your house, just weave sprigs into a small grapevine wreath. You can hang them, lay them on a table, or put a nice bow on it and you have a housewarming gift!
Jake eats rosemary. Wonderful fresh breath, especially for a dog.
I love to plant rosemary beside the garden path,so that it releases its aroma when we brush by it!
Getting lots of visits from tastykitchen? bet you are! Love your website. It’s beautiful, compelling. Graphically speaking AND content! I, too, did a recent post on rosemary. It’s my favorite.
Stopped by from Tastykitchen. Lovely site. Your antique rocking chair was intriguing. Lucky you for finding it! I have two antique his and her chairs that have been refurbished with the same fabric as yours. It was the closest to the original we could find. No idea of their origins but have photos of my aunt and grandmother taken with the chairs nearly one hundred years ago. Very special. Your white chicken chili looks scrumptious and am already mentally ticking off what I need to go get to have some of that for this weekend! Thanks!