Treasured for its unique and nutritious fruits, strawberry guava is a small shrubby tree that yields sweet, tart strawberry-flavoured fruits high in vitamin C that can be eaten fresh or in preserves.
Very robust and tall, with rigid stems; Lespedeza blooms late in the growing season, forming dense clusters of white and pink clover-like flowers that attract bees. (Round-headed bush clover) Lespedeza is native to central and eastern United States as...
Like its grey cousin, S. Rare species with green foliage reminiscent of rosemary in appearance. Likes to be pruned; perfect plant to shape into your own masterpiece! Aromatic sprigs are placed among clothing to repel moths.
Used in shampoos; believed to arrest hair loss and induce new growth. Oil squeezed from the nuts has proved so valuable it is called the new “liquid gold” of the West, and jojoba “prospectors” are banking on its future.
(Herb bennet) Once known as the , the blessed herb. In the Middle Ages the plant was thought to evoke the presence of Christ and offer protection against evil influence. It contains tannins that give it an astringent, anti-inflammatory effect.
Has overtones of pine, citrus, mint and anise, all wrapped up in a complex nexus of aromas and flavours. Unlike its distant cousin cilantro it does not bolt in hot weather, so it produces gorgeous fresh foliage all summer long.
They are also used externally in the form of poultices or ointments for the treatment of aches, pains, arthritis, and rheumatism, All parts of the plant are poisonous if used improperly, especially if ingested.
Note that much of what is sold as sacred or holy basil is actually spice basil, listed separately. (Sri tulsi; Rama tulsi) The true sacred basil grown in houses, gardens and near temples all over India.
Was once a potent symbol of romance for courting couples. (Johnny jump up) Old English favourite with charming small purple, lavender and yellow flowers. Flowers are edible. Used for dropsy, respiratory catarrh and skin eruptions.
Infusion of the leaves and flowers is used to relieve severe headaches. A woody climbing vine native to the eastern and central United States. Sometimes used to make ointments for sores, skin ulcers and itchy skin.
Used as a medicinal herb by Native Americans as a treatment for parasites and colds. Rudbeckia works well planted into a mid or rear garden bed filler. Tall stems bloom with radiant golden-yellow sunflowers and distinct black centers.
The Ewe name means "ghost eggplant", a potent reminder of the power of this herb, when misused, to turn people into zombie slaves. (Ghost eggplant; Norligbuitsa) The Ewe herbalists of West Africa say that if you want to use this herb to heal you must...
It was developed by crossing Canadian and American varieties to improve quality and disease resistance and to lower nicotine. (Flue-cured Tobacco; Bright Tobacco) A leading commercial variety in Ontario.
The flavour hints of anise but is never overbearing and it can liven up many dishes including salads. Like parsley, the fresh leaves are chopped and added at the last minute to traditional spring soups.
Beans will grow from 60cm/2ft-90cm/3ft long but pick them when they're tender (40cm/16in long). Needs plant support. (Yard long bean; Dow gauk) Stringless bean with a mildly sweet flavour.
Dwarf variety 75cm/30”. The famous dessert melon of the tropics. Both the fruits and leaves are high in papain, an enzyme that aids digestion and is used in meat tenderizer.
The fresh leaves add a delicious bitterness to salads, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta. (Wild arugula) A beautiful wild arugula with deeply lobed leaves and purple-red veins.
Aromatic leaves are used to season soups and stews, and like parsley they can be used as a garnish. Outstanding curled leaf variety from Holland that is both ornamental and delicious to use in the kitchen like parsley.
Prefers sandy or gravelly soil on a slope. Considered a ‘life medicine' by the Navajo people who have used it for menstrual pain, stomach ache, wounds, swellings and coughs. Brilliant red tubular flowers.
Heat: 50,000-100,000 Scoville units. They can be dried like peppercorns or used fresh in salsa. (Chiltepin; Bird pepper) Small pea-sized red pepper thought to be the ancestor of the cultivated peppers.
Good summer green performing best in hot weather. Succulent leaves are popular in France for salads, cooked greens or in soups. Tender green leaves. Much improved over its wild relative.
