Growing Herbs [antikvár]

IntroductionIntroductionHerb growing has a special appeal, being both practical and enjoyable. Although herbs are valued primarily for their culinary, healing, and cosmetic uses, they aba have the charm of wild flowers and evocative scents, which give the herb garden its uniquely restful atmosphere.Some of the earliest herb gardenswere planted 2,000 years ago in Egypt. They consisted of geometric beds, and were enclosed by walls to give protection against animals, and make the best use of shelter and water. Herbs were especially important in ritual; for example, chamomile was an ingredient of the embalming oil used to mummify pharaohs. Christian monasteries began in northern Egypt in ad 305. Monastic rule dictated that they grew culinary and medicinal herbs and aromatics for incense, as well as vegetables, fruit, and dye plants. The 9th-century plan for St. Gall in SwitzerlandA WALLED TOWN GARDENHerb gardens in medieval times followed monastic designs, with small, rectangular beds enclosed by walls or fences.shows an enclosed garden and rectangular beds, designed along Egyptian lines. It was copied throughout Europe. The list of "herbs both beautiful and health-giving" included savory, rose, sage, fennel, tansy, peppermint, rosemary, parsley, dill, and poppies. All are described in this book. Herb growing today is more flexible in design and purpose, from entire herb gardens to containers. Whatever the scale, it is satisfying to create a pleasing effect. To help you choose suitable plants, this book describes 60 different herbs and more than 55 variations, all of which are easy to grow, even by beginners.