Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

M C K E N Z I E H E R B S
makes a lovely and aromatic border plant
for pathways and edging. Suitable for
herb gardens and low hedges. Both the
leaves and the flowers are very fragrant.
Dried flowers are favorites for potpourris.
Lavender can be brought indoors and
enjoyed over the winter as a house plant
in a sunny window, then in the garden
every spring. Repels moths, flies, and
mosquitoes. Use for home made soap,
perfume and pot pourri. A sachet or little
pillow of lavender can comfort a
youngster who has difficulty sleeping.
Flowers are edible. Native to the
Mediterranean, Start indoors. Infertile
soil seems to improve fragrance. Cut and
dry whole flower spikes when flowers
begin to open; do not use excessive or
prolonged heat when drying flowers or
seeds since oils are very volatile.
— LEMON BALM —
Perennial
botanical: Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm 101312
A bush plant with light green leaves
which when brushed or crushed releases
a remarkable lemony scent. Plant
outdoors in spring in full sun or partial
shade. Lemon Balm can be grown as an
annual. Hardy Zone 3. Prefers sunny
location and well drained porous soil of
moderate fertility and pH - 7. The flowers
of Lemon Balm are particularly attractive
to honey bees (its Latin name "Melissa"
means Bees) and so help in pollination of
your other garden crops. The plant is also
known to repel more pesky insects. A
fragrant addition to pot pourri.
Preparations from leaves are used to
treat feverish colds and headaches, to
relieve menstrual cramps, and to calm
nervous stomachs. Crushed leaves help
wounds and insect bites.' In the kitchen,
Lemon Balm is used with soups, meats,
fish, sauces and salads. It is also good for
tea and tea blends, fruit salads, and
jellies. Flowers are edible. Lemon Balm is
native to Southern Europe and North
Africa. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before
last frost or sow outdoors late fall for
germ. following spring. Easily grown
from seed but takes two or more years to
84
produce sizable plants. Produces more
intense flavor and aroma under infertile
growing conditions.
— MARJORAM —
Tender Perennial
botanical: Origanum majorana
Marjoram Sweet 101337
A bushy plant with small light green
leaves. Marjoram is a tender perennial
but is generally grown as an annual.
Plant indoors in early spring and
transplant to a location receiving full sun.
Does best in light, well drained alkaline
soil with pH 6.0-8.0. Needs moderately
fertile earth but excessive fertility may
reduce its aromatic qualities. Marjoram is
a tender perennial. (Hardy Zone 9). In
Canada it is usually grown as an Annual.
Attracts pollinating bees and deters
garden pests. Marjoram has ornamental
appeal, it is a beautiful little plant that
can be grown in pots, indoors, or can be
featured as an edging in the Herb
garden. It is very aromatic. Marjoram has
been used in cosmetics. Use in salads,
teas, and jellies. Sow outdoors in early
spring. Germination may be slow. During
early stages seedlings should be shaded
lightly. To provide succession, 1 or 2 later
sowings should be made. Cut stalks when
starting to flower; hang to dry.
For safe digging ...
Don't stoop or twist. Dig and lift with
your knees bent. Take the strain with
your legs rather than your back. When
emptying the shovel, turn to directly
face the dumping site.
A helpful hint from the
W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M