Basil, a Flavorful Favorite
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herbaceous plant that is no stranger to the kitchens of most individuals. Native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia, it is an extremely flavoursome herb used in a wide range of cuisines. It has a number of varieties and other names including, Great Basil, Sweet Basil, Lemon […]
Aralia, Golden Foliage and Edible Shoots
Aralia (Aralia cordata) is a herbaceous and perennial plant native to many parts of Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea and China. It can grow to a maximum height of approximately 3 metres and can usually be found growing in the wild within mountainous, wooded areas with gentle slopes. During spring the leaves are usually golden […]
Anise, the Original Star of the Herb Garden
Anise (Pimpinella anisum), not to be confused with its popular Chinese cousin star anise, is a herbaceous annual plant with a particularly sweet, liquorice like flavour. Growing to a maximum height of about 3ft, it features a long stem with feathery leaves towards the top and small broad leaves at its base. When flowering from […]
Angelica (Wild Celery), Sweet but Hardy
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a biennial, and particularly hardy herbaceous plant. It can tolerate extreme frosts and is particularly pest resistant. Growing to a maximum height of approximately 8 ft, it consists of long fluted stems, and small broad leaflets with a slightly serrated edge. When flowering, in June to August, the flowers are small, […]
Aloe Vera and its Soothing Properties
Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera), the plant we all turn to after too much time spent in the sun. Aloe is a species of succulent, believed to originate from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula (including the countries Yemen, Qatar etc.). You can find it growing wild in tropical and arid climates around the world, including […]
Kudzu, an Invasive Weed with Hidden Virtues
Kudzu (Pueraria Montana), also known as Japanese arrowroot, is a perennial blossoming vine that is native to large areas of Southeast Asia. This plant was originally brought over to the US from Japan in the 1800s to be cultivated as livestock feed. Farmers were encouraged to plant fields of Kudzu before its invasive nature was […]