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The Garden Awakens

Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett

Complete Container Herb Gardening - a book review


Complete Container Herb Gardening: Design and Grow Beautiful, Bountiful Herb-Filled Pots by Sue Goetz. Cool Springs Press (December 22, 2020)

I find it pretty amazing that an entire book could be written on the topic of container herb gardening. I would struggle to come up with two pages but author Sue Goetz has produced a 192 page book that covers every aspect on the topic. Beginning gardeners will find everything they need to know here and even experienced ones will surely pick up some new pointers in the process. I know I did.


Each chapter covers individual aspects and include:

  • Choosing the right kind of pots - there are terra cotta, concrete, metal, plastic, wood, vintage and repurposed. The various pros and cons of each are covered.
  • Location - Light needs and microclimates are essential factors to consider and then there are topics on placement (balcony, rooftops, entries, patios, decks, living walls, and growing herbs indoors.
  • Container garden design might be not a topic of consideration by the author opens your eyes to the possibilities of choosing containers for color and style, composing pots for pleasing arrangements and grouping plants for color, form and texture. 
  • Descriptions of the major herbs as well as varieties used for exotic flavorings.
  • An entire chapter on herbal beverages that covers herbs for garnishes, simple syrups, and teas.
  • Herbs used for healing properties and aromatherapy. Lemony herbs are profiled individually.
  • Herbs for household uses and beauty treatments like foot soaks and cleansers.
  • Pollinators (plants to attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies).
  • Cultivation (choosing plants, soil types, watering, maintenance, harvesting).
  • Propagation techniques.

The book is nicely illustrated with hundreds of photos.


 

 

I was provided with a review copy from the publisher.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy


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