Dooryard Herbs

This has to be one of the most charming herb books available today. It combines the useful information about plants with ancient lore. The author advises which foods are best enhanced with various herbs and you will also find recipes for teas, breads and jellies.The first section of the book covers the months of the year. Information is given on how to plan, plant and harvest your garden. Each corresponding month is full of suggestions for the use of herbs. For instance, Linda's Moth Mixture is advisable for protecting your woolens and the reader can also learn how to make a potpourri, wreath or herb pillow.The second section of the book is a compendium of favorite herbs and gives wonderfully explained descriptions of over 35 herbs. You'll learn the history of the plants, the soil requirements, and rhymes and bits of poetry that are centuries old.The writing style of Linda Ours Rago is really the secret ingredient of DOORYARD HERBS. You almost feel as if you are sitting in her garden while she is telling you about all of the different plants. In speaking of thyme she says, "In fact the fairies are said to lay their sleeping babies in the tiny cradle shaped thyme blossoms." Her reference to marigolds is also quite lovely, "Enjoy the noble marigolds, and give them an open corner of the garden where they can worship the sun in their time honored way."This is the one herb book that I consult all year long!