HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I have just been brainstorming to come up with an idea for my centerpiece for my dinner table on Thanksgiving. I have decided to make and herb basket with appropriate herbs that I can use for the meal as well as a decoration. I've decided that the "usual suspects" should be included as well as some additions that are appropriate for the season. Parsley, sage, thyme and rosemary are good choices.

I'm going to add some small gourds and Fall leaves and tie it with a ribbon. If you have some really pretty leaves from your yard use them. If not, use some silk leaves from your local craft store. I think it will make a very pretty centerpiece and something a little unique.

I've also given some thought to plate decorations and if you are visiting someone else's home, a gift for the hostess. I've decided to tie a small bunch of herbs around the napkin . You can use a narrow ribbon or for something even more in keeping with the theme a small length of raffia, also available from the craft store. Another idea that can become a gift is to make or buy small bags that you can use to fill with your favorite herb mix and a recipe for a dip that uses those herbs.

As for a gift for a hostess, my favorite idea is to bring a bottle of herb-flavored oil, especially if she loves to cook. Flavored oils in attractive jars or bottles make wonderful hostess gifts that can be used long after the holiday. Maybe you have some unique bottles around your house or thay can be purchased at any local gourmet food or craft store.

Place fresh herbs inside the jar or bottle and use a funnel to add the oil of your choice. Cap the bottle and place in the refrigerator for a few weeks to let the flavors blend. When ready to give them away, remove the herbs and replace with new fresh ones to keep the bottle looking pretty. You can use a single herb or combine herbs to make your favorite blend. Decorate the container with ribbon, rope or raffia. If you have a favorite recipe calling for this oil or blend of herbs put it on a small index card, punch a hole in one corner and attach it to the bottle neck. Your host will be so pleased an. Something homemade is always a nice surprise. You can make up several bottles and use them as gifts not only at Thanksgiving, but through the whole holiday season. To make a larger gift you can put 2 or 3 bottles in a basket and decorate for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Because these have to sit for a while to develop the flavors, it is best to start now.

I have some great ideas for herbal decorations for the holidays that I will post tomorrow, so please stop back

Christmas Herb BasketS

We are now coming into the holiday season. For many centuries, there have been certain herbs that are associated with Christmas. Christmas Herb Baskets make wonderful gifts for family, friends and neighbors.

You make the standard herb basket, but use a special group of herbs. The recipient will love it. Below is a list of plants that you will need.

Rosemary—For remembrance, of course, and long associated with Mary.

Thyme—A manger herb signifying the courage and strength of Christ.

Rue—The herb of grace. In Sweden it is associated with St. Lucy and used to make crowns for celebrations of her December 13 saint's day.

Santolina—The herb of fair linen symbolizing swaddling cloth.

Lavender—The symbol of purity, lavender is said to have received its lovely scent when it served as the drying rack for the Baby Jesus' swaddling clothes.

Pennyroyal—One of the manger herbs. In addition to its pleasant aroma, it repels insects.

It is advisable to mark each herb with a small garden marker toidentify them. A popsicle stick can be painted in Christmas colors and painted with the plant name. Tie a big red bow on the handle and you're all set. I guarantee that it will be a one-of-a-kind gift.

In the next few days, i will post a list of herbs that can be gifted for Hanukkah.

Her Baskets - What Types?

Below I have listed many different types of herb baskets that you may want to consider. You may want to make up several to satisfy all you needs. You will find most of the common herbs at your local nursery and many others, not locally available can be found online from specialty nurseries.

Basic Kitchen Herb Basket

Parsley
Thyme
Oregano
Sweet basil
Sage
'Tricolor' sage
Basil 'Red Rubin

Italian Kitchen Herbs

Basil
Garlic Chives
Oregano
Plain Leaf Parsley
Rosemary
Sage

Wedding Herb Basket

Sweet Marjoram ( joy and happiness)
Rosemary ( remembrance and fidelity )
Sage ( long life)
Basil ( love and good wishes)
Mint ( warmth and feeling)
Thyme ( strength and courage)

Remember to keep your herbs trimmed to promote growth and to prevent plants getting leggy and "out of control". Next post I will give you directions for drying so that you can keep them for future use.

There are many combinations of herbs. In future posts I'll give you more combinations that are unique and you may find more baskets that you would like to have. I'll give you a list for a very nice Herbal Tea Basket. There is nothing quite like making your own tea combinations. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to answer them.

Herb Baskets

If you are new to growing herbs or if you live in an apartment or condo and don't have room for a garden, this post is for you. The Herb Basket is the easiest and most useful herb use that I have come across. You only need a few items to get started and the rewards are great.

You will need the following:

1. A good sturdy container. It can be a twig, bamboo or grapevine basket. I prefer a container with a handle for ease in moving around. I chose a grapevine basket and found it very convenient to carry it from the patio to the kitchen when cooking. The basket should measure a minimum of 9 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 6 inches deep.

2. You will need enough rich, well draining potting soil to fill you basket. You may add a handful of verniculite to improve the drainage.

3. You will need a small piece of 3 mil black plastic to line the basket. Cut to size and allow enough to come up the sides also. Punch small holes in the plastic to allow water to drain. I have found that a pair of scissorsd does a good job.

4. A good selection of herbs from your nursery. You will probably find that you will want to make more than one basket. I did. Each basket can be tailored to a specific purpose. If you are a cook that loves fresh herbs, you can fashion a basket to your tastes. If you love to cook Italian, pick your herbs to reflect that particular taste.... parsley, oregano, and basil. Add herbs that you particularily like. In the next post, I will give you ideas for specific herb baskets.

That's it!

To assemble your basket line it with your plastic. Fill the basket half full with potting soil. Remove your herb plants from their pots and carefully loosen the root ball. Place the herbs 3-4 inches apart. Cover with more potting soil. Water lightly and put your basket outdoors where it gets sun at least 4 hours a day. If you live in a very hot climate place your basket where it will get less sun each day.

Water frequently, taking care not to water too much. To counteract the leaching effects of the watering, feed once weekly with fish emulsion that you can purchase at any nursery. If you live in a colder climate, where you can't leave your basket outdoors all year, you can grow them inside in a sunny window. Again, make sure that your basket gets at least 4 hours of sun a day. If you don't have a good sunny window, you can harvest you herbs and dry them for use through the winter. Make sure that you use your herbs. Clip them at least 2-3 times a week. This keeps the plants growing and prevents them from getting leggy and out of control. The only thing left to do is enjoy.

A good idea is to make the basket a centerpiece for your table during meals. People can enjoy clipping and eating their own fresh herbs. This is a great idea for seniors who do not have the space or the mobility to have a full garden. They also make wonderful gifts for housewarmings and kitchen showers. There are also many herbs that are tied to weddings through folklore and make wonderful bridal shower gifts. Make sure that you include a small card with information about what herbs are in your basket and maybe a recipe or information about how to care for the basket. I have seen some darling small plant markers that can also be inserted into the basket and they are really cute.

Please check back for a listing of palnts for specific uses and some great recipies for cooking with herbs.

WELCOME

I have had a interest in herbs and oils for many years. I have read hundreds of articles and books and have decided to share this info with others who may have like interests.I plan to write articles on growing, preserving, cooking with and decorating with herbs. We are in a time frame when preservation of our world and "going green" are a big topic of conversation. Hopefully, you will find something here that will allow you to do your part to care for our environment.

About 20 years ago, I lived in California and happened to become interested in growing and using herbs in my everyday life. I will be sharing with you many things that I have learned. I look forward to you visiting me often.