My weeknight date...the herb garden!

Ready for Spring!? Why not forgo the 5:00 vodka martini..and make a date
with mother nature. After a long day at the office, it's amazing how much
you can accomplish in a few hours of digging, planting, mulching and
weeding. My efforts improved both my state of mind and my herb garden! Pedro
the parrot loves to garden too- so on my shoulder he sits...The perennials
are looking healthy, and the prevailing mint and chives have not
disappointed me - once again, they are invading every crevice of the stone
wall. It's already time for the first blossoming of the garlic and onion
chives, so I cut a huge cluster and put them in a square vase filled with
fresh water- a few simple decorations for the outdoor dining tables.
I like to plant what I'll cook with-or use! Lots of basil, rosemary,
parsley (curly and flat), dill and cilantro.

Try making an herb bouquet with assorted herbs when you can't possibly make another batch of pesto. I have a perennial tarragon bush that is HUGE..many types of thyme (lemon is my favorite)- a curry plant- some sorrel that likes to spread here and there-a horseradish root that loves the soil..along with several healthy sage plants, some marjoram and oregano.

The lemon balm is prolific, and for a refreshing summer bath, I throw it in my bath water.. Ahh.... the smell makes me smile. Just tie a handful of fresh leaves in a clean washcloth, toss it in the tub and draw your bath. The hot water brings out the essential oils and the scent of the lemon balm, and you will be on our way
to a fresh start to the morning- good night's sleep.