Nice email from Grace, a first year herb gardener, subscriber to Herbal Lore and Legend series
Dear Bob and Liza the Great J,
Wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed getting the newsletter, it has been very informative. We were unable to get to HerbFest this year, as it is a bit of a hike for us (we’re in Burlington), and we didn’t find out about it until it was here! I do appreciate the info, and I know I should spend more time browsing the website.
Last year was the first year we really started doing herb gardening, and we have enjoyed it. This year has been interesting since we have already had to do a lot of “death and destruction” on some things that got out of control. Last year I cut my sage bush back to about a foot high (and dried 2 quarts of it!), and it’s already 4 feet high and growing. I planted some Roman chamomile last summer and thought it had died. Well, I’ve already had to dig up half, twice and none of my friends want anymore!
Our big excitement last year was some jellies that we made from herbs. We made a mint jelly from chocolate mint and also some jelly from lemon balm. We entered them in the NC State Fair and won blue ribbons! The lemon balm is behaving itself this year, but the chocolate mint has spread all over the box it’s in, and will have to be disciplined come fall! New this year is French tarragon and anise. So many things came back from last year that we are overwhelmed: oregano, marjoram, and fennel are HUGE already, even after the winter that we had!
We have a funny little “farm” out here in Green Level (just northeast of Burlington). Besides herbs, we grow vegetables and are starting some little fruit things. For insect control we have a flock of 12 guineas, who also double as continuous entertainment and provide eggs when they’re in the mood. We have about an acre and a half, but most of it is just lawn (for now). Give us time we’ve only been here a few years!
We do have an incubator full of guinea eggs that should start hatching next weekend or so. If you know anyone who wants any, have them contact us:
Spence & Grace 336-567-0026 or by email at mom_witham5@yahoo.com. If they call, have them leave a message if no one answers. We are very bad about answering the phone as we’re usually outside whenever possible!
Thanks for the email and all the information!
Grace
Note: Grace is new subscriber to herbal lore and legend free eherb tips.
