Table of Contents
Preface to the New Edition 9
Introduction 11
Part I
Chapter 1 Basic Growing Methods 19
Starring Herbs From Seed 20
Starting Herbs Indoors 24
Starring Herbs Outdoors 27
Soil, Site, and Planting 29
A Sample Harvest Bed 34
Growing in Containers 35
Care and Propagation 39
Growing Herbs Indoors 44
Chapter 2 Handling the Harvest 49
Traditional Method of Harvesting and Drying Herbs 50
Alternative Method of Harvesting and Drying Herbs 53
Other Alternatives: Microwave and Freezer 59
Chapter 3 Using Herbs in the Home 61
Aromatherapy 61
Bath Herbs 62
Butters 63
Candied Flowers 64
Cheese Herbs 64
Cooking with Herbs 65
Decoctions 65
Dried Flowers 65
Edible Flowers 66
Essential Oils 67
Fines Herbes 67
Fixatives 67
Infusions 68
Jellies 68
Medicinal Herbs 69
Oils 70
Potpourri 70
Sachets 72
Swags 74
Teas 74
Tussie-Mussies 74
Vinegars 77
Wreaths 78
Chapter 4 The Integrated Landscape 81
The Starting Point 82
An Island Bed 83
The Art of Naturalizing 86
A Harvest Bed 87
A Rose Bed 89
Gardening at the Edges 90
Herbs for Landscaping 91
Part II
Chapter 5 The Herbs in My Life: 74 Herb Portraits 95
Bibliography 277
Source Appendix 279
Index 281