***Marsh Mallow***
(Althaea Officinalis)
• Full Sun, Used as Tea, Culinary Uses, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Light and damp.
• Parts Used: Leaves, flower, and roots.
• Medicinal: infusion of leaves as gargle for sore throat, as a drink for bronchial and gastric issues. Grated root as a skin ointment.
Add March Mellow leaves to salads, or slice and cook the roots like potatoes. The roots were originally used to produce the consistency typically of the confection Marshmellow.
Marsh Mellow is easily identified by its large flowers and soft, velvety, lobed leaves.
This hardly herb thrives in moist places, such as salt marshes. It's peeled root was traditionally given to babies as a teething aid.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Sow seed shallowly outdoors in spring; divide clumps or take basel cuttings from foliage or roots in fall.
• Growth Habit: Perennial; height to 4 feet. [1.2m]
• Flowers: Late summer to early fall; pink or blue-eyed blooms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Harvest leaves just before flowering. Collect and dry flowers at their peak. Dig roots in the fall from plants that are at least two years old; scrub and boil or slice before drying.
***Dill***
(Anethum Graveolens)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Used as Tea, Culinary Uses, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Well-drained and rich.
• Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, and oils.
• Medicinal: nausea, excessive wind and hiccups, and colic.
• Culinary: potato, seafood, and eggs.
Dill makes an attractive background in garden beds. In American history, dill seed was given to children to induce sleep during long Sunday sermons.
The entire dill plant is aromatic, from it's flowers and seeds to its carrot-like taproot.
Move potted dill around the garden to lure beneficial insects and bugs.
Fresh leaves retain their flavor for a week if refrigeranted, and are a tasty addition to dressings and vinegar.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Sow seeds shallowing in spring. Water well. Prefers sunny spot.
• Growth Habit: Annual; height 2-3 feet. [60-90cm]
• Flowers: Summer; aromatic, and yellow flowers.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Clip fresh leaves as needed. Freeze whole or chopped; dry on nonmetallic screens. Collect flower heads before seeds mature and fall. Store seeds in an airtight container for up to a year.
