Naturally, you would expect that fresh herbs are far preferable in creating culinary masterpieces. And, what could be fresher than herbs from your own garden. Here are some useful tips.
Spice Up Your Cooking With Fresh Culinary Herbs From The Garden
Nothing can make a difference in a meal like adding fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. You can get fresh herbs at your grocery store but they do not store for very long and they can be expensive. One alternative is to create your own culinary herb garden. Most herbs are easy to grow and maintain and can continue to provide for you throughout the course of the year.
You can begin growing your own culinary herb garden right in your own kitchen with some small pots and a few packages of seeds. If you would prefer to keep your plants outside you will have no problem creating a culinary herb garden there either
Plant Different Types Of Culinary Herbs In Your Garden
A culinary herbal garden that features multiple types of plants is fun to create. Sweet basil is onepopular herb plant that should certainly be in a culinary garden. It brings so much additional flavor to meals when added fresh and smells wonderful when it’s growing. Dried basil is generally unable to capture the true taste of basil. now you can have your own fresh basil to use if you like to make your own pesto.
Growing rosemary in your garden serves two purposes. Today it is predominantly used in a culinary fashion. Foods in the Mediterranean region are commonly seasoned with Rosemary. As an added bonus rosemary is a source of iron and calcium. Rosemary can also be used in a medicinal form as well.
If you enjoy Greek, French, or even Spanish cooking you might want to make sure you have some Thyme planted in your culinary herb garden. This herb is used to add flavor to a variety of meats and adds a little flavor kick to eggs. Thyme also has antiseptic qualities that have been used for centuries.
Sage makes another great addition to a culinary herb garden and has the added bonus of producing beautiful flowers. Sage is said to have numerous medicinal benefits as well.
Whatever you decide to plant, do not forget to have a little fun with your garden. With the different varieties of plants you have selected create a unique herb garden design. Organize them according to how they are used. Just make sure wherever your herb plants are located they are meeting the requirements they need to grow and have the appropriate amount of space. Otherwise your hard work will be wasted and you will be forced to start all over again.
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Nothing can make a difference in a meal like adding fresh herbs. With small pots and a few packages of seeds you can begin cultivating your own
culinary herb garden right in your own kitchen…
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September 22 2008 | Gardening | No Comments »
Japanese gardens are beautiful and creative. One of these lush retreats will consist of hardy plants that appear delicate, exotic flowers, and ornamental dcor and lighting.
The paper lantern is a common light of choice for a Japanese garden. This type of light creates a subtle glow that gives the garden a peaceful and romantic ambiance. These lanterns are constructed of woven wire and a particular type of parchment paper that is generally painted with an Asian theme. The most common lanterns are spherical in shape and white in color, but if you’re adamant and dedicated in your search, you can find a wide variety of shapes and colors.
Cuboid lanterns are also a popular choice. This style of light is typically a strand of miniature lanterns made of the same parchment as the larger variety and consists of a pallet of bright colors. Mini lanterns run on low-wattage, a nightlight bulb works nicely and is not too overpowering for the small shades.
“Guide lights” are another typical feature in the Japanese garden. Originally used as pathway lights for temples, they are now used to light the way for guests attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony; these ceremonies are generally held in the evening.
Guide lights are made from granite or a ‘granite-like’ material. These lanterns are typically rectangular in shape and are outfitted with a wooden window frame filled with acrylic panels to allow light to escape. They stand upright (much like a tiki-torch) and are supported by a sturdy but aesthetically pleasing dowel. These lights make an excellent addition to a garden pathway or a sidewalk.
Hanging lanterns will add subtle lighting to many areas in a Japanese garden and can provide additional imaginative and artistic flair to the already plush landscape.
Silk lanterns are another popular choice. While beautiful, they are extremely delicate, therefore it is imperative that these lanterns be used in an area that will allow them protection from the elements. Silk lanterns are a feminine choice and are generally very rich in color. They can be either ceiling mounted or attached to a standing pole. The light they give off is soft and romantic.
If you’re a fan of the Japanese garden, you can certainly add touches of ambiance to your current surroundings by incorporating the Japanese lantern or landscaping with boulders. Test your natural landscaping skills by throwing in some bamboo and Asian inspired colors to create the feel of the Japanese garden with little of the effort. You should be able to find many Asian inspired decorations, including the ever popular lantern and the landscape boulders, online or in specialty shops. eBay is always an excellent source for finding those unique but ‘hard to find’ touches that will add individual panache to your garden or patio.
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September 17 2008 | Gardening | No Comments »