Medicinal Uses for Tarragon

Tarragon is easy to grow in the garden and has a number of medical uses. The methyl chavicol (estragole) in tarragon doesn't agree with everyone, though, and you shouldn't use tarragon oil or tarragon aromatherapy if you're pregnant. Tarragon used in cooking or in a relaxing tea can promote a sense of wellbeing and help treat:
Stress
Anxiety
Hiccups
Gas
Shock
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Tarragon

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How to Grow Tarragon

Tarragon is one of a core group of go-to herbs that never lets me down. It has a unique flavor that's subtle but distinctive. With a faint hint of licorice -- less than fennel but more than basil -- it's refreshing without being overpowering. It keeps the same old fish, chicken and egg dishes from becoming too repetitive. It adds flavor notes to mustard, buttermilk, mayo and vinegar, so it can

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Poison Control for Dogs in the Garden

I live in a dog friendly neighborhood. When one of our canine neighbors goes outdoors, I can hear him woofing softly for everyone else to come out and play. Without fail, at least one other mutt will rise to the challenge and con his owner into letting him out where both dogs will commence to barking like crazy. If there are other dogs in their respective yards, it'll become a barkfest of epic

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Herbs That Help You Sleep

Don't underestimate the value of a good night's sleep. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has just released a pretty alarming article that suggests that over a third of adults get less sleep than they should. Lack of sleep makes people . . . well, stupid. It affects cognitive skills and physical response times. If you don't want to go through life groggy, slow witted and stumble-footed, there

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Tomato Garden Tips and Tricks - Take it From the Tomato

A tomato isn't an herb, but I've used more than my fair share of these red juicy globes to flavor and beautify everything from soups to appetizers. If you have an herb garden, chances are that there is going to be a tomato garden on your property this summer too. I won't repeat any basic planting instructions here because you can find them on almost any gardening site. I will offer a few quick

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Virtual Tour of Jefferson's Monticello

One catalog I forgot to include in my last post is for Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. They sell seeds online and have an interesting site you should take a few minutes to explore: The Jefferson Monticello

I visited Monticello a few years ago. It was overcast and drizzling, but the grounds were still beautiful. The house itself is a must see (especially the conservatory) if you're ever near

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Here Come the Spring Seed Catalogs

Spring is making a comeback. There may still be some snowy days with flurries and a precipitous dip in the overnight temperatures. There may be a few setbacks to more welcoming outdoor weather -- but I can smell the change. You know, that fresh, light  smell with a hint of sunshine in it that says winter is on the way out. Last weekend I was outside checking to see if the catnip made it through

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