The word ‘dill‘ comes from the ancient Norse word dylla which means to soothe’, and bunches of dill were hung over the door to protect the home and ward off evil. Indigenous to Southern Europe, Western and Central Asia, dill has become naturalised in the Mediterranean areas and in the Americas, and is a familiar crop across the world. Revered, respected and much loved, dill seeds were found in Egyptian tombs 5 000 years ago, in burial sites in Rome, Britain and Ancient Greece, and are even mentioned in the Bible in Matthew as a tax payment. A soothing syrup was made of dill by the monks during the Middle Ages to ease colic, indigestion, coughs and colds, ‘flu, headaches, spasms and as a diuretic. Modern day research proves all these properties and dill remains a popular crop throughout the world. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Caprifoliaceae
2. Species: Sambucus nigra
3. Origin: Eurasia
4. Plant: shrub or tree
5. Height: 4 m; plant 6-10 m apart
6. Soil: deep, well-composted soil Exposure full sun
7. Propagation: cuttings
8. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

Since the early Egyptians discovered that the flowers improved complexions and soothed skin ailments, the elder has been cultivated for its myriad medicinal properties. Called ‘medicine chest tree‘ in Europe, the elder had been introduced to most parts of the civilised world by the 17th century. These ancient medicines are still used today in rural areas all over the world, and elder trees are still found in cottage gardens everywhere because, it was believed, they kept witches away!

Note that the variegated, or golden elders, are not the correct medicinal plants. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Asphodelaceae
2. Species: Bulbine frutescens
3. Origin: South Africa
4. Plant: perennial
5. Height: 15 cm; plant 60-80 cm apart
6. Soil: any soil, but does well in rich, well-composted soil
7. Exposure: full sun
8. Propagation: pieces of plant break off easily

9) Uses: medicinal

The name bulbinella has confusingly been commonly used (often incorrectly) to name many of this large group of plants. There are several varieties of Bulbine frutescens. Some have long, thick, dark green leaves while others have pale, squat leaves that grow in a neat compact plant, but the most common one, found in so many South African gardens as a popular rockery plant, is the yellow- flowered, juicy-leaved bulbinella much loved for its soothing jelly-like juice that can be so conveniently applied with a mere squeeze of the leaf. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Lauraceae
2. Species Laurus nobilis
3. Origin: Mediterranean region and southern Europe Plant tree
4. Height: up to 10-12 m
5. Soil: rich, well-dug soil
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Propagation: layering, cuttings if you are patient
8. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

This ancient and revered tree has been used in medicine and in folklore — it is supposed to be a magical tree — since the beginning of time. It was sacred to the Greek god of prophecy, poetry and healing, Apollo, and his temple had a roof made of bay leaves ostensibly to protect against disease and witchcraft and the forces of nature! Perhaps this is why through the centuries a bay tree was planted as protection near the home. In the 17th century the famous herbalist Culpeper believed that ‘neither lightning nor the devil will hurt a man who has a bay tree near him’. A wreath of bay leaves was the mark of praise and esteem and excellence bestowed on athletes, poets and achievers across the world. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Borag i naceae
2. Species: Symphytum officinale
3. Origin: Eurasia
4. Plant: perennial
5. Height: up to 75 cm; space 1-1,5 m apart Soil any soil
6. Exposure: full sun to partial shade
7. Propagation: seed
8. Uses: medicinal, cosmetic

An ancient miracle plant, comfrey has a long history. It was brought to Britain by the Crusaders and was taken to America in the 17th century. Thought to be a panacea for many ills, the monks treated the sick and the lame with comfrey with astonishing results. Stories of its healing, bone-building qualities (it is also known as ‘knit-bone’) abound. When my black labrador was hit by a truck and his pelvis and back legs crushed, I gave him a daily small dose of comfrey tea even while he was in the veterinary hospital and he was able to walk in three months. This is just one of the many comfrey miracles I have witnessed over the years! The more I use comfrey, the more I am amazed at its remarkable virtues. Lists of components in its leaves, roots and even flowers are astonishing in their diversity. Vitamin content from A to C, B12, E and D, minerals such as the important potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, its remarkably high protein content and its breaking-down abilities in the soil as a compost maker are daily being confirmed and augmented. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Bible leaf • Alecost
2. Family: Compositae
3. Species: Tanacetum balsamita
4. Origin: Eurasia
5. Plant: perennial
6. Height: 10-40 cm; space 50-60 cm apart
7. Soil: well-dug, richly composted soil
8. Exposure: full sun
9. Propagation: division
10. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

In the Middle Ages, costmary, with its beautifully scented leaves, was used to flavour, clarify and purify ale, hence the name alecost. It was also used as a bookmark in the Bible to keep the pages free of moths and fishmoths and to scent them with a minty camphory refreshing fragrance that helped to keep the congregation awake and free of hunger pangs during long sermons! It was used by the monks in various medicines and also applied to bee stings (many churches kept bees for their honey which the monks used for medicine and to make mead, conserves, wines and jams). Bees feeding on costmary had a delicious honey that was much prized, so most cloister gardens had a large planting of costmary. Costmary was added to the laundry rinsing water, and boiled with lavender to make a fragrant ironing splash to get out all those creases. The fresh fragrance left on sheets, pillowcases and petticoats is nostalgically unforgettable. Read the rest of this entry »

A bright and cheerful winter annual that no garden should be without, calendula is a wonderful healing plant. Early records of this herb go back to the Middle Ages when it seems to have been used in religious ceremonies. At that time, when many worshippers claimed that the Virgin Mary was adorned with the golden flowers, monks changed the name of calendula to ‘Mary Golden’ in her honour. So the common English name ‘marigold’ was born — and this, unfortunately, is where confusion has arisen ever since, especially in South Africa, where our ‘marigolds’ are in fact the strongly scented Tagetes erecta or African marigold, which does not have the same properties as Calendula species. Do not confuse them!

A. CULTIVATION Full sun and a well-dug bed, rich in compost, will ensure prolific flowering throughout winter and spring. Read the rest of this entry »

An ancient herb used by medieval monks and healers, the fragrant clove-scented carnation — or gillyflower, as it was then known — was much prized as a cosmetic and medicinal herb. Through the centuries it has been treasured in cottage gardens across the world, and can still be found in magnificent variation in some of the old gardens today. The carnation varies in colour from white to the palest pink, deep cerise to red, yellow to salmon and everything in between.

In France one of the most beautiful soaps is still made today using carnation petals (and smelling like a dream) in an ancient recipe that has never lost its popularity. Our grandmothers used carnation water to soften, refine and soothe rough skin. Hybridised carnations today remain one of the world’s favourite cut flowers. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Solanaceae
2. Species: Capsicum frutescens
3. Origin: India
4. Plant: short-lived perennial
5. Height: 50 cm; space 50 cm apart
6. Soil: rich well-composted, well-dug soil Exposure full sun
7. Propagation: seed
8. Uses: culinary, medicinal, insecticide

The cayenne or chilli pepper is one of nature’s most remarkable medicines — a stimulant, antibiotic and antibacterial food, used with respect from the 16th century. Science has discovered that all the ‘hot’ foods contain mucokinetic agents, which are reputed to loosen mucus in the lungs thus assisting the respiratory system. Capsaicin, contained in the biting flesh, stimulates the release of endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers — to produce a sense of wellbeing. And that is why chillies, the hotter the better, are one of the world’s favourite foods! Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Onagraceae
2. Species: Oenothera biennis
3. Origin: North America
4. Plant: biennial
5. Height: 1 m; space 50 cm apart
6. Soil :well-dug, well-composted soil
7. Exposure: full sun
8. Propagation: seed
9. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

Native Americans have used evening primrose since the 15th century, both as a food and a medicine Evening primrose is tough, drought resistant and one of the easiest of plants to grow. In our climate, the flowers remain open for most of the day with masses of new long pointed buds opening every evening. Evening primrose oil is rich in essential fatty acids and has astringent properties and skin-softening gamma-linolenic acid — a precursor of prostaglandin E — making it an ideal skin treatment. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Purple cone flower
2. Family: Corn positae
3. Species: Echinacea purpurescens Origir North America
4. Plant: perennial
5. Height: up to 60 cm; space 40 cm apart
6. Soil: richly composted, well-dug soil
7. Exposure: full sun
8. Propagation: seed
9. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

The world has recently sat up and taken notice of the ancient folklore of the Native Americans who used this beautiful prairie plant to treat everything from colds and influenza to suppurating sores, earache; bladder infections and contagious diseases. Echinacea boosts the immune system so decisively that it is currently being used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and other diseases affecting the auto- immune system. One of its compounds, echinisen, is an anti-viral agent and another compound, echinacoside, has antibiotic properties, which gives the plant its unique healing abilities. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Myrtaceae
2. Species: Eucalyptus globulus Origin Australia
3.  Plant: tree
4. Height: 12-18 m; space 10-15 m apart
5. Soil: any soil
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Propagation: seeds, cuttings
8. Uses: medicinal, cosmetic

Originating in Australia, eucalyptus has found its way into most countries around the world in tropical and subtropical areasn But, because of its huge thirst, careful plant management is necessary to prevent ecological problems. Smaller more manageable varieties are now being developed which can be kept pruned to head height and which will not absorb too much water and the suburban gardener can easily keep them in miniature form. Eucalyptus was first introduced to the Western world in the 19th century because of its insect repelling properties and, as a child, my father, on trips through the country, would point out homesteads surrounded by eucalyptus trees, part of a government project decades before to help to preserve stored grain or the wooden floors of the farm houses, as no ant would cross the eucalyptus barrier. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Com positae
2. Species: Centurea cyanus
3. Origin: temperate regions
4. Plant: winter annual
5. Height: 80 cm; space 50 cm apart Soil well-dug, well-composted soil Exposure full sun
6. Propagation: seeds
7. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

The folklore that surrounds the cornflower is fascinating. Painters in medieval times used the brilliant blue crushed petals to mix into oils for painting on murals and parchment, and the monks used the petals crushed and in a type of vinegar mixture with egg whites to give the royal blue colour in their calligraphied parchments and scrolls of prayersn Read the rest of this entry »

An ancient and much revered food, brought to Europe from Asia by the Crusaders, buckwheat has always been one of the world’s most important grains. The monks found it to be an excellent medicinal plant and there are records that go back into the 14th century of its versatility in treating many ailments.

I have a continuous supply of the attractive heart- shaped leaves and sprays of tiny white succulent flowers almost all year through. Sow the seeds all year round and watch the butterflies and the bees all around it. At its full flowering stage dig it back into the soil, first slashing it, and let it break down and lie fallow for 2 months. Then, your vibrant, rebuilt soil will be ready for replanting. The importance of the green manure crop cannot be stressed enough as its high mineral content immediately breaks down the soil and returns vital nutrients to the soil. Read the rest of this entry »

The prolific ‘black seed‘ of Nigella sativa has been used as both food and medicine for over 5 000 years. The earliest reference to ‘black cumin’ is found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, and it was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Dioscorides recommended taking black seed to treat headaches, nasal catarrh, toothache, chills, scanty menstruation and intestinal worms. Many Eastern and Indian cultures take a few ‘seeds of blessing’ daily to boost energy, fight off toxins, maintain and restore body heat and help recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness. This easily grown annual must not be confused with its altogether prettier cousin, Nigella damascena, commonly grown as the spring annual ‘Love-in-amist’. Its seeds do not have the medicinal value of Nigella sativa, which has smaller blue flowers and is unobtrusive, with the same feathery delicate foliage. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Danya
2. Family: Umbelliferae
3. Species: Coriandrum sativum
4. Origin: Eurasia and the Middle East Plant quick annual
5. Height: up to 60 cm; space 30-50 cm apart Soil rich, light
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Propagation: seed
8. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

Cultivated for over 3 000 years, coriander seeds have been found in shrines and tombs in ancient Egypt, going back to the 21st Egyptian Dynasty (1085-940 BBC) and the ancient Romans, who combined coriander with vinegar and crushed cumin seeds, used it as a preservative over meat, fowl and fish. The herb reached China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC to AD 9), when it was used as a medicine to treat spreading sores, burns, boils and every other affliction from blindness to lameness.

A. CULTIVATION Needs full sun and a wide furrow of well- dug, well-composted soil that is kept moist while it germinates and grows. Space seeds 30 cm apart and keep moist and shaded by covering with leaves while the seed germinates. Water twice weekly thereafter. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Compositae
2. Species: Taraxacum officinale
3. Origin: Europe and the British Isles, now a worldwide weed
4. Plant: perennial
5. Height: up to 30 cm; space 30 cm apart Soil literally any soil
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Propagation: seeds
8. Uses: medicinal, culinary

One of the world’s most common weeds, yet one of the most astonishing healing plants, with an array of health benefits that will take your breath away! It has been used and recorded in ancient pharmacopoeias and herbals in 7th century China and by the 15th century it was well used and listed all over Europe. The name ‘dandelion‘ was invented apparently by a 15th century surgeon who compared the sharp pointed leaves to the teeth of the lion — dents de lion — and amazingly it has the ability with its high mineral content to build strong enamel on the teeth and strengthen the bonesn All parts of the plant are effective and safe for use. The root is mildly laxative, a superb liver tonic and an excellent anti-rheumatic. Rich in vitamin A, B, C and D, carotenoids and minerals, especially potassium and calcium, this is one of the very best detoxifying herbs.

A. CULTIVATION Many people fear that if they once plant a dandelion in their gardens they’ll never be able to weed the lawn, but it thrives in a pot and you can nip off the head as the seeds appear. It thrives on neglect, but if nurtured and watered and planted in compost-rich soil, it will grow to 30 cm in height and width.

B. PROPAGATION Self-seeds prolifically. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Family: Papaveraceae
2. Species: Escholzia californica
3. Origin: North-west America
4. Plant: winter annual
5. Height: up to 40 cm; space 30 cm apart Soil sandy, well-aerated soil
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Propagation: seed
8. Uses: culinary, medicinal, cosmetic

Once, long ago, the hillsides of California were covered in poppies so abundant that the Spaniards called it The Land of Fire and The Golden West. Used for many centuries by Native Americans as a painkiller, particularly for toothache, and as a sedative for young and old, new research is finding this easily grown annual is becoming one of the most important medicinal plants for the 21st century as a natural painkiller and antispasmodic.

A. CULTIVATION Unfussy as to soil type but it prefers sandy, well-aerated soil. Water twice weekly.

B. PROPAGATION Sow the seed in autumn where it is to grow. Transplanting can be done only when the seedlings are very tiny. Plant seedlings 30 cm apart in full sun. Read the rest of this entry »

Indigenous to North America and introduced to gardens all over the world, bergamot has long been cultivated for its bright flowers, ranging from deep magenta to cerise pink, and deep scarlet to pale pink, as well as its arresting fragrance and taste similar to that of the Italian bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The Oswego Native Americans used bergamot — Oswego tea — as a cure-all for centuries for treating colds, coughs, bronchitis, sinus, nausea, indigestion, colic and even kidney ailments, insomnia and backache.

CULTIVATION An easy-to-grow perennial, bergamot needs full sun and rich compost-filled soil. It forms a cushion of vigorous stems that flower from midsummer until late autumn. The plant dies back in autumn and needs to be tidied up. It takes frost and heat equally well but, in some humid areas, has a tendency to form mildew on the leaves. New varieties are mildew free and well worth growing.

PROPAGATION Each clump needs to be divided in July, every second or third year. Replant the little tufts 30 cm apart in full sun, in a different part of the garden in well-composted soil.

HARVESTING AND PROCESSING Harvest the flowers and leaves all through summer.

COMPANION PLANTING Plant with beans, beetroot, carrots, peppers, tomatoes. Read the rest of this entry »

According to the history books, borage is said to have given ancient travellers ‘courage, joy, and gladness! It comforts the heart to make merry and to give strength and fortitude’. The Crusaders took it with them on their journeys — along with yarrow to stop bleeding and to heal wounds. For these intrepid travellers who had to face famine, bandits and plagues, a ’stirrup cup‘ — a type of fortifying wine made of borage — was literally their equivalent of Dutch courage. Undoubtedly they would also have taken the dried herb in leather pouches for the journey. Borage flowers are used in the popular Pimms alcoholic drink.

A. CULTIVATION Borage does best in well-composted soil in full sun — my best specimens grow on the compost heap! It grows up to 60 cm in width — so allow plenty of space.

B. PROPAGATION Borage grows quickly and easily from seed. It is self-seeding and regenerate rapidly from one plant.

C. HARVESTING AND PROCESSING Leaves and flowers can be picked continuously, and are only used fresh.

D. COMPANION PLANTING Bees are attracted to borage flowers. I always have a few rows planted in the vegetable garden amongst the tomatoes, lettuce, chives and strawberries. Read the rest of this entry »