You know the old adage: Do one thing and do it well? Well, that's not me when it comes to gardening (or much else for that matter). I like to dabble. The gardens that suit me best are the messy ones--the cottage garden after a train wreck ones that have so many layers and aspects to them, with each glance you can discover something new and interesting. Since I have a fair amount of distractions, I like plants that require little upkeep and have several uses. So that was my plan when making my first order with Richters. They're pretty far away, but they had everything I was looking for and I'd heard good things about their quality. I've searched the local scene the past couple of years for either borage or comfrey, and had no luck, so Richters it was.
And here are the who's and what's of it all:
Borage: edible (for me and my hens), medicinal, ecological (compost tea) to boost levels of potassium, which is essential for blooms and fruit production. That means it will be a good friend for the tomatoes I love to grow.
Bay laurel: edible since it's the kind we cook with, insect control indoors. Hopefully, I'll keep it alive and have enough to share!
Cumin: edible, attractive to beneficial insects that will (hopefully) eradicate the ummm... non beneficial insects.
Comfrey: ecological (compost tea and mulch) to boost nitrogen, which encourages root and leaf growth; medicinal (soothes irritated skin, aids healing bruises); edible--high protein levels are good for the hens.
Arnica is a less practical purchase, but is a favorite medicinal for topical applications. It reduces bruises, skin inflammation, irritation, and even joint pain. Attractive to beneficial insects.
Some other versatile additions include Drumstick Alliums (help keep aphids at bay), Ranunculus (bring in some pretty pollinators and pretty up the inside of the house, too!), a green calla lily (all from eBay), 2 gorgeous Camellias from Camellia Forest here in NC, and 2 Sourwood Trees for the bees from Gardens of the Blue Ridge (but the tiny little image is from Honeybees by the Sea).
It's going to be quite an experience getting everything settled in, remembering the uses and nurturing them so they'll, in turn, nurture the earth and me. Yep, I'm ready to dig once and reap twice.
Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish
thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu,
you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.
