I think I might dub 2011 as The Summer of Garden Herbs. We have so many growing this year and I have so much to learn about them. Some are very familiar to me, the sites, smells, and feel of them, like chamomile and lavender, for instance. Others like Jerusalem Artichoke or Angelica are totally new.
Each time I visit a nursery, I go straight to the section on herbs. It seems that they all have the basics--sage, thyme, basil, etc... but there might be one or two obscure ones that I happen upon. This is how I came upon our new Angelica plant. I had heard of it before, but had no idea why I might want it in my garden. I did notice that it likes some shade and I had that to offer so we were in business.
Angelica is a biennial. If the plant is left to flower, it will die in its second year. I am hoping that mine will drop seeds and then reseed itself. We will see. It likes moist soil and "speckled" shade and is native to northeastern North America (another great reason for me to plant it).
For medicinal purposes, the roots, leaves, and seeds (I believe) are used to lower fevers, quell coughs, and soothe colicky babies. The stalks of the plants are candied and sold as sweets.
Hmmm... I think I will save that last bit of information from my little ones!
Have you had any experience with Angelica? Please share!
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