There are many herbal preparations that claim to keep mosquitoes away but how effective are they? The gold standard of mosquito repellants is DEET, a chemical many people want to avoid. There are some plants that do have mosquito repellant properties and in this article we will discuss them. By Kim Willis |
Chamomile has been used as a remedy for calming the nerves and the stomach, and easing sleep, since herbal remedies were recorded. Chamomile is one of those herbs that even beginners can grow and it is hardy through much of the United States. Chamomile is also used in a variety of beauty products currently on the market from shampoo to skin cream. By Kim Willis |
Lemon Balm is another herb that anyone can grow in the garden. With its lovely lemony flavor it complements many dishes. It has many medicinal uses and is currently being studied for use in suppressing tumors, and in HIV, Herpes, and Alzheimer's treatment. Lemon Balm is so easy to grow that many people consider it invasive. By Kim Willis |
Chives is a hardy perennial with round pink or purple flowers at the tips of tube-like long green stems. They grow in clumps 10 to 12" tall. Chives have a mild onion flavor. |
Tarragon is tall and deep green, growing 2 to 3 feet tall with an anise-peppery flavor. |
Common thyme is a semi-hardy, low-growing perennial. Its leaves are gray with blooms. Numerous varieties include lemon, dwarf and creeping. |
Guide to growing thyme. This year, take the time to add thyme to your garden; you may add time to your life. By Kim Willis |
Guide to Growing Stevia Plants. If you are interested in growing herbs or are a diabetic, you may want to grow a little Stevia rebaudiana commonly known as the Sweet Plant, Sweet Leaf or just stevia. By Kim Willis |
Guide to growing lemon verbena. This lovely plant is a symbol of romantic, gracious, southern living, a sweet scent wafting on the humid air of coastal plantations. By Kim Willis |
Guide to growing echinacea plants as well as facts and uses. By Kim Willis |
