AHF Spring!

The first batch of seeds has sprouted!

With the assistance of my neighbor, Nathan, the brassicas have been planted and are up. Today the tomato seeds were planted as well as leeks, chard and greens including arugula. It is still cool outdoors but the greenhouse warms every time the sun shines. A perfect place to have the morning "MugUp".

The rosemary is blooming there. Soon the bay laurel will be moved from the house to the greenhouse. Later it will be moved outside in partial shade grown for use in sauces and as an herbal tea.

Spearmint . . .

A delicious, full-bodied tisane/tea
When you want a warm drink try spearmint. Harvest a large handful of the best spearmint. Put into a saucepan and cover with 2-3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Cover with a tight lid and let steep 20 minutes. Pour tea into a favorite cup and take a few minutes to relax.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a minty, slightly fruity scent, softer than peppermint. A rich antioxidant, traditionally spearmint oil has been used to help support the respiratory and nervous systems. Its fragrant influence may help open and release emotional blocks and bring a feeling of balance and a sense of well being.

Spearmint contains limonene which has been shown to be antiviral and in may stimulate the secretion of antibodies, neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones and enzymes.

An oil infused with spearmint can be used as a massage oil.

Angelica . . .

Angelica archangelica Family: Apiaceae


Angelica is a striking addition to the garden growing to 3.3 ft the first year and 8.25 ft the year when it blooms. The blossoms look like fireworks! It is considered a biennial/perennial. The first year it produces leaves, the second year blossoms. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Angelica, which is related to carrots, dill and fennel, contains chemicals which have been shown to be effective against various bacteria, fungal infections and viral infections according to Wikipedia. Chewing on angelica or drinking tea brewed from it may heighten the immune system. Parts used stems, seeds, and root.

Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. Angelica tea can be made by adding one cup of boiling water to one teaspoon of dried angelica root or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves. Steep for at least 10 minutes. The seeds can be used as a substitute for juniper berries.

Pregnant women should not use angelica. People consuming angelica should avoid excess sun exposure since angelica can increase the sensitivity of skin to sunlight.

The seed heads can be used in dried arrangements.

A limited number of seedlings available in pots @ $4. For pick up only. No shipping.

Sweet woodruff . . .

Galium odoratum, Family: Rubiaceae

A wonderful ground cover, Sweet Woodruff does very well in the shade under trees and shrubs but will tolerate a position in the full sun as long as the ground does not dry out.

The dried leaves can be used in a pot-pourri and as a moth repellent.

The leaves can also be used as an herbal tea with gentle sedative properties. As is all things, moderation is the advise of the day when using herbs. According to the blog The Herb Gardener sweet woodruff tastes like a mixture of cinnamon and chamomile. On Mother Earth News the suggestion is made to harvest the leaves during and directly after blooming. Chop up and dry immediately in a warm, shaded area.

References: HerbSociety

Available in 3" pots @ $3.00/pot

Plants are available for pick up in Gloucester.