My last post here was a year ago...

But it's not like I've had a real garden since then. This year, I do. And I am planning on documenting what I do this year in a garden journal.

I am re-doing my parent's garden. They need help anyways, but this will really give me a chance to have some fun with their yard. D has already made me a new bed for all my vegetables.

My herb barrels

There will be two of them, on either side of the vegetables. The first one, on the left, is almost full. There are chives, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and cilatro growing so far. Of course, no herb barrel is complete without basil, but it's still a bit too cold to plant in the ground yet. Instead, my seedlings are gently growing in the covered planter.

Much more still to plant!

I will have so much fun figuring out where to put everything! The boxes will go under the workshop's windows, with the petunias inside. I'm hoping to put the rest of the phlox beside a pathway that we will construct between the house and the workshop. Some of the other flowers will go next to the new vegetable patch. The lillies will probably go in the front yard, under an oak tree. There is some forsythia and some other non-flowering bushes to replant. Lots of work still to do!

The cold weather vegetables

The peas and soybeans are now seeded in the new bed. However, I bought some ready plants at Lowe's last weekend and put them in Dad's old bed. Here are the spinach, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and garlic.

Another not so great picture, but here is the untouched azaela specimin. I want to let this one grow a little bit more before I decide on the shape. It also needs to be planted in a bonsai pot. 

Here is a picture of my juniperus procumbens. I know it's not the best picture, but is shows the general shape that the tree is taking. I'm going for the windswept look. The bottom-most branch will most likely be made into a jin. 

Gardener's supply

I just ordered from Gardeners supply. I ordered the deeproot seed starting kit, the 40 cell tray, germinating mix, and this cool new trowel. My package should get here in about a week, hopefully less since the company is in Vermont.

Next on the list, I have to order from seeds of change and burpee, but I am nowhere near ready to put those orders together. I also need to order some bonsai supply as well because the only nursery in town is very expensive and doesn't really have a great selection.

Bonsai shopping

I went to the nursery today and bought some bonsai supply. I think it's time I try my luck at bonsai since I've been interested in it for a long time and I love being artistic. I already did a complete butchering job on my juniperus procumbens, maybe I should have taken a before and after picture. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

New seed starting kit

I'm really excited about this new seed starting kit. Most of the ones available say they are reusable, but are made from a flimsy plastic that always seems to break, making it unusable from one season to the next. This one is more sturdy and can even be washed in the dishwasher.

Basil-- my favorite herb

English: basil
French: basilic
German: basilikum, basilienkraut
Indian: tulsi
Italian: basilico
Spanish: albahaca
Scientific: Ocimum basilicum L.

It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the "king of the herbs". Basil has several name derivations and beliefs associated with it. The common name basil may be derived from the Greek words basileus meaning "king." or basilikon meaning "royal." A Latin word, basiliscus, refers to "basilisk" a mythical fire-breathing dragon that was so repulsive it could kill with just a glance. According to Roman legend, basil is the antidote to the venom of the basilisk. The botanical name Ocimum is derived from the Greek meaning "to be fragrant". In the 1600's, the English used basil as a flavoring in their food and also as an insecticide. It was hung in doorways to ward off flies and other unwanted pests (evil spirits). Italians used basil as the sign of love. A pot of basil placed on the balcony meant that a woman was ready for her suitor to arrive. And, if he brought a sprig of basil, she would fall in love with him. It was also worn by a courting young man to signal to a woman that he had serious intentions. In India, Hindus believed that if a leaf of basil was buried with them, it would get them into heaven, thus the popularity of holy basil. Basil was also sacred to the Gods in India, Krishna, and Vishnu. In America, basil has been grown for over 200 years. It was air dried or preserved in layers of salt and kept in earthenware crocks.

Once plants are established, pinch out the top to encourage a bushier plant. Frequent harvesting of the outer leaves will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavor just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. You can delay flowering by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.

Basil prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Fertilize basil sparingly as this decreases the fragrant oils.

Basil has a warm, resinous, clove-like flavor and fragrance. The flowers and leaves are best used fresh and added only during the last few minutes of cooking. Basil works well in combination with tomatoes. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish. Use as a garnish for vegetables, chicken and egg dishes. Large lettuce-leaf basil can be stuffed as you would a grape leaf.

Basil doesn't keep well in the refrigerator. Instead, place the cut stems in water and keep them on the windowsill. Sprigs stored this way will remain fresh a week or more.

Medicinal Use

To relieve sore gums, swish out the mouth often with a tea made from eight basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. A basil leaf tucked into the mouth over an ulcer and kept there for as long as possible will ease the pain.

Being a member of the mint family, it is not surprising to see it recommended for digestive complaints. So instead of an after dinner mint, try sipping an after dinner cup of basil tea to aid digestion and dispel flatulence. Herbalists have recommended basil for years for stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Basil has been described as having a slight sedative action, which would explain why it is sometimes recommended for headaches and anxiety.

Other Uses

* Basil in the bath is refreshing.
* Leaves and flowers can be dried for potpourri.
* Burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes.
* A bunch of basil hung over the kitchen window or a pot of basil in the windowsill will deter flies.

Websites: http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/basil.htm
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1644.html
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/3-21-1997/basil.html

Bonsai

I found a really great bonsai site. I think this is one hobby I will start. Last night at Borders I bought a book on basic bonsai and a beginning orchid book. Someday, I would love to be sucessful at both kinds of plants.