Even the words ‘lemon verbena’ make me happy. It would be my desert island herb just for the scent it leaves on my hands every day from mid spring into autumn, but it is so good in the kitchen too. If it is a stranger to you, the scent and flavour are like lemons but full of sherbet and zest. It is lemon balm for people who like themselves.
As someone who's just killed their lemon balm but has lemon verbena in abundance this is music to my ears. And finally a way to use up the bottle of vodka kicking about the cupboard that no one touches!
Thanks for the latest edition of HerbWatch, Mark. :o)
It's great to see the progress of the anise hyssop and its gorgeous flowers. Do you use the spikes once they have reached their full, floral potential?
Lemon verbena is indeed a magical thing - adding extra lemony oomph to all sorts of things.
I am a relative newcomer to lemon verbena tea but can wholeheartedly confirm that it is much tastier than toilet-cleaner, and certainly not a *mediaeval penance!
[*Our term for something that's supposed to be good for you but is really rather grim. Normally shortened to MP.]
I’ve got to meet a friend who is a fruit and veg grower/enthusiast like I’m becoming myself and have suggested we catch up at the secret herb garden in Edinburgh! It’s a treat! She’s never been and I cannot wait to see her expression when she takes in the vast herb collection out for sale. The car boot will be full again no doubt and even better the cafe under a massive pear tree has the best cake ! Lemon verbena it is then?
As you know, I'm with you on lemon verbena. However, disaster has struck and I've lost my taste and smell completely. (Covid, I'm looking at you). I am just hoping it comes back before autumn. Although, of course, I'll dry it and it dries really well.
During the winters in Luxembourg, bullfinches would descend WITHOUT FAIL on to the bare, woody stems of lemon balm as soon as it snowed, as in within hours. And there’d be at least six of them. Wondrous.
I'm going to make this, Mark. I have almost everything growing in our forest garden greenhouse (not the vodka(!) and as for sugar, our sugar cane is distinctly non sugary). I'll bring some on the next course we teach together .....
As someone who's just killed their lemon balm but has lemon verbena in abundance this is music to my ears. And finally a way to use up the bottle of vodka kicking about the cupboard that no one touches!
Thanks for the latest edition of HerbWatch, Mark. :o)
It's great to see the progress of the anise hyssop and its gorgeous flowers. Do you use the spikes once they have reached their full, floral potential?
Lemon verbena is indeed a magical thing - adding extra lemony oomph to all sorts of things.
I am a relative newcomer to lemon verbena tea but can wholeheartedly confirm that it is much tastier than toilet-cleaner, and certainly not a *mediaeval penance!
[*Our term for something that's supposed to be good for you but is really rather grim. Normally shortened to MP.]
I’ve got to meet a friend who is a fruit and veg grower/enthusiast like I’m becoming myself and have suggested we catch up at the secret herb garden in Edinburgh! It’s a treat! She’s never been and I cannot wait to see her expression when she takes in the vast herb collection out for sale. The car boot will be full again no doubt and even better the cafe under a massive pear tree has the best cake ! Lemon verbena it is then?
I lost mine one forgetful winter and you have reminded me to get another! Lemon Balm grows like a weed in our garden but alas can not hold a candle...
Volume much better, thanks!
As you know, I'm with you on lemon verbena. However, disaster has struck and I've lost my taste and smell completely. (Covid, I'm looking at you). I am just hoping it comes back before autumn. Although, of course, I'll dry it and it dries really well.
During the winters in Luxembourg, bullfinches would descend WITHOUT FAIL on to the bare, woody stems of lemon balm as soon as it snowed, as in within hours. And there’d be at least six of them. Wondrous.
I'm going to make this, Mark. I have almost everything growing in our forest garden greenhouse (not the vodka(!) and as for sugar, our sugar cane is distinctly non sugary). I'll bring some on the next course we teach together .....
I ADORE these perfect little plant vignettes.
limoncello as toilet cleaner. Never have I read a more apposite comparison